Transcript Staff
An exploration of the role of diplomacy in resolving world conflict begins a four-part reading and discussion "Great Decisions" series at the Norman Public Library, 225 N. Webster Ave.
"Special Envoys," featuring retired U.S. Ambassador Edwin Corr, is scheduled 6:30 p.m. Feb. 18 in Rooms A/B of the library.
After a video presentation from the Foreign Policy Association, Corr will discuss the diplomatic muscle special envoys can wield, and describe the challenges faced by members of the diplomatic corps.
Corr was the U.S. Ambassador to Peru, Bolivia, and El Salvador, the Charge d'Affaires in Ecuador, and the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics Control. He was appointed by Democratic and Republican presidents. As a career Foreign Service Officer, he also served in Thailand and Mexico. He was a Peace Corps Director in Colombia.
Corr was a U.S. Marine Corps infantry officer. He was a program officer of the Inter-American Foundation who worked with the "poorest of the poor." He was a Professor of Political Science at the University of Oklahoma, holding the Henry Bellmon chair in public service for eight years. He was creator and director of the Energy Institute of the Americans at the Sarkeys Energy Center at the University of Oklahoma, associate director of OU's International Program Center and a senior research fellow of the IPC.
For each session of the "Great Decisions" series, participants will read essays on the listed topic and then meet to discuss the topic with a local scholar. At the end of the program, each participant is invited to complete a national opinions survey, the results of which are presented to the White House, the Departments of State and Defense, members of Congress and the national media.
An optional briefing book containing all the essays and reading material is available for $12 at the library.
Future "Great Decision" sessions include "Global Crime" with OU law professor Peter Krug, March 11; "Peace Building and Conflict Resolution" with OU international relations professor Jarrod Hayes, April 8; and "Russia and its Neighbors" with OU political science professor Paul Goode, April 22.
Registration is not required, but those who register will receive reminder notices for each event. Register to attend any or all of the "Great Decisions" programs by visiting the library, by calling 701-2620 or by taking advantage of the online registration option of the events calendar at www.justsoyouknow.us/norman.
