Tue. May 1
Topic: Russia’s Reform
Guest: Peter Reddaway, US Institute of Peace
Peter Reddaway will discuss the impact of the reforms begun and carried out by the leaders of Russia since the fall of the Soviet Union and how these reforms have taken the country on an economic downward spiral.

Wed. May 2
Topic: Solutions for Third World Debt
Guests: David Malin Roodman,Worldwatch Institute
            TBA, World Bank
Creditor governments have recently offered to cancel up to 55 percent of the debt they are owed by 41 poor nations. However, the deal has major flaws – for example, debtors like Indonesia, Nigeria, and Pakistan are excluded.  Our guests will discuss the causes of the debts and how to finally bring a lasting end to these
problems.

Thr. May 3
Topic: Press Freedom
Guests: Celeste Wallander, Council on Foreign Relations
            Lucy Dalglish, Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
A free press is an essential component of a democratic society. The Windhoek Declaration of 1991 became the first in a series of commitments to uphold the freedom of people everywhere to voice their opinions and their access to a variety of independent sources of information. We will discuss the plight of free press worldwide and listen to your opinions on what is happening in your country.

Fri. May 4
Topic: African Film Industry
Guest: Mahen Bonetti, spokesperson, African Film Festival
Over the last half a century, African cinema has become a unique blend of aesthetic experimentation, history and politics.  We will examine the oral traditions, unique pacing and non-linear style of story telling used by African filmmakers.  We will find out how these movies bridge the divide between post colonial Africa and western filmmakers.