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August 02, 2005

Talloires Symposium 2005: Exploring International Security with a European Perspective

In June 2005, the Fletcher School took a vacation. Descending upon the medieval village of Talloires, France, Fletcher held its fourth annual symposium and conference for alumni and friends at Tufts’ home base in Europe. Talloires, as the conference is affectionately referred to, has aimed to increase Fletcher’s profile in Europe, as well as to encourage intellectual and professional interactions among the Fletcher family.

With over 60 professors, former students and colleagues registered, the attendees were treated to beautiful spring weather in the small mountain town. Overlooking the village’s restored 11th century monastery (known in Tufts circles as simply as the Priory), the conference’s activities included lectures and discussions, along with hikes and visits to local tourist and nature sites.

Alumni and friends were welcomed with a reception held in the cool stone cellar and walled garden of the priory. Dean Stephen Bosworth followed the reception by greeting the conference attendees before alumna Samantha Frank and colleague entertained the group with a classical music interlude.

Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of MI6, the British Secret Intelligence Service, served as the symposium’s keynote speaker, presenting “Effective co-operation at the national level and internationally – the challenge for intelligence and security agencies.” Notably relevant in the days after the London terrorist bombings, Dearlove brought a unique perspective to the security situation in Britain and across Europe, having recently retired in July 2004.

Dearlove, fresh from a visiting lecturer position at Fletcher this spring, was followed by Fletcher Professor of International Politics Richard Schultz in presenting a broad and multi-tiered perspective on current and historical International Security issues. Schultz also lectured the diverse crowd with “Requirements for effective intelligence against non-state armed groups,” which led to lively discussions and even more heated debates. In the weeks following Talloires, alumni worldwide have even written in and commented upon the role of the Fletcher community in a post-London world.

Gabriella Goldstein, Director of the European Center of Tufts University, managed all activities and ensured that they ran smoothly. The additional staff of Tufts students also made sure the guests felt at home in Talloires. In attendance in the French Alps for the Talloires Symposium were older and more recent alumni, plus GMAP (Global Master of Arts) students and graduates, as well as members of the Fletcher European Advisory Group.

Article by Stephanie Lindenbaum, MALD '05

Posted by jessica at August 2, 2005 04:31 PM