The legacy of Great Wars: Marking history and humanity
Students’ conference attracting scholars from around the world
The 2015 University of Manitoba Political Studies Students’ Conference (PSSC) will run this week, Wednesday to Friday, January 28-30, 2015. This is the 31st PSSC forum on politics, defence and security, and will have as its focus: “The Legacy of Great Wars: Marking History and Humanity.”
Award-winning author and educator Allan Levine will deliver the opening address as keynote speaker on Wednesday evening at 7:00 pm, followed by a Q and A. His topic will be: “The Impact of World Wars One and Two on Canada and the West.”
This free, public conference is dedicated to the study of the Great Wars, given the confluence of anniversaries of WWI (100 years) start of WWII (75 years) and end of Cold War (25 years), and their ongoing impact on Canadian society. The conference will consist of several panels exploring the history and impact of war, including the Cold War and the future of war, particularly the use of robotic drones and other sophisticated weaponry.
The panelists include 17 eminent senior scholars from around the world, including: Captain of the French Air Force, Emmanuel R. Goffi; Iain Johnston from Cambridge University; and Brigadier-General Bruce Ploughman of the 2nd Canadian Air Division. In addition, the conference features notable panel moderators such as former CJOB news director Barry Burns, Honourary Lieutenant Colonel of 38 Signal Regiment, and CBC Radio host Terry MacLeod.
Political studies students at the University of Manitoba coordinate this annual conference, aided by the Centre for Defence and Security Studies and faculty members, with the goal of engaging academics, government officials, students, and the public on topics of contemporary relevance in politics and related fields. Outside sponsors include the J.W. Dafoe Foundation, Veterans Affairs Canada and the Canadian International Council (Winnipeg).
Student Organizers for the 2015 PSSC conference are: Paul Aseltine, MA candidate (Political Studies); Kimvy Ngo, undergraduate (Political Studies); Douglas Fergusson, undergraduate (Political Studies); and Meagan Cloutier, undergraduate (Political Studies).
Visit the conference’s website to view the compete program and biographies of presenters.
For more information, contact the PSSC at: 204-272-1691 or email: PSSC [at] umanitoba [dot] ca