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German diplomat to discuss U.S. war
October 05, 2007
The Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Rolf Schuette, will visit campus Thursday, Oct. 11 to discuss the conflict in Germany over the War on Terror.
A reception in Schuette’s honor will take place from 4 to 5 p.m. in room 133 of the University Center. Following the reception, Schuette will participate in a roundtable discussion in Hong International Hall’s main lounge at 7 p.m.
While the United States and Germany have an established political relationship, that goodwill doesn’t necessarily mirror the public’s attitude, explained Kirsten Christensen, assistant professor of German. She’s asked Schuette to comment on the German public’s reaction to the United States and the war.
“There’s a tension between the public’s opinion and the policy,” she said.
German public opinion is generally opposed to both the Iraq War and the so-called War on Terror. The roundtable discussion will explore the tension between public opinion in the country and recent cases of the German government’s involvement in the arrests and alleged torture of terrorism suspects.
“It’s going to talk about what effect our War on Terror is having around the world,” Christensen said. “That’s what’s really of interest.”
The discussion will also consider the impact of Germany’s experiences with domestic terrorism on both current policy and public opinion. Panelists will focus on two recent arrests of alleged terrorists, at least one of which included U.S. involvement, and provide historical context by discussing the notorious Baader-Meinhof group, which carried out numerous bombings and assassinations in the 1970s and whose actions led to changes in Germany's Basic Law.
The intimate setting of the event provides students with an excellent opportunity to meet and learn from a powerful diplomat, Christensen said.
Schuette’s visit to campus actually transpired through a happy coincidence: Schuette was already planning to be in Seattle for other events, and his friend and PLU alum Carl Swenson suggested the university invite him to speak.
“It’s the kind of thing he could have easily said no to because it’s potentially an awkward thing,” Christensen said. “He’s in the position where he has to be the front man for his country. He’s not shying away from it.”
Other panelists include Christensen, visiting assistant German professor Kamaal Haque, German House resident assistant Bristol Whalen and David Tinsley, distinguished professor of German at the University of Puget Sound.
Each panelist will speak on the topic for several minutes, with Schuette offering the final comments. The floor will then be open for audience members to ask questions, Christensen said.
Schuette is based at the German consulate in San Francisco, which works to establish, maintain and develop ties between Germany and the residents of Northern California, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Hawaii, Montana, Alaska and Wyoming. The main areas of concern for the consulate include economic and trade relations, and scientific and cultural exchange.
For more information, contact Christensen at ext. 7577 or kmc@plu.edu.
University Communications staff writer Megan Haley compiled this report. Comments, questions, ideas? Please contact her at ext. 8691 or at haleymk@plu.edu
While the United States and Germany have an established political relationship, that goodwill doesn’t necessarily mirror the public’s attitude, explained Kirsten Christensen, assistant professor of German. She’s asked Schuette to comment on the German public’s reaction to the United States and the war.
“There’s a tension between the public’s opinion and the policy,” she said.
German public opinion is generally opposed to both the Iraq War and the so-called War on Terror. The roundtable discussion will explore the tension between public opinion in the country and recent cases of the German government’s involvement in the arrests and alleged torture of terrorism suspects.
“It’s going to talk about what effect our War on Terror is having around the world,” Christensen said. “That’s what’s really of interest.”
The discussion will also consider the impact of Germany’s experiences with domestic terrorism on both current policy and public opinion. Panelists will focus on two recent arrests of alleged terrorists, at least one of which included U.S. involvement, and provide historical context by discussing the notorious Baader-Meinhof group, which carried out numerous bombings and assassinations in the 1970s and whose actions led to changes in Germany's Basic Law.
The intimate setting of the event provides students with an excellent opportunity to meet and learn from a powerful diplomat, Christensen said.
Schuette’s visit to campus actually transpired through a happy coincidence: Schuette was already planning to be in Seattle for other events, and his friend and PLU alum Carl Swenson suggested the university invite him to speak.
“It’s the kind of thing he could have easily said no to because it’s potentially an awkward thing,” Christensen said. “He’s in the position where he has to be the front man for his country. He’s not shying away from it.”
Other panelists include Christensen, visiting assistant German professor Kamaal Haque, German House resident assistant Bristol Whalen and David Tinsley, distinguished professor of German at the University of Puget Sound.
Each panelist will speak on the topic for several minutes, with Schuette offering the final comments. The floor will then be open for audience members to ask questions, Christensen said.
Schuette is based at the German consulate in San Francisco, which works to establish, maintain and develop ties between Germany and the residents of Northern California, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Hawaii, Montana, Alaska and Wyoming. The main areas of concern for the consulate include economic and trade relations, and scientific and cultural exchange.
For more information, contact Christensen at ext. 7577 or kmc@plu.edu.
University Communications staff writer Megan Haley compiled this report. Comments, questions, ideas? Please contact her at ext. 8691 or at haleymk@plu.edu