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The annual Mansfield Conference stimulates local and regional interest in Asia and on key global issues that are too often under-reported in U.S. media, communicating perspectives held not only by Americans but also by expert presenters from Asia.. Recent conferences have focused on such topics as the emergence of India; the North Korean nuclear crisis and U.S.-ROK relations; the cross-cutting impact that globalization has had in China, and the vital role that water plays in Asia and the West. Conference themes are chosen for their perceived significance, and for their relevance to both Asia and the United States. Typically, the Conferences feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, and related academic symposia, with a premium placed on broad and open discussion and analysis. All events are free of charge and open to the public. Funding is provided by an endowed gift to the Mansfield Foundation from the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Foundation as well as other sources relevant to the conference theme. The Mansfield Lecture in International Relations Series, for which funding is provided by the University of Montana Foundation, typically sponsors one of the keynote addresses.
In recent years, the Mansfield Conference has been jointly planned and co-sponsored by our colleagues at the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation, with which we also collaborate on a number of other events. Since 2005, key themes raised in the conference have been pursued in more depth in subsequent off-site Mansfield Retreats, which feature closed door discussions aimed at fostering frank and honest exchange and relationship building among Conference presenters, who often represent different countries and perspectives.
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