SAIS will examine the critical role of agriculture in international relations during 2011-12.
“As agriculture moves to the forefront of public and private sector agendas, SAIS aims to play a leading role in bringing this field into the main current of discussion in international relations policy,” said SAIS Dean Jessica P. Einhorn. “Because agriculture is key to understanding the relations between nations, our future leaders need to be conversant about these issues. SAIS can build a unique platform for the study and application of agricultural policy.”
The “Year of Agriculture” is expected to provide many opportunities for faculty, students and alumni to review scholarship and exchange ideas on timely topics ranging from food production and security to the development of biofuels to the impact of global climate change, fresh water shortages and decreasing tracts of arable land. Building on the theme, the 2011–12 issue of SAISPHERE, to be published in early January, will focus on the relationship between agriculture and international relations. And throughout the year, SAIS’s three campuses plan to host a series of theme-related events.  2011-12 Issue of SAISPHERE Is Now Available
SAIS recently published the 2011-12 issue of its annual magazine, SAISPHERE. In this issue we asked several members of the faculty, scholar, student and alumni community to explore the theme, "Growth Ahead for Global Agriculture" to coincide with our "Year of Agriculture." Click here for the online version or request a printed copy.
Agriculture Expert Robert Thompson Joins SAIS as Visiting Scholar 
Robert L. Thompson, a leading expert in the field of agriculture, has joined SAIS as a visiting scholar. Based at the school’s Energy, Resources and Environment and International Development programs, he will help SAIS develop an agriculture-focused curriculum to complement SAIS’s existing programs, help identify new adjunct faculty and play a leading role in coordinating external events during the “Year of Agriculture.” Click here for more information.
No events are currently scheduled.
Thursday, September 8
“EU Efforts to Combat Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported Fishing”
10 to 11 a.m. – Kenney Auditorium, Nitze Building
Maria Damanaki, maritime and fisheries commissioner for the EU, will discuss this topic. For more information, contact anna.prisco@eeas.europa.eu. This event is hosted by the Energy, Resources and Environment Program. To RSVP, contact eregloballeadersforum@jhu.edu or 202.663.5786.
Wednesday, September 14
“Water: Asia’s New Battleground”
6 to 7:30 p.m. – Room 806, Rome Building
Brahma Chellaney, professor of strategic studies at the Centre for Policy Research in India, will discuss his new book, Water: Asia’s New Battleground. This event is hosted by the South Asia Studies Program. For more information and to RSVP, contact southasia@jhu.edu or 202.663.5722. Friday, October 7
“The Challenge of Feeding 9 Billion by Mid-Century”
12:30 to 1:45 p.m. – Kenney Auditorium, Nitze Building
Robert L. Thompson, a leading expert in the field of agriculture and a visiting scholar at SAIS’s school’s Energy, Resources and Environment and International Development programs, will discuss this topic. This event is hosted by the International Development Program. For more information and to RSVP, contact developmentroundtable@jhu.edu or 202.870.6677. Friday, October 21
“Delivering Development in a Changing Climate”
12:30 to 1:45 p.m. – Room 200, Rome Building
Ed Carr, associate professor of geography at the University of South Carolina and climate change coordinator for the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance at USAID, will discuss this topic. This event is hosted by the Energy, Resources and Environment and International Development programs. For more information and to RSVP, contact developmentroundtable@jhu.edu or 202.870.6677. Friday, October 28
“The Role of the Private Sector in Sustainable Agriculture”
12:30 to 1:45 p.m. – Rome Building Auditorium
Beth Keck, senior director of sustainability at Walmart and a SAIS graduate, will discuss this topic. This event is hosted by the International Development Program and Net Impact Club. For more information and to RSVP, contact developmentroundtable@jhu.edu or 202.870.6677. Tuesday, November 15
“U.S. and EU Farm Policy: Overview and Next Steps”
9 to 11 a.m. – Room 500, Bernstein-Offit Building
Joe Glauber, chief economist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture; Tassos Haniotis, director of economic analysis, perspectives and evaluations at the European Commission for Agriculture and Rural Development; and Charlotte Hebebrand (moderator), CEO of the International Food and Agricultural Trade Policy Council, will discuss this topic. Note: SAIS will host a live webcast of the event accessible at http://www.sais-jhu.edu/pressroom/live.html. This event is hosted by the SAIS Center for Transatlantic Relations and International Food and Agricultural Trade Policy Council. For more information and to RSVP, visit https://www.z2systems.com/np/clients/agritrade/eventRegistration.jsp?event=842. Friday, November 18
“The Geopolitics of Hunger”
12:30 to 1:30 p.m. – Rome Building Auditorium
Jessica Adelman, vice president of corporate affairs for the North America region at Syngenta, will discuss this topic. Note: SAIS will host a live webcast of the event accessible at http://www.sais-jhu.edu/pressroom/live.html. This event is hosted by the Office of Development and Alumni Relations. For more information and to RSVP, contact saisag@jhu.edu. | 
