Dr. Byers is a former resident of Lethbridge and graduate of Lethbridge Collegiate Institute who holds a Canada Research Chair in Global Politics and International Law Intent
Intent For A Nation: Our True North Strong and Free
Why do Canadians think so small? “We’’re a serious country. But our clout-we don’’t use it,” says Michael Byers, who argues it is time for a clear-eyed appreciation of our strengths and weaknesses, of all we have and all we could be. Instead of emulating our increasingly isolated neighbour, Byers says we should be advancing the Canadian model, an idealistic, fiscally prudent, socially progressive vision of foreign policy that has never looked so good.
Playing against George Grant’’s seminal Lament for a Nation, Byers’’ new book Intent for a Nation is an informed and opinionated overview of where Canada stands globally and what aggressive and progressive social, environmental, and governmental policies are needed to carry the country forward in an ever more competitive and volatile world.
The Globe and Mail writes that Intent for a Nation is “a passionate and cheerful call for international action, based on a diligent reading of our values and our potential…closely argued, convincing, challenging, sometimes even exhilarating.”
Speaker: Michael Byers
Michael Byers holds the Canada Research Chair in Global Politics and International Law at the University of British Columbia. Prior to 2005, he was Professor of Law and Director of Canadian Studies at Duke University; from 1996-1999 he was a Fellow of Jesus College, Oxford University. Dr. Byers is a regular contributor to the London Review of Books, Toronto Star and Globe and Mail, and a frequent guest on the CBC, CTV and Global.
Moderator: Jenn Prosser
Noon – 1:30 pm, Friday, September 28, 2007
Ballroom A Students’ Union Building University of Lethbridge (Free reserved parking in the West Lot)
Cost: $10.00 Public and $5.00 Students (includes lunch)