News Release
September 1998
With the ruble in a free fall, the economic collapse in
Russia has sparked a political crisis that has left the country without
a functioning government for the last two weeks. What are the implications
for America and the rest of the world? To answer this and other questions,
Moravian College is holding a panel discussion, "The Crisis in
Russia: Causes and Possible Consequences," on Tuesday, September
15, at 7:30 p.m.
An expert panel consisting of specialists from Moravian
College, Muhlenberg College and Lehigh University will discuss the political,
social, and economic situation in Russia. The panel will focus on the
likely consequences of the current crisis and discuss how the unfolding
events in Russia will impact the U.S., Western and Eastern Europe, and
other regions in the world.
Moravian College President, Dr. Ervin J. Rokke will speak
on the political and military ramifications of the crisis. Dr. Rokke
is a former president of the National Defense University in Washington
D.C., and a former U.S. defense attaché stationed at the U.S.
Embassy in Moscow. Other esteemed panelists include Dr. Albert Kipa,
professor of German and Russian at Muhlenberg College, who will discuss
ethnic and geographic considerations. Dr. Mary Nicholas, associate professor
of Russian at Lehigh University, will discuss the impact on people and
culture.
Dr. James West, professor and chair of the Department
of Economics and Business at Moravian College will provide insight into
the current economic crisis. Dr. Winfred Kohls, professor of history
at Moravian College, will discuss the crisis in a historical context.
Professor Faramarz Farbod, visiting instructor of political science
at Moravian College, will discuss important geopolitical ramifications.
Dr. Han Wuerth, professor of German, Moravian College,
will moderate the panel discussion. Each panelist will begin with a
five-minute opening statement. Panelists will then engage in a general
discussion before answering questions from the audience.
The panel discussion will be held in Prosser Auditorium
in the Haupert Union Building on Moravian College’s Main Street
campus. The event is free and open to the public. It is co-sponsored
by the International Club and Department of Foreign Languages at Moravian
College. For more information, contact the Office of Public Relations
at (610) 861-1365.
