96-03-27 Security in Eastern Europe Topic of Conference

SECURITY IN EASTERN EUROPE TOPIC OF CONFERENCE AT OHIO STATE

     COLUMBUS -- Scholars in Slavic studies and national security 
will meet at The Ohio State University April 12-13 to discuss 
security issues in Eastern Europe.

     The transformation of the countries in the post cold war era 
has led to conflicts in Bosnia and Moldova and made it difficult 
for other countries to provide for their own national security.

     "Most of the states in Eastern Europe have dramatically 
reduced military expenditures, owing to the precarious state of 
their economies," said Matthew Schwonek, assistant director of 
the Center for Slavic and East European Studies at Ohio State.

     "We're going to talk about the civil-military 
relationships,security dilemmas and the security and defense 
policies that have emerged since 1989.  The conference will also 
address the U.S. role in European security and the future of 
NATO."

     The program, "After the Warsaw Pact:  Security and Change 
in the New Eastern Europe" will open April 12 with a free public 
lecture by Mary Pendleton, member of the U.S. Senior Foreign 
Service and director of the Tri-Missions Joint Administrative 
Services, Brussels, Belgium.

     Pendleton will talk on "The U.S. and Security in the New 
Eastern Europe:  The Perspective from Moldova."  She was U.S. 
ambassador to Moldova from 1992 to 1995.

     The lecture will begin at 1:30 p.m. in the Grand Lounge of 
the Faculty Club, 181 S. Oval Drive.  Parking is available in the 
Ohio Union parking garage, 1780 College Road.

     The conference on April 13 will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the 
presentation of papers by specialists in political science and 
international studies from several universities.

     Speakers include:

     -- Ron Linden, University of Pittsburgh, "The New Security 
Environment in Eastern Europe."

     -- Eva Busza, Ohio State, "Economics and Security in Eastern Europe."

     -- Elizabeth Coughlan, Wright State University, "The 
Dilemmas of Civilian Control:  Democratization and the Polish 
Military."

     -- Zoltan Barany, University of Texas, "The Return of the 
Left to East Central Europe."

     -- Andrew Michta, Rhodes College, "Polish Security Since 
1989."

     -- Thomas Szayna, consultant to the Rand Corp., "Czech 
Security Policy Since 1989."

     -- Walter Bacon Jr., University of Nebraska, "Romanian 
Security Policy Since 1989."

     The conference will conclude with an address by Clarence 
Juhl, director of NATO policy for the U.S. Department of Defense.  
Juhl will speak on problems of expanding NATO to Eastern Europe, 
with specific examinations of Romania, Poland, and the Czech 
Republic.

     The conference is sponsored by the Center for Slavic and 
East European Studies and the Mershon Center, which conducts 
research and educational activities in international security and 
public policy.

     Registration is $20, $15 for students, and includes lunch.  
Registration without lunch is $10.  People may register by 
sending a check payable to The Ohio State University with their 
name, institution, address, and daytime telephone number to the 
Center for Slavic and East European Studies, 303 Oxley Hall, 1712 
Neil Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43210-1219.  Registration deadline is 
April 7.
                             #

Contact:  Matthew R. Schwonek, (614) 292-8770.
Written by Tom Spring, (614) 292-8309.


[Submitted by: Von Reid-Vargas (ereid@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu)
               
Thu, 28 Mar 1996 11:18:28 -0500]
All documents are the responsibility of their originator.