Two events to address crisis over global debt

Citigroup's Lucken, CGES's Ross to assess potential fallout euro problems

Debt. It is arguably the most pressing issue of our times — and the most controversial.

Even before the fall of Lehman Brothers, the massive amount of public and private debt was cause for concern. Since then, the crisis has dissolved banks, sparked riots and nearly toppled governments.

This week, Brandeis will host two events to address the global crisis over debt. What’s really at stake? Do we have everything to fear or just fear itself? Does long-term financial stability require short-term austerity or more stimulus spending? If Europe fails, will the United States follow?

The International and Global Studies (IGS) Department will host the first of these events on Wednesday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. in the third-floor Mandel Center Reading Room. Pizza will be provided beginning at 6:30 p.m.

This is the inaugural discussion in the new IGS Conversation Series on global issues. Kent Lucken, a managing director at Citigroup, will speak on the effects of the debt crisis in Europe, Asia, and the United States. Brandeis seniors Adina Weissman and Craig Elman will also speak on the crisis as they experienced it while studying abroad in Britain and Spain.

All members of the Brandeis community are invited to attend and participate in the discussion.

George Ross, Morris Hillquit Professor Emeritus of Labor and Social Thought and director emeritus of the Brandeis Center for German and European Studies, will provide an “Update on the Euro Crisis” examining the most recent developments in Europe. The discussion will take place on Friday, Oct. 28, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in the Mandel Center, Conference Room 228.  The discussion is open and lunch will be provided, but space is limited. RSVP to cgees@brandeis.edu to reserve a seat.