The Fall International Seminar Series, A New Normal in a Global Context, continues at noon, Wednesday, October 20, with Dr. Mike Hendricks’ talk on “Central American Migration and the War on Drugs.” The event will be presented as a live Zoom webinar which is free and open to the public. Advance registration is required to receive the Zoom link.
Hendricks’ presentation—”Central American Migration and the War on Drugs”—demonstrates how things like globalization, neoliberalism, and increases in technology have led to an increase in global drug trafficking in recent years. Hendricks will show how the global drug prohibition regime and the United States’ War on Drugs have failed to stop the supply of drugs because the demand for drugs in developed countries (e.g., the United States) has never waned. After discussing the many facets of this issue, Hendricks will end the presentation with a brief discussion on some potential routes to mitigate the narco-refugee problem in Central America.
Hendricks is an assistant professor in the Department of Politics and Government at ISU. His primary research interests include resistance movements to large extractive projects in the developing world, Chinese investments in the developing world, and peacekeeping effectiveness. Hendricks holds a Ph.D. (2019) and an M.A. (2016) in comparative politics and international relations from the Department of Political Science at the University of Missouri. During his time in graduate school, Hendricks also completed a minor in international development and four certificates: grantsmanship, nonprofit management, public management, and global public affairs. Prior to graduate school, Hendricks served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Nicaragua (2011-2013) and China (2014). Hendricks earned his B.A. from the University of Delaware in 2011. He studied international relations with a concentration on international development. He also completed three minors: Spanish, business, and history.
The International Seminar Series has become one of the most popular internationally focused events on the Illinois State campus and continues to provide international perspectives on critical issues around the world. This semester, the series is a collaboration between the Office of International Studies and Programs and the Department of Politics and Government. The faculty coordinator is Dr. T.Y. Wang, University Professor and chair of the Department of Politics and Government.
The series continues with webinars at noon each Wednesday through November 3, 2021. Seminar series events are free and open to the public: Advance registration is required to receive the log-in link. Those who have questions or who need an accommodation to participate fully should contact InternationalSeminar@IllinoisState.edu or call (309) 438-5276.
