Dr. Robert Sterken Leads Discussion about the State of the World’s Oceans

by Serena Butcher

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What are the consequences of changing climates on oceanic factors like biodiversity, sea levels, and extreme weather challenges to oceans and nations?

TYLER — What strategic considerations should guide the United States' foreign policies about the world's oceans? How do oceans figure into our economic and conservation policies, international relationships, and national security agenda? How should we protect our interests in the Arctic? What are the consequences of changing climates on oceanic factors like biodiversity, sea levels, and extreme weather challenges to oceans and nations?

Dr. Robert Sterken, Professor of Political Science at the University of Texas at Tyler (UT Tyler), will lead a discussion about these and other questions on Wednesday, Feb. 29, at noon, in the Taylor Auditorium in the Tyler Public Library.

Sterken is director of international programs at UT Tyler. He teaches introductory courses in political science, as well as several upper level and graduate courses in international law and organizations, global leadership, international political economy, and American foreign policy.

After earning his B.A. and M.A. from Stephen F. Austin State University, Dr. Sterken earned his Ph.D. in political science and economics from Texas Tech University and he is currently writing a book about Lt. Governor Bill Ratliff.

The next and last of the eight-part Great Decisions discussions takes place on Wednesday, March 7, at noon, in the Tyler Public Library. The topic is "Indonesia: Prospects for Prosperity," led by Dr. Amentahru Wahlrab, visiting professor of Political Science, UT Tyler.

In Tyler, the Great Decisions project is sponsored by AAUW, Tyler Branch; the League of Women Voters of Tyler/Smith County; and the Tyler Public Library. The public is invited to join the dialogue and to complete opinion cards about each topic.

To support the local discussions, the Foreign Policy Association (FPA) publishes a Great Decisions briefing book which provides essential information on current U.S. policy, examines alternative policy options, and notes relevant discussion questions about each topic. These books are for sale for $20 at the Tyler Public Library. Copies are also available for check-out and for in-library use at the Reference desk in the Library. FPA also arranges and video tapes discussions by national and international experts about all eight topics. These recorded meetings are available on DVDs which can be checked out at the Library.

For more information about Great Decisions, contact the Tyler Public Library at (903) 593-7323 or email programs@tylertexas.com.