GSI Students Attend TBCFR meeting
Source/Author: Richard Beaton, Director Global Scholars Initiative
April 12, 2018
Two carloads of students from Shorecrest's Global Scholars Initiative (GSI) and teachers attended the Tuesday, April 3rd meeting of the Tampa Bay Committee on Foreign Relations (TBCFR). The evening's guest was Ambassador John Beyrle, who served as an American diplomat for more than three decades in foreign postings and domestic assignments focused on Central and Eastern Europe, the Soviet Union, and Russia. He was twice appointed Ambassador: to Bulgaria (2005-08) and to Russia (2008-12). During the latter assignment he led the implementation of policies resulting in improved U.S.-Russian relations, highlighted by the signing of the START nuclear arms reduction treaty, Russia’s accession to the World Trade Organization, and liberalized visa formalities.
Ambassador Beyrle's topic was "Russia after Putin" - though he doesn't see Putin leaving the Russian political scene while he remains in good health, whatever his official title may be. He reminded us that Putin is quite popular in Russia, particularly among the younger and older demographic groups. He appeals to Russian nationalism with his annexation of the Crimea, his involvement in the Syrian Civil War, and Russia's overall military build-up as seen in its Victory Day parades. And, it's Ambassador Beyrle's opinion that he has no interest in partnering with the West. Rather, he stokes Russia's traditional xenophobia by presenting the West as a threat to Russia and its place in the world. The ambassador feels that relations between the US and Russia are at a low point, but he stressed the importance of keeping lines of communication open between the two countries. He felt that a meeting between Trump and Putin could be useful if the agenda is well-planned in advance, and the parties stick to those agendas.
Pictured are Reagan Quilty '19, Jacqui Barnes '19, Natalie Fort '19, Ambassador Beyrle, Upper School History Teacher Ms. Udwin, and Kyle Mullins '18.
Pictured are Reagan Quilty '19, Jacqui Barnes '19, Natalie Fort '19, Ambassador Beyrle, Upper School History Teacher Ms. Udwin, and Kyle Mullins '18.
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