Still time to register at the door Friday evening or Saturday morning.
“Religion as a Force in World Affairs”
February 22-24, 2008
For the first time coming to Portland via live interactive video streaming in the Hannaford Auditorium in the Abromson Center on the University of Maine Portland Campus - a partnership of the World Affairs Council of Maine and the Camden Conference.
The 2008 Camden Conference will explore the role of religion as a potent influence on the formation and implementation of foreign policy – especially the shaping of foreign policy in the United States – and as a crucial factor in ongoing conflicts and crisis settings; as a central component in the deepening class between self-identities in various movements and communities; and as potential stimulus for mediation, peace-making, and constructive social action.
Questions speakers will discuss include:
- What role, if any, should religion play in the formation of United States foreign policy?
- How much influence do specific religious groups have on the shaping of our foreign policy?
- To what extent can any nation pursue a “moral” or “ethical” foreign policy?
- To what extent is the rise of fundamentalist religions movements a response to the disruption of traditional patterns and values due to failed nationalism, secularism, “modernism,” and/or the perceived intrusions and corruptions of the West?
- Where has religion played a positive role in advancing mediation and peace-making endeavors?
- Do religious faith and commitment unite or divide the human family?
THE PROGRAM
Friday, February 22
6:30 - 7:30 pm Reception (optional)
7:45 pm Welcome
8:00 pm "Religion, World Politics and United States' Foreign Policy"
Keynote Address by J. Bryan Hehir, Kennedy School, Harvard University
(Note that some tickets are available for this keynote address only - see below.)
Saturday, February 23
7:30 am Coffee and pastries
8:15 Session 1: Religion and U.S. Foreign Policy
8:30 "A Look Back at Religious Influence on American Foreign Relations," Andrew Preston, Fellow of Clare College, Cambridge University, England
9:30 “The Role of Fundamentalists in Recent U.S. Foreign Policy,” Scott Appleby, Professor of History and Director of the Kroc Center, Notre Dame University
10:30 Coffee Break
11:00 “The Influence of Religion in American Diplomacy and Development Policies," Andrew Natsios, Professor at Georgetown University, former head of USAID, and President's Special Ambassador for Sudan
12:00-1:30 Lunch with option for facilitated discussion groups
1:30 Session2: Religion and the Middle East
1:45 “Religious Identities in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict,” Philip J. Wilcox Jr., President, Foundation for Middle East Peace
2:40 “The Clash between Sunni and Shia Muslims Across the Middle East," Rend al-Rahim Francke, President, Iraq Foundation; currently at U.S. Institute of Peace
3:35 Coffee Break
4:00 “The Struggle between Modern Governance and Resurgent Islam,” Ellen Laipson, President, Henry L. Stimpson Center
5:00 Adjourn for the Day
Sunday, February 24
7:30 Coffee and Pastries
8:15 Session 3: Global Issues
8:30 “Religious and Ethical Challenges in Seeking Global Social Justice,” Katherine Marshall, Senior Fellow at Georgetown University; formerly with the World Bank
9:30 “Faith-Based Diplomacy: Bridging the Religious Divide," Douglas M. Johnston, President, International Institute for Religion and Diplomacy
10:30 Coffee Break
11:00 Closing Panel with All Speakers
12:30 Conference Adjourns
REGISTRATION OPTIONS AND PRICES
There are two registration options: Full Conference and Friday Night Only.
Full conference includes lunch on Saturday and coffee services for Saturday and Sunday.
- $155 for members of the World Affairs Council, educators and students.
- $190 for non-members.
Friday Night Only is available for those who wish to hear the Keynote Address but not attend the full conference. $40.
Walk-in registration available. Visa/MC, checks and cash accepted.
