As part of American University Washington College of Law’s US &International AntiCorruption Law Summer Program June 15-19, 2015, a series of lunch presentations will take place featuring fascinating speakers including:
Stuart Bowen
Former Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction
(Monday, June 15)
After overseeing $62 billion in US funding for Iraq’s reconstruction, what have we learned about the causes, scope, and effects of corruption in the U.S. rebuilding effort? What about corruption within the Iraqi system itself and the extent to which it fomented the insurgency? And, what did we learn from the U.S. program to establish anti-corruption departments within the fledgling Iraqi democracy? How are these lessons applicable elsewhere?
Please join us for an insider’s view from the former head of the federal agency charged with overseeing US tax dollars appropriated for Iraq’s reconstruction. He secured nearly $2 billion in taxpayer benefits, obtained over 90 convictions, produced over 500 reports and traveled to Iraq 36 times.
James Thurber
University Distinguished Professor of Government,
Founder & Director of the Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies, American University
(Tuesday, June 16)
In the global fight against corruption, the US has long enjoyed a reputation for transparency, rule of law and accountability. That reputation has suffered at home and abroad with growing concern that political finance, lobbying and weak congressional ethics rules unduly favor those with means, distorting the democratic process. Some see recent laws and judicial decisions as contributing to a system of legalized corruption, or a form of ‘state capture’. Decades of effort to reform the system seem only to create more concern.
Please join James A. Thurber, widely recognized author and expert on campaign finance and elections and lobbying and ethics reform in the US and abroad, His forthcoming book is American Gridlock: The Sources, Character and Impact of Political Polarization (with Antoine Yoshinaka).
Tom Malinowski
Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor
(Wednesday, June 17)
Grand corruption steals billions that could provide for education, health and other basic human needs; it leads to the deprivation of rights to free speech, access to information and assembly; and, in worst cases, it fuels political instability and armed conflict. What have we learned about these linkages and how is the US and the international community addressing this challenge? What more can be done to combat a history — and a growing sense– of impunity and lack of accountability?
Please join Tom Malinowski, Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor and former Washington Director for Human Rights Watch, for a timely discussion.
**These luncheons have been made FREE for WFLS members.**
Members who would like to take advantage of this excellent opportunity to attend an interesting presentation and lively discussion (and over lunch!) should follow instructions in the relevant email to members. Space is limited. Please RSVP Promptly.
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