Already we are in full gear welcoming students back this week after a summer of global upheaval. In just three months we witnessed Britain’s surprise departure from the EU, major terrorist attacks in Nice and Istanbul, and the coup attempt and political turmoil in Turkey. We watched all of these while at the same time experiencing one of the most unusual election campaigns in the U.S.
Jackson School Director Reşat Kasaba
I encourage you to join us for a number of exciting events happening in the first two weeks of October, where we will try to make sense of these and other challenges we are facing. You will have the chance to engage with high-level diplomats, area experts and media commentators on issues ranging from global migration, terrorism to the U.S. elections, and what latest events mean to our understanding of the world.
This issue also highlights some of our summer activities to give you a sense of how we are reaching and teaching in innovative and accessible ways.
A few quick notes about what’s new this year:
I am saddened to report the sudden death this summer of our Graduate Program Coordinator Paula Milligan. Those of us who had the pleasure of interacting with Paula during her twenty-seven years of employment in the Jackson School will always remember her pleasant demeanor, kind nature, and most importantly, her dedication to our graduate students.
On new beginnings, I am pleased to announce Mark Metzler will join the Jackson School starting in 2017-2018 as a professor specializing in modern Japanese history, global history and historical political economy. He will continue as a professor of history and Asian studies at the University of Texas at Austin until his arrival at UW in fall 2017.
After graduating 266 undergraduate and 45 graduate students last spring we are looking forward to working with the excellent group of students who are joining us in the new academic year.
I wish you all a rewarding and productive academic year.
Reşat Kasaba
Director – Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies
Stanley D. Golub Chair of International Studies
