Weak Links: Fragile States, Global Threats, and International Security

Since 9/11, it has become commonplace for policymakers to claim that the gravest threats to international security come from the world’s most fragile states. In this lecture, Dr. Stewart Patrick argues that most fragile states do not present significant security risks, except to their own people. The most important spillovers that preoccupy U.S. national security officials are at least as likely to emanate from stronger developing countries, rather than the world’s weakest countries.

Dr. Stewart Patrick is a senior fellow and director of the program on international institutions and global governance at the Council on Foreign Relations.  Dr. Patrick’s areas of expertise include multilateral cooperation in the management of global issues’ U.S. policy toward international institutions, inclyding the United Nations’ the challenges posed by fragile, failing and postconflict states’ and the integration of U.S. defense, development, and diplomatic instruments in U.S. foreign and national security policy.  From September 2002 to January 2005, Dr. Patrick served on the secretary of state’s policy planning staff, with lead staff responsibility for U.S. policy toward Afghanistan and a range of global and transnational issues.

Dr. Patrick graduated from Stanford University and received his doctorate in international relations, as well as two masters’ degrees from Oxford University, where he was a Rhodes Scholar.   He is the author, coauthor, or editor of five books, including Weak Links: Fragile States, Global Threats, and International Security. Dr. Patrick has also authored numerous articles on multilateral cooperation.

Date: Wednesday November 16, 2011

Time: 5:30-7:15PM (first half hour is a reception)

Venue: Denver Athletic Club, 1325 Glenarm Place, Denver 80204

Price:  $25 Members; $35 Non-Members & Guests