Author and professor Michael Klare will discuss resource management and overconsumption in the United States and abroad tonight in South Kedzie Hall.
Peace and Justice Studies, an undergraduate specialization program, is sponsoring Klare's speech, which begins at 7:15 p.m. Students also can meet and speak with Klare informally at 2:30 p.m. today in the International Center.
Klare currently serves on the board of directors of the Arms Control Association, the National Council of the Federation of American Scientists and the advisory board of the Arms Division of Human Rights Watch.
He was asked to speak in the free lecture because of his expertise, said David Dwyer, co-director of Peace and Justice Studies and an anthropology professor.
"Our general strategy is to identify scholars who are working in the area of social justice to demonstrate that Peace and Justice Studies is a legitimate academic activity," Dwyer said.
Klare's speech will connect a variety of international issues, said Richard Peterson, co-director of Peace and Justice Studies and philosophy professor.
"He will discuss the relationship between conflict over resources and wars and battles in recent years and how our use of resources affects the policies of our country," Peterson said. "How the oil and water in the Middle East affects our choices at home."
George Moyer, a member of the specialization's advisory committee and interdisciplinary studies in arts and humanities junior, said he hopes Klare's speech will open people's eyes to new ideas.
"Klare has the ability in his speech to succinctly explain a lot that either isn't being discussed in the media or isn't being covered with the depth you need for understanding," Moyer said. "It's a unique opportunity for students."
Peace and Justice Studies is a multidisciplinary program any undergraduate can participate in. The program focuses on the causes and consequences of violence throughout the world. Students also discuss the relationship between violence and injustice. The specialization was started about four years ago and offers 15 credits to gain completion.
"We thought it was important in the university to study the causes and alternatives to war," Peterson said. "One way to do that is to coordinate courses and develop student interest."
The program helps students analyze and discuss the alternatives to war, Dwyer said.
"Our goal is to emphasize that the normal way of solving problems is nonviolent and we sometimes forget that," Dwyer said. "Peace and Justice Studies shows that solving problems a just way is nonviolent."
