pinion World Affairs Conference Gives Area Residents a Critical Opportunity to Expand Their Viewpoints

ST PETERSBURG — In our busy lives as Americans, it is easy to stay in our routine and not find the time to expand our knowledge about the world. Sure, we can listen to the talking heads from our favorite news outlet or read a headline, but is it unfiltered news? The 3rd annual Conference on Worlds Affairs in St. Pete is an effort to accomplish this goal, and for those in attendance February 26-28, it was well worth the time and effort.

Panels of distinguished diplomats, military, media, and academic experts discussed critical international issues each day. All of the issues touched home. From sea level rise to terrorism, these issues will impact us locally one way or another.

Terrorism:

Wole Soyinka

It is not going away. Much like crime and the war on drugs, the best we can hope for is to contain it and keep it away from our country. Nigerian playwright and poet, Wole Soyinka, one of the event's panelists and the winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986, has been one of the earliest voices to warn of the dangers posed by religious fundamentalism through lectures and essays, and to denounce their atrocities.

He currently serves as a member of UNESCO’s High Panel for Peace. His insight, delivered in a poetic rhythm, told it like it was. He described the radicals' invasion of his country, the destruction of literature and libraries, as well as their threat to society that must be stopped.

Others spoke of the reality that the war in Iraq, Afghanistan, as well as Libya have served to elevate terrorism. Some took a humor or insult about the “ Weapons of Mass Deception,” and the need to see the world through more than just an American perspective. It was stated more than once that these conflicts/wars caused the unintended consequence of more violence.

Sea Level Rise:

It is happening and at a faster rate than what was predicted. Dr. Don Chambers, an Associate Professor of Marine Science at the University of South Florida, expressed his frustration on those doubting scientists on this issue. He exclaimed every scientist agrees that the sea level is rising, however, there are those without any credentials indicating that sea level rise is all a hoax.

While he didn’t specifically call out politicians and those news outlets or bloggers that cast the political winds of doubt or outright denial about sea level rise, it was evident the situation has become more political that factual. The oceans hold 93 percent of the world's energy, and sea level will not be declining anytime soon.

The changes are already observed and proven by a multitude of scientists. Other countries are planning for these rising sea changes, yet the state of Florida has failed to implement any plan. It has been reported that Florida’s own Governor Scott has even prohibited the state’s environmental department from including references to sea level rise, global warming and climate change. In the short term it might help get someone elected, but is this sort of politicization of dangerous problems acceptable?

Cuba:

Probably the most diverse panel, Cuban hardliner Ralph Fernandez did not hold back on his feelings to keep the current policy of the embargo. His one exception: end the wet foot/dry foot policy. This policy is only for Cubans and allows them to stay in this country if they step on US soil. If they don’t, such as when they are rescued in the water just off the coast, then it’s back to Cuba.

Fernandez indicated that these Cubans coming today "who don’t want to work" - "are not my Cubans.” When asked if the embargo should be lifted should Raul Castro die, he indicated it would be a start.

Luis Felipe Mantilla, an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of South Florida, shed light on how hard it is for the US to be respected by our Latin American neighbors, and gave plenty of reasons why the embargo should be lifted.

While the President has recently lifted restrictions under his executive powers, the reality is that Congressional action is needed to end the embargo and change the wet foot/dry foot policy. Don’t hold your breath!

Russia, Crimea and the Ukraine:

Most Americans are not interested in entering another global conflict. That message is very clear and some want to return to isolationist policies.

Robert Schaefer, U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Beret), Foreign Area Officer, senior analyst and diplomat specializing in the Eurasia region, gave excellent insight to the crisis. Schaefer described a path of cooperation with Russia after the cold war. He explained that Russia had been interested in becoming our ally and described working together with the Russians through NATO and other joint operations. He said that when Putin came to power, the path of cooperation ended.

Today, the conflicts in the Ukraine, as with previous aggressive moves by Russia, is a new norm. What border country is next? The threat is real and NATO – once floundering in the post-cold war era – has now seen a rebirth of its mission.

Sitting back and doing nothing is not in our country’s best interest and action is needed now to support the Ukraine. Not something you want to hear, but this is the reality and gives reason why this conference is important. Wait and do nothing and the problem will become worse.

Other panels included discussions on such issues as women's rights, and international diseases. Three days, over 50 speakers, all for one goal: to make available to the people of the Tampa Bay area information and insight on foreign affairs issues that are critical to our lives and well-being.

The cooperative venture of a group of civic-minded St. Petersburg residents and the city's University of South Florida's campus, the people who took their time and talents to put on this conference should be commended for such a worthwhile effort. I came away understanding more about our world, and it even changed my opinion on some critical issues. I'd strongly recommend considering attending the event when it returns next year.