Monday, 02-12-2007

Global Classroom: Challenges Facing Vietnam Today

In the past two decades Vietnam has moved from bicycles to motorbikes to cars, from being the third poorest country in the world to being the world’s second fastest growing economy, from importing rice to a position as the world’s third largest rice exporter. While poverty and malnutrition still exist, vigorous campaigns have led to their dramatic reduction. In today’s Vietnam, cell phones and the latest international fashions coexist and at times compete with a return to tradition. Art is flourishing and Buddhism is experiencing a revival. Relations with the US have warmed in light of shared concerns about China and many former refugees are returning to live and set up businesses while a few return to call for the overthrow of the government. The war with America is ancient history to many of today’s Vietnamese, the majority of whom were born since its end. Yet the war lingers in the memories, hopes, fears, and policies of those who now hold power, and remains embedded in the land in unexploded ordnance, landmines, and hot spots of toxic chemicals that continue to impact the environment and human health.

This evening we will take a look at the background and the textures of the many fast-paced changes that abound in today’s Vietnam—changes in the economy, the society, the culture, religion, politics, as well as in Vietnam’s relations with Asia and the United States. What challenges lie ahead for this land where the Dragon and the Fairy meet Nike, Intel, and Singapore’s Lee Kwan Yew?

Diane Fox is currently Scholar in Residence at Hamilton College and Coordinator of the Agent Orange Educational Project and Resource Center. From 1991 to 2001 she lived and worked roughly half of each year in Vietnam as a teacher, journalist, and finally as a consultant to the Red Cross and researcher on the consequences of Agent Orange. Her degree is in anthropology. Following her talk, a panel of participants from Vietnam will add to Diane’s remarks and elaborate on their own experiences and culture. Tese Neighbor, Director of Professional Development at the World Affairs Council, and Sarah Van Fleet, Associate Director, UW’s South East Asia Center, will discuss how Vietnam can be integrated into classroom curriculum and distribute up-to-date teaching resources.

Cost:
$26 includes light buffet, lecture by Diane Fox, panel, classroom resources, and clock hours. Please pre-register online by February 7 or call the Council at (206) 441-5910.

Venue:
The Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture
The Burke Museum is on the University of Washington campus at the corner of 17th Avenue NE and NE 45th Street.

Directions:
From I-5, exit east onto NE 45th Street. Travel east on NE 45th Street to 17th Avenue NE. Turn right onto 17th. The museum will be immediately on your right.
From Highway 520, exit north onto Montlake Boulevard NE. Turn left onto NE Pacific Street. Turn right and head north on 15th Avenue NE. Turn right and head east on NE 45th St. Take your next right on 17th Avenue NE. The museum will be immediately on your right.

Parking:
Several parking lots are available near the Burke Museum. Tell the gatehouse traffic guide as you enter the UW campus that you are coming to the Burke Museum and they will direct you to the appropriate lot. Note: parking prices decrease to $5.00 after 4:00 pm. You could also come early and find on street parking.

Please leave enough time to find parking and arrive at the museum for registration and light buffet 4:00-4:15 pm. The program will begin at 4:15pm.


Upon registration, you will be signed up for our bi-weekly newsletter, which provides updates on upcoming programs. If you do not wish to receive this newsletter please contact wac@world-affairs.org