The Fall International Seminar Series, A New Normal in a Global Context kicks off at noon, Wednesday, September 1, with Illinois State University’s Dr. Ali Riaz presenting “Are We Back to Normal? Geopolitics of the Post-Pandemic World.” At the beginning of the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020, many analysts predicted that COVID-19 would cause a dramatic change in the geopolitics; as the world returns to the “new normal,” this presentation examines the contours of the geopolitics, the continuing and the changes engendered by the pandemic.
Riaz is a Distinguished Professor in the Illinois State University Department of Politics and Government. He held the Thomas E. Eimermann Professorship from 2018 to 2020. His research interests are democratization, violent extremism, political Islam, South Asian politics, and Bangladeshi politics. Riaz held the University Professor designation between 2012 and 2018 and was the chair of the Department of Politics and Government from 2007 to 2017. He is a nonresident senior fellow of the Atlantic Council and president of the American Institute of Bangladesh Studies (AIBS).
The faculty coordinator for this semester’s series is Dr. TY Wang, University Professor and chair of the Department of Politics and Government, in collaboration with the Office of International Studies and Programs. The international seminar series has become one of the most popular internationally focused events on Illinois State’s campus and continues to provide international perspectives on critical issues around the world. Those who have questions about the event or who need an accommodation to participate fully should contact InternationalSeminar@IllinoisState.edu or call (309) 438-5276.
The event is free and open to the public: Advance registration is required to receive the log-in link.
