The Foreign Service Journal, July-August 2013

52 JULY-AUGUST 2013 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL AFSA NEWS On April 8 and 9, the Santa Fe World Affairs Forum’s annual symposium explored “Living in Challenging Times: The U.S. and East Asia” at St. John’s College in Santa Fe, N. M. Two years ago, the Obama administration announced a “pivot” or repositioning of military forces and diplo- matic resources from the Middle East to Asia. This represented a shift of empha- sis from a troubled region that has consumed almost all of America’s attention for the past decade, to the most economically dynamic region in the world. Of course, the Middle East will continue to con- sume American interest and resources for a variety of rea- sons for some time to come, but U.S. neglect of the Far East, and especially in light of China’s phenomenal rise, has begun to change. This year’s sold-out event, opened by St. John’s College President Michael Peters and Forum President Patricia Kushlis, began with an overview of the region by William Itoh, a former U.S. ambassador to Thailand. This was followed by a review of U.S.-North Asian relations presented by Chris Nelson, vice president of Samuels International and author of the widely read Nelson Report blog. Professor Suisheng Zhao, AFSA and Santa Fe Retirees Co-Sponsor Symposium BY PATRICIA KUSHLIS, PRESIDENT, SANTA FE WORLD AFFAIRS FORUM director of the Center for U.S.-China Cooperation, part of the Josef Korbel School at the University of Denver, addressed the topic, “A Ris- ing China Seeking Its Rightful Place,” analyzing the intense debate going on within Chinese foreign policy circles today. Dennis Blasko, author of “The Chinese Army Today: Tradition and Trans- formation for the 21st Century,” (Routledge, 2005), then described the role of, and funding for, the People’s Liberation Army. The sympo- sium concluded with a “last thoughts” overview by the speakers. Now nearly a decade old, SFWAF is dedicated to exploring current foreign policy issues affecting the U.S. through small-group, expert-led sessions for mem- bers. Its annual symposium is open to anyone interested in foreign affairs. In addition to AFSA members, the nonprofit organization is comprised of former Fulbright scholars and professors, Peace Corps Volunteers, retired military personnel, university profes- sors and business people, as well as other professionals University of New Mexico scholars (L to R) Joseph Giannoto, Nicholas Padilla and Noelle Jeffrey attend the Santa Fe World Affairs Forum’s symposium, courtesy of support from AFSA. PHOTOBYEDGOFF concerned about our coun- try’s direction, activities and presence abroad. For the past two years, the Forum’s programs and symposia have been held at St. John’s College in Santa Fe, N. M. This year SFWAF expanded its number of cosponsoring and partner organizations for the sympo- sium, reaching beyond New Mexico. We are most grateful to AFSA for becoming a co- sponsor for the first time— helping to cover transporta- tion for one speaker, and underwriting the attendance of three University of New Mexico students majoring in economics or international studies. For additional information on the Santa Fe World Affairs Forum and its programs, please visit us at www.sfwaf. org or e-mail waforum@ gmail.com. n FSYF Family Welcome Back Picnic On Sunday, Sept. 15, at 4 p.m. at Nottaway Park, Vienna, Va. The Foreign Service Youth Foundation’s picnic honors FS families who are returning from overseas. Make new friends, connect with old friends and welcome home your colleagues. ALL U.S. FS families are welcome. RSVP t o fsyf@fsyf.org before Sept. 9. NEWS BRIEF