America in the Eyes of an Islamic Fundamentalist
By John Calvert
Sayyid Qutb (1906-1966), the prominent ideologue of Islamic fundamentalism, studied in the United States from 1948 to 1950. This presentation traces Qutb's journey across America, focusing on his six-month stay at Greeley's Colorado State College of Education (now the University of Northern Colorado). Letters and articles that Qtub wrote are examined as sources for his observations on American society, allowing audiences to enter the worldview of Islamic fundamentalism and understand how others view Americans. Slides and materials, collected by Calvert in Cairo and Greeley, are featured.

Change and Revolution in the Modern Middle East
By John Calvert
After World War II, a rise of nationalism and self-determination swept through the Middle East. The aspirations of the Arab revolutionary leaders and the riches of oil seemed to offer a new future. Today, Arab nations are the victims of civil war, stagnant economies and authoritarian rulers. Why have these outcomes occurred instead of the progress envisioned decades ago? This presentation provides answers to these questions with reference to Arab independence and the rise of revolutionary regimes in the 1950s and 1960s, the rise of Islamic fundamentalism and the causes and consequences of the Gulf War.

Confronting Genocide:  What Can We Learn from the Past?
By Moshe Gershovich
The concept of “Genocide” was framed after the end of World War II as a direct consequence of the Nazi Holocaust and other mass atrocities of the time.  Nearly seven decades later, the pledge that “Never Again” should such horrific events occur seems hollow as new cases of genocide continue to occur.  In the face of mass murder in places like Bosnia, Rwanda, and Darfur, how should we as Midwestern Americans react?  What can we do?  Is it possible to devise an “early warning system” that may preempt and prevent future genocide?  How will such an endeavor affect our foreign policy?

Contemporary Africa
By James S. Wunsch
It has been some 40 years since most of Africa achieved its independence. While hopes were high at independence time, many African states have experienced economic decline and political instability. The presenter, who has lived, taught, done research and traveled in much of Africa since the early 1970s, explores the reasons for these problems, what the African states are doing to improve their prospects and what the United States can do to help.

Contemporary Politics and Society in the Czech and Slovak Republics
By Bruce Garver
Garver addresses developments in the Czech and Slovak republics since the breakup of Czechoslovakia Jan. 1, 1993. He begins by examining the "Velvet Revolution" of November 1989 and the dismantling of Communist rule in Czechoslovakia before examining continued efforts by Czechs and Slovaks to rebuild political democracy and a market economy and to rejoin the European community of nations. He discusses efforts by Czechs and Slovaks to maintain good relations with one another while implementing improvements in the political, economic and cultural life of their countries. The presentation concludes with an assessment of the current problems and prospects of the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic.  

Ethnicity, Fratricide and National Integration: Rwanda in Historical Perspective
By Learthen Dorsey
This presentation takes the position that what happened in Rwanda in the 1990s was not genocide, but fratricide and civil war. Rwandans killed their neighbors over competition for available resources. These events must be viewed from the country's past and for its prognosis for the future.

Genocide as an International Crime
By Michael J. Kelly
This program investigates genocide as defined by international law. In addition, this presentation looks at the history of how the world has reacted to the crime.

Israel and Palestine:  Making Sense of a Never Ending Conflict
By Moshe Gershovich
No other international conflict in modern history has gained as much attention as the dispute over Israel/Palestine.  This conflict lies at the heart of the broader crisis in the Middle East, a region of utmost importance to the USA and the world.  This presentation will offer key concepts and interpretive insights to make sense of the headlines and contextualize media sound bites.  It will consider the nature of the special ties between Israel and the USA and explore possible ideas to restore peace and coexistence in the Holy Land.

Land of the Extreme West:  Deciphering Morocco
By Moshe Gershovich
The North African Kingdom of Morocco was the first to recognize the young American republic shortly after its declaration of independence.  The two countries have been close allies since then, yet most American no very little of Morocco.  Moroccan history goes back over a millennium and the dynasty that currently rules Morocco dates back to the mid 17^th century, yet the country has regained its independence less than six decades ago.  This presentation will introduce key aspects of the rich history and culture of Morocco and explore its current challenges and place in the world.

Nelson Mandela and the End of Apartheid

By John Simmons

An informal discussion about how Nelson Mandela was the right man at the right time; maybe the only man who could have brought down apartheid relatively peacefully.  Simmons incorporates the role of other players including Winnie Mandela and F.W. de Klerk.

Perspectives on Globalization
By Robert Lind

From the end of World War 11 until the collapse of the Soviet Union, we lived in an era identified with the term "Cold War." A number of historians and observers are now suggesting that the time period we presently live in can be best described as the "Era of Globalization." Increased interaction on a global scale in a technological, economical, cultural, political, and cultural sense will affect our lives in Omaha, Lincoln, Kearney, Broken Bow, Minden, and on the family farm. With the use of slides, Lind will draw upon insights and information, acquired from experience gained through extensive travel and a good deal of study on the subject of the emergence of a global culture.

Resurrection of the Pre-Emptive Strike Doctrine in International Law
By Michael J. Kelly
This program looks at the United States current broad interpretation of the Pre-Emptive Strike Doctrine.  The program also investigates how the doctrine has been interpreted and challenged in the past and how the U.N. responded.

Third World Poverty, America and Development
By James S. Wunsch
Since the avalanche of new nations during the 1950s and '60s, a shared goal for the United States and the Third World has been "development." Much time, treasure and labor have been poured into this task, yet the results are ambiguous. Some experts even argue that the Third World has gotten poorer for all this effort. In what ways have we and Third World governments understood and tried to combat their peoples' deep poverty? Why is America involved in these issues? This presentation focuses on various strategies, the results and the most promising approaches.

U.N. Security Council Reform
By Michael J. Kelly
After Iraq II, the United Nations Security Council has many obstacles to overcome. The five permanent members--Britain, France, Russia, China and the United States--reflect the power structure of 1945, not that of the early 21st century. This program investigates the changes needed by the U.N. Security Council and what may be its future.

Which Way South Africa?
By Learthen Dorsey
This presentation examines the historical roots of South Africa's past in order to speculate on its future.