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The second annual Fletcher Doctoral Conference - “Critical Perspectives: Contemporary Issues in International Relation.”- will take place October 17, 2008 at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University.
The Fletcher doctoral community is uniquely situated to develop innovative approaches that bridge the theory-practice divide. The conference will provide a forum for Fletcher Faculty, current PhD Candidates, and PhD alums to discuss current policy challenges, exchange cutting-edge research, and strengthen the Fletcher PhD network.
The highlight of our conference will be a keynote address "Restoring US Credibility and International Political Leadership" presented by Fletcher PhD alumnus Dr. David A. Deese at 9am on Friday, October 17, 2008. Professor David A. Deese researches and teaches the politics and institutions of international economic relations in the Department of Political Science at Boston College. He is the author of many publications, including a leading book on the domestic politics of foreign policy in the United States, The New Politics of American Foreign Policy. His most recent work is a comprehensive assessment of leadership and the global trade regime from its founding, World Trade Politics: Power, Principles, and Leadership. Professor Deese edits the eleven volume series, The Library of International Relations for Ashgate Publishing. This series includes volumes by Fletcher School Professor Joel Trachtman, Professor B. J. Cohen (formerly of the Fletcher School), and Fletcher PhD Ethan Kapstein. Professor Deese co-edited the book Energy and Security with Joseph S. Nye, and is currently writing and speaking on the politics of oil exports from Saudi Arabia and the future of US-Saudi relations. He has served as an expert adviser to US federal agencies and departments, foreign governments, public international organizations, and major international energy firms.
Following Professor Deese’s keynote address, alumni and PhD Candidates, along with faculty and distinguished guests, will present work from their areas of expertise to a small and uniquely qualified audience. These sessions will address key research questions confronting the scholarly and policy communities and discuss strategies for tackling them.
This conference is made possible with the generous support of The Center for International Environment and Resource Policy (CIERP), The Institute for Human Security, The International Security Studies Program, The Program on Southwest Asia and Islamic Civilization (SWAIC), and the PhD Conference Fund.