Hawai‘i’s strategic importance spotlighted at Science Pub-Hawai’i, presented by Hawai‘i Pacific University

HONOLULU — Science Pub-Hawai‘i, presented by Hawai‘i Pacific University, looks at the world today with noted political scientist Patrick Bratton. He will examine “The U.S. as a Pacific Power: Hawai‘i’s role in global security,” at Gordon Biersch, Aloha Tower Marketplace, April 28.

Bratton, the director of HPU’s Diplomacy and Military Studies Program and an associate professor of Political Science, will give perspective on current international politics and international relations. This includes developments in the Asia-Pacific region, Russia and Ukraine, and Hawai’i’s unique role in global security.

“As the U.S. rebalances both its security and economic policies toward the Indo-Pacific region, Hawai‘i will play a critical role. This location allows the U.S. to see Asia as a region that stretches from Mumbai, through Singapore all the way to Vladivostok, from North Korea to Australia and New Zealand, rather than concentrating on a single country or sub-region,” Bratton said.

Bratton is the co-editor of Sea Power and the Asia-Pacific, with Geoffrey Till, the director of the Corbett Centre for Maritime Policy Studies at King’s College London. The book — now available as a paperback — collects essays that address military power, politics, international relations and global security.

“Events over the past several years have shown us that the simplistic view of ‘peace through globalization’ that drove much of our thinking in the 1990s is not adequate for understanding today’s world. The world is increasingly interconnected but that does not mean that geography, nationalism, and hard security issues have disappeared — far from it. Globalization merely modifies, rather than replaces, geopolitics,” Bratton added.

Presented by HPU, Science Pub-Hawai‘i is held on the waterfront outdoor stage at Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant, Aloha Tower Marketplace, at 6 p.m. This well-attended informal showcase of research and scholarship is for people who like to learn and discuss timely topics. The event is free, and though no RSVP is required, Science Pub friends are encouraged to let others know they’re coming via Facebook, www.facebook.com/sciencepubhawaii. Seats fill briskly so consider arriving early to enjoy Gordon Biersch’s acclaimed food and drink.

See www.hpu.edu/sciencepub-hawaii

Celebrating nearly 50 years, Hawai‘i Pacific University (HPU) is the state’s leading independent, non-profit university with a dedicated and accomplished faculty, and a student population recognized as among the most diverse in the nation. With its core campus in the heart of Honolulu’s business district, and campuses at Makapu‘u Point, Kāneʻohe and O‘ahu military bases, HPU gives students a distinct blend of small class sizes, hands-on learning opportunities, and global perspectives. HPU offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate programs for those seeking an educational adventure in the center of the Pacific Rim.

Submitted by HPU

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