The keynote presentations for the public forum titled, “America’s Place in the World: Are We Forfeiting Global Economic Leadership?”, will be delivered by Dr. Mitchell Smith and Dr. Rebecca Cruise, both of whom are from the College of International Studies at the University of Oklahoma. The forum, is a part of Cameron’s Academic Festival X: American Identities in the 21st Century.
Dr. Smith will address the emerging trade policies of the U.S. and the extent to which these policies do or do not advance prosperity and American interests. He will also discuss the global role of the U.S. dollar and the place of the U.S. in the global economy relative to China and to the European Union. Dr. Smith serves as Associate Dean of Academic Affairs in the College of International Studies at OU and is also Max and Heidi Berry Chair, Department of International and Area Studies.
Dr. Cruise will explore the changing dynamics of US leadership on the world stage from a political and social perspective. She will also discuss the importance of freedom of press around the world and will highlight the role of US leadership on the issue. Dr. Cruise is an Assistant Dean of the College of International Studies at the University of Oklahoma and specializes in security studies and comparative politics focusing on issues of security community development, international organizations, post-conflict resolution, political participation and gender.