SPS wrapped up its whirlwind introduction to international relations theory on Tuesday with a final presentation by Dr. Shurmer. Yesterday’s class had included an in-depth look at Samuel Huntington’s Clash of Civilizations theory, looking at how world conflict can be seen, fundamentally, as resulting from clashes among nine major global civilizations. After considering this academic cultural model, today’s talk focused on Thomas Friedman’s work, especially his focus on economics as the driving force in an increasingly connected world, as well as on Friedman’s critics. After covering everything from Friedman’s “Golden Arches” theory to modern references to de Tocqueville’s idea of American exceptionalism, Dr. Shurmer concluded by encouraging the SPS Class of 2013 to consciously develop their own world view by learning other languages, traveling and studying in other places, and by reading news, history and philosophy from different parts of the world.
Our late morning speaker, General Allison Hickey (U.S.A.F., Ret.), the Under Secretary for Benefits at the Veterans Administration, expanded upon some of the themes Dr. Shurmer had touched upon, as she similarly encouraged our future public servants to take conscious steps to prepare themselves to compete and excel and, perhaps, ultimately serve. General Hickey shared her own personal mission statement with SPS 2013, and encouraged SPS 2013 to draft their own mission statements. General Hickey then conducted a Q & A session with our students, addressing everything from her experience as a member of the inaugural class of women to graduate from the U.S. Air Force Academy to how veterans are perceived in our society.
Above photo: Under Secretary for Benefits General Allison Hickey
