DIRECTOR
Professor William Harris
Head of Department Department of Politics University of Otago
The Arab uprisings of 2010-2012 have changed the Middle East, but what exactly is the change? What is the future for Arab pluralism amid Islamism and persistent autocracy? What of the sidelined trouble spots (Iraq, Lebanon, Israeli/Palestinian affairs) and the spectating Arab oil states?
What does it all mean for Israel, Turkey, and Iran? How does it engage the wider world?
Since its inception in 1966, the University of Otago Foreign Policy School has developed into one of the premiere events in New Zealand's international calendar. Originally started as a workshop on foreign affairs issues, the School soon attracted the attention of New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade which recognised its value as a weekend retreat for officials. Representatives from other government bodies such as the Prime Minister's office and the Ministry of Defence, as well as academics, journalists, diplomats, members of the private sector and NGOs, and interested members of the public also participate regularly.
The venue is St Margaret’s College, 333 Leith St, Dunedin, University of Otago campus. The School begins Friday evening at 5:30 pm with a cocktail function and opening by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. M McCully and finishes Sunday at 5:00pm
The 47th Foreign Policy School in 2012 promises to be highly stimulating, with the theme:
The Middle East Unfolding:
Dreams and Drama in the Early Twenty-First Century?
Sponsors
The organisers gratefully acknowledge the assistance of the following organisations and agencies:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Wellington Australian High Commission, Wellington
Israeli Embassy, Wellington
L’Université de Montréal, Canada
University of Otago, Dunedin