Skip to main content

Dr. Arend's The Future of the International System and more








Earlier this year I had a wonderful opportunity to hear from the renowned and award-winning Professor Dr. Anthony Arend. He came out to Poly in order to touch on a few of the ideas and materials both taught in his classes at Georgetown, as well as in one of the books he has published. In his condensed lecture about the Future of the International System, Dr. Arend provided insight and knowledge that opened up many of the attendee's minds for what the future might bring. The most interesting part about his lecture, however, was that while it was supported by evidence it was all theoretical. Dr. Arend proposed it as an idea, an option, something that wasn't set but very possible, which gave the students room to come up with subsequent theories of their own. For example, he drew parallels with the potential future being somewhat similar to the medieval period, or the probable uprise of NGOs. This lecture was different from a lot of the GIP events I have attended, maybe it was because unlike some lectures this wasn't something heavy the drastically affected a specific group nor was it an immediate call to action. That's not to say that either of those are negative in any light I believe they are both beneficial and necessary to create a more informed populous that can empathize with others and see multiple sides to an issue. However, this lecture was different in the sense that it was interactive, speculative, and is something that will affect everyone no matter who you are, what your culture is or where you live. While the lecture was great Dr. Arend himself is undoubtedly what made that lecture as interesting as it was. After having a brief conversation with him and fortunately getting a chance to connect while in the D.C. area it is clear what values Dr. Arend holds as a person. He's enthusiastic about knowledge, passionate about teaching, genuine with his words, and offers his talents and resources to help who he can. Overall I am very grateful to have met Dr. Arend and having had a chance to learn from him as well.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

America and its Global Standing

November 11, 2018 was the 100th year anniversary to the end of WWI, also known as Armistice Day. During this day an array of Global Leaders, Citizens, and Presidents gathered to honor those who had fallen during this war, as well as celebrate its end. The leaders stood shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand, and walked together in order to show a sense of unity between these nations. Yet, our President was nowhere to be seen. He along with the President of Russia both missed this show of unity. Something which is concerning especially with the President's recent comments about nationalism. This leads to the meetings second agenda which was to remind the Nations of the importance of working together to prevent such a devastating tragedy from re-occurring. The President of France specifically addressed this by making remarks, some of which were directed at President Trump's comments regarding his favoritism towards Nationalism. Nationalism is too often seen ...
1 comment
Read more

A Continuation in Language and Hence a Continuation in GIP

Over the past few weeks, I had been wrestling with a potential decision to discontinue my studies in Chinese at least, for the time being, Allowing me to focus and devote more time to my other classes as well as college apps. However, while completing a summer assignment in which I was required to travel to a restaurant I found myself in the midst of a place that clearly had much Chinese and Taiwanese influence. Whether it was the signs, people, or language all of it was not like anything I was used to. Yet, at the same time, it was something I could begin to become familiar with. I started being able to read some of the signs as I passed by, or pick up snippets of conversation.  Now granted I am nowhere near fluent in Mandarin, as became quite clear when I had thought I had ordered dry beef noodles but was served a beef and noodle soup; however, I knew enough to keep up. As I began to speak with mispronounced tones, and long pauses, I still gained a sense of respect by those ...
1 comment
Read more

A Night Filled With Revalation

As I have had the opportunity this summer to meet new people from a variety of backgrounds I have recently been reminded of the time I spent with the students who visited from Bejing. Despite political views from the left and right, and the perceptions each carry about an array of nations and those that reside in them, it is important to remember that people are people. A relatively recent experience with some exchange students from China has taught me this. While unfortunately, I was unable to host myself one of my friends, Brennan, was. One Thursday night he texted both me, as well as my friend Yale asking if we were able to hang out with them the following night. After school that Friday we all met up and I was introduced to Leo and Daniel-the two students who were staying with Brennan. This was something I had been looking forward to the entire day. Having a chance to meet and converse with someone from a seemingly "completely different nation" was something...
1 comment
Read more