We were honored to host Dr. Robert Rook in the 2nd presentation of the Eric A. Belgrad Speaker Series on Monday, March 12. Dr. Rook presented his talk, “NORTH KOREA AND THE WORLD: UNDERSTANDING A ‘JUCHE’ ROCKY BALBOA.”

Offered under the auspices of the Towson University Journal of International affairs, the goal of the Eric A. Belgrad speaker series is to shed light on a timely issue in the general field of international relations, broadly construed. In keeping with the spirit of the man in whose honor it was created, the speakers will seek to guide the audience to think more clearly about the topic of their talk rather than present predetermined conclusions meant for the sterile kinds of ideological “debate” that is unfortunately so prevalent today. We are particularly interested in inviting a broad spectrum of students to attend the talks in hopes of generating conversations and independent analysis. The opening remarks of the speakers will be published in that semester’s issue of the journal and will be featured prominently on the journal’s website. The talks will also be filmed, and this recording will also be available on the journal’s web site.

* The Dr. Belgrad Speaker Series celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Eric A. Belgrad, a renown and beloved political science professor at Towson University and the founder of the Towson University Journal of International Affairs. This series hosts guest speakers to provide lectures on international affairs topics and invites students and others to openly engage in discussion during Q&A sessions.