Pulitzer Center Update

Countries in Crisis: Halting the Slide Toward Failure, 5/3/-5/6

For decades, the balance of power between strong nations was the dominant issue in international security. But today it is fragile nations that are seen by many as posing a potentially greater threat. Weak infrastructure, internal conflict, and lack of economic development provide fertile ground for trafficking, piracy, terrorism, nuclear proliferation, disease pandemics, regional tensions, and even genocide.

As a result, there is a growing movement in the international community to find comprehensive ways to promote stronger nations and more effective ways to deal with those that are already on the brink of failure.

Award-winning journalists Kira Kay and Jason Maloney, co-founders of the Bureau for International Reporting, recently explored the successes and failures of international interventions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, East Timor, Bosnia, and Haiti. In collaboration with the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting, their series of reports aired on PBS NewsHour in 2009. Jon Sawyer, the Pulitzer Center's founding director, will offer introductory remarks about its continuing print and broadcast coverage of fragile states from around the world which is showcased on the Pulitzer Center Gateway Fragile States.

Monday, May 3

6:00 p.m.

World Affairs Council of Northern California

312 Sutter Street, Suite 200 San Francisco, CA

For more information or to register, please click here.

Wednesday, May 5

7:00 p.m.

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Golda Meir Library Conference Center

2311 E. Hartford Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53201

For more information or to RSVP, please visit the UWM Institute of World Affairs Web site.

Thursday, May 6

7:00 p.m.

Northwestern University

Hardin Hall

Rebecca Crown Center, Lower Level

633 Clark Street Evanston, IL 60201

For more information contact: Jennifer Smyser 563-264-1500 [email protected]