Panels of distinguished diplomats, military, media, and academic experts will discuss critical international issues of the day. The public, including students of USF St. Petersburg and other area universities, are cordially invited to attend the two day conference free of charge. Seating will be on a first come, first seated basis.

Douglas McElhaney has engaged other St. Petersburg leaders to make this event possible. He arrived in the city in 2007 on leaving the US Foreign Service with the rank of ambassador. His purpose is to replicate a conference in which he participated at the University of Colorado where local residents and campus leaders stage an annual series of seminars focused on international issues. In St. Petersburg, he has brought together a lively group of activists who agree that a well-informed public is the keystone of any successful democracy.

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