International Program Series begins Thursday, October 4

The struggle between Russia and Great Britain over Central Asia in the nineteenth century was the original "Great Game." But in the past quarter century, a new " Great Game " has emerged, pitting America against a newly aggressive Russia and a resource-hungry China, all struggling for influence over the same region, now one of the most volatile areas in the world: the long border region stretching from Iran through Pakistan to Kashmir.

On Thursday, October 4 at 7:00 p.m., the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh and the Peters Township Public Library will welcome Dr. Alexander Cooley, one of America's most respected international relations scholars. In his new book, Great Games, Local Rules: The New Great Power Contest in Central Asia, Cooley explores the dynamics of the new competition for control of the region since 9/11. All three great powers have crafted strategies to increase their power in the area, which includes Afghanistan and the former Soviet republics of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. Each nation is pursuing important goals: shipping materials/equipment rights for the US, access to natural resources for the Chinese, and increased political influence for the Russians. This struggle for power and influence in Central Asia reflects a new multi-polar order. With three of the world’s largest superpowers competing for influence, how will Central Asia come to define geopolitics in the twenty first century?

Register in advance to attend this free program online, at the library circulation desk, or call 724.941.9430. The Peters Township Public Library is located at 616 East McMurray Road, McMurray, PA 15317.

Dr. Alexander Cooley is a Tow Professor of Political Science at Barnard College and an Adjunct Professor of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University. He is also a Ph.D. Advisor in Columbia University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Cooley has authored several books and he has published policy-related articles in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, International Herald Tribune, Foreign Affairs, and Washington Quarterly. Most recently, he has published an opinion piece in the New York Times.

The McMurray Veterans Foreign Wars POST 764 generously provides support for the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh International Program Series at Peters Township Public Library.

Learn how to pay for college!

Discover the ins and outs of the college financial aid process at the Peters Township Public Library on Tuesday, October 2 at 6:30 p.m. A representative from the Pennsylvania High Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) will discuss a variety of methods to finance a college education, as well as looking at alternatives to the traditional college experience.

Parents and students are invited to the presentation by Jayeann Harr, Higher Education Access Partner from PHEAA, which will describe all federal and PA-state financial aid programs, scholarships and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application processes. Other topics will include how colleges award aid to families and how financial aid deadline dates interface with the college admissions process. Loan rates and interest rates for students and parents will also be explained. A question and answer session will follow the program.

Registration is necessary for this free program either online, at the Library's circulation desk, or call 724-941-9430.