Monday, January 27, 3:30-5:30pm, Derby Hall [Rm. 1039], 154 N. Oval Mall

In this talk, Julia Irwin (T. Harry Williams Professor of History, Louisiana State University) will discuss the history and politics of U.S. foreign disaster assistance during the 20th century. Drawing on her recent book Catastrophic Diplomacy, she will discuss how the U.S. government, military, and American Non-Governmental Organizations have historically responded to major natural disasters abroad, and the diplomatic, strategic, and moral motivations that guided those efforts. She will also recount the histories of several major humanitarian operations during the early Cold War era, illustrating these themes and arguments in vivid detail.

A reception will run from 3:30pm to 4pm; the talk will begin at 4pm.

Hosted by Mershon Center for International Security Studies.