Program and Event

American Professors discuss the U.S. elections, international human rights institutions and regional integration

Dr. Roper discusses the U.S. elections with the diplomatic corps and representatives from international organizations at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence

Barria responds to a student’s question after her lecture at the American Center

Dr. Lilian Barria and Dr. Steven Roper of Georgetown University returned to Laos from March 3-14 to conduct a series of lectures and discussions on international human rights institutions, the role of ASEAN, and the U.S. elections.

Dr. Roper and Dr. Barria are professors from the Department of Political Science, Georgetown University, based at the campus of the School of Foreign Service in Doha, Qatar. During their two-week visit to Laos, Dr. Barria and Dr. Roper addressed audiences of students and teachers, members of the diplomatic corps and international community, and Lao officials. Speaking on the topics of "Overview of Fundamental Issues in International Human Rights,” "The Development of a Human Rights Commission for ASEAN,” "Concepts in International Political Economy" and "Understanding US Elections: The 2008 Presidential and Congressional Elections,” the professors conducted lectures for Lao government officials and more than 180 students from the Faculty of Law and Political Science at both the National University of Laos in Vientiane and Champassak University in Pakse.

In addition, the team led a workshop on developments in ASEAN and Laos’ efforts to join the WTO to a group of more than 200 Lao government officials and students at the National Academy of Policy and Public Administration in Vientiane.  Drs. Roper and Barria also held a roundtable discussion with members of the Lao Bar Association to exchange views on legal developments in Laos and within ASEAN. The U.S. Ambassador to Laos, Ravic R. Huso, also hosted more than 50 members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of international organizations in Laos to listen to the professors discuss the 2008 elections in the United States. Finally, Dr. Barria discussed study in the United States and ASEAN issues at the American Center to interested students.