Why Free Trade Doesn’t Work

Ian Fletcher, Author, Free Trade Doesn’t Work; Senior Economist, Coalition for a Prosperous America

Free trade is one of the sacred cows in American economic policy. But as our $500 billion a year trade deficit continues, people are asking whether it deserves this status. The principles of economics that underlie free trade are controversial, and some of the most recent economic models question its soundness as policy. Fletcher will look at what economic history really says about free trade, and what some rational alternatives might be.

MLFs: Business & Leadership/International Relations
Location: SF Club Office
Time: 5:30 p.m. networking reception, 6 p.m. program, 7 p.m. book signing
Cost: $20 standard, $8 members, $7 students
Program Organizer: Norma Walden

National Insecurity: The Cost of American Militarism

Melvin Goodman, Author, National Insecurity; former Soviet Analyst at the CIA and U.S. State Department

Post-election, everyone is focusing on how to create a robust economy. Twenty-four-year CIA veteran Goodman argues that American military spending makes us poorer and less secure while undermining our global political standing. Drawing on his first-hand experience with war planners and intelligence strategists, Goodman offers an insider's critique of the U.S. military economy from President Eisenhower's farewell warning to President Obama's military expansion. He outlines a vision for how to alter our military policy, practices and spending to better position the U.S. globally and enhance prosperity and security at home.

MLF: International Relations
Location: SF Club Office
Time: 5:30 p.m. networking reception, 6 p.m. program, 7 p.m. book signing
Cost: $20 standard, $8 members, $7 students (with valid ID)
Program Organizer: Sy Yuan
Also know: in association with City Lights Publishers

Adventures in Cross-Cultural Etiquette: How to Avoid Faux Pas in Social and Business Situations

Syndi Seid, Founder, Advanced Etiquette

Come gain tips on how to feel confident meeting anyone from anywhere in the world – advice that can help you win friends, influence people and close deals. Seid is a world-leading expert on international business and social etiquette and protocol. She travels the world to present her unique learning experiences that offer her audiences new skills they can put into action immediately.

MLF: International Relations
Location:  SF Club Office
Time: 5:30 p.m. networking reception, 6 p.m. program
Cost: $20 standard, $8 members, $7 students (with valid ID)
Program Organizer: Norma Walden
Also know: In association with the Northern California Peace Corps Association

Trade in Your Rights: Russia’s Circuitous March to Democracy

Pavel Khodorkovsky, President, Institute of Modern Russia

Khodorkovsky  asserts that supporting civil society is critical in Russia’s current human rights and political environment. The son of Mikhail Khodorkovsky, well-known political prisoner, businessman and author, Pavel can’t return to Russia for fear of endangering his father. Pavel Khodorkovsky maintains close relationships with many Russian opposition leaders and will relay his thoughts on the current political situation and how Americans can support the democratic process.

MLF:INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Location: SF Club Office
Time: 5:30 p.m. networking reception, 6 p.m. program
Cost: $20 standard, $8 members, $7 students (with valid ID)
Program Organizer: Norma Walden
Also know: Photo: Marshall Troy Photography

Reform in Morocco: Evolution, not Revolution

André Azoulay, Senior Advisor to King Mohammed VI of Morocco

Well known in Europe and Africa for his work in business development, Azoulay was a leading architect of the remarkable economic reforms and growth Morocco has experienced over the last three decades. He is also a respected advocate of pluralism and inter-religious dialogue. He will discuss Morocco's constitutional reforms and election following the Arab Spring and share his views on the future of Morocco and North Africa.

MLF: International Relations
Location: SF Club Office
Time:  5:30 p.m. networking reception, 6 p.m. program
Cost: $20 standard, $8 members, $7 students (with valid ID)
Program Organizer: Norma Walden
Also know: In association with the NorCal Peace Corps Association