Julian Westerhout of Illinois State’s Department of Politics and Government will give a talk Wednesday, April 13, titled “The UN Sustainable Development Goals: A Human Capability Approach” in the Old Main Room, Bone Student Center.

The talk is part of the Spring 2016 International Seminar Series. Under the theme Global Engagement, the series will be from noon-1 p.m. Wednesdays through April 20. All talks are free and open to the public. The International Studies Seminar Series is sponsored by the Office of International Studies and Programs.

Westerhout has taught in the Department of Politics and Government Department at ISU since 2007. His interests focus on comparative politics and public policy, with an emphasis on development politics.

April 20
Professor Joseph Zompetti from the School of Communication will present “Grassroots Democracy Promotion in Myanmar,” in the Prairie Room of the Bone Student Center. This talk had to be rescheduled due to the University closure on February 24.

As one of the most oppressive regimes on the planet, the Myanmar government was largely insulated from outside influence, particularly Western-style education and principles of openness and engagement. Pro-democracy advocates achieved a landslide victory in the November election of 2015 with help from Zompetti, who worked with indigenous Burmese NGOs to help prepare for crucial political opportunities like last year’s election.

For more information on the series, contact Maria Schmeeckle at mhschme@ilstu.edu or (309) 438-2932.