Students taking Global Studies might nothave the slightest idea what unilateralism and multilateralism is,let alone the connection both words have with the war in Iraq. Theproblem is should they know. Political Science professor at DukeUniversity Robert O. Keohane said there are several reasons to whystudents should pay more attention to this topic when he came tospeak with Cole’s class on Monday at 2 p.m.
“One is they are citizens and itis the most important voting policy right now before the country:should we be involved in a war,” he said. “It affectsthe safety of the country and the world you live in because if thecritics are right that the war in Iraq is generating more and morehatred for the United States … it is a much worse world for youto live in than if it hadn’t happened.”
“He is one of the most famous political scientist in theUnited States,” said Cole. “He has worked for years onquestions of foreign policy.”
During his speech, Keohane explainedthat unilateralism is when a country acts alone without the consentof other countries and multilateralism is when countries cometogether to discuss what they should do. The war in Iraq is one ofthe most important times where the United States should have used amultilateral policy, but didn’t, Keohane said. Cole invitedKeohane to speak with her class as an act to promote her peacestudies class.
“I need to attract more attentionto that class because I need more students to sign up for theclass,” said Cole. “When a new store opens up they havea grand opening event and give away free food and stuff. This is anacademic equivalent of having a store opening.” At the end ofthe discussions numerous students asked questions about whatKeohane said.
“He stated his position clearly and I agreed with most ofwhat he said,” student Erik Peterson said.
