Looking for global solutions

Globalization topic of summer conference in Washington, D.C.

By Jayne Spencer

When the Center for the Study of Global Change opened nine years ago on the Indiana University Bloomington campus, it began immediately to focus the intellectual resources of the university in the search for workable solutions to transnational problems. And as a catalyst, the center has become a critical force in the university community and beyond.

The effects of fundamental societal transformation, the impact of power on social and political life, problems of differentials in the access to resources, sustainable development, and the growing influence of nationalism and movements of cultural identity have been the hallmarks of study and research. Interdisciplinary groups meet throughout the academic year to discuss such issues as environmental equity and American internationalism.

A 1996 conference, "Water: A Trigger for Conflict/A Reason for Cooperation" brought to campus scientists and policymakers from throughout the world.

This summer, the center goes to Washington, D.C., as sponsor of an international conference on "Coping with Globalization" July 31-Aug. 1.

Telecommunications, the environment, business strategy, monetary and fiscal policy, regulation, sovereignty and national security will be among topics, as will the effects of globalization on particular countries or regions, including Western Europe and the European Union, China, Japan, Korea, South Africa, Australia, India, Latin America, Russia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East.