October 11, 2018
La Roche College and Partners to Host Book Discussion with Seth Jones
PITTSBURGH, Oct. 11, 2018 – La Roche University, the
Pittsburgh Chapter of the Kosciuszko Foundation, and the World Affairs Council
of Pittsburgh will host a book discussion with author Seth Jones on Wednesday,
Oct. 24.
The event will take place from 6:30
to 8:30 p.m. in the Ryan Room of the Zappala College Center. Mr. Jones will
discuss his new book, “A Covert Action: Reagan, the CIA, and the Cold War
Struggle in Poland.”
“Through our partnership with the
Kosciuszko Foundation and the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh, we have the
ability to engage with new and diverse audiences,” Emily Markham, the assistant
director of Global Engagement at La Roche, said. “We can provide a platform for
engagement and discussion between the La Roche community and surrounding
neighborhood by serving as the host for this unique international program.”
Seth Jones is the director of the
Transnational Threats Project at the Center for Strategic and International
Studies in Washington, D.C. Mr. Jones previously served as the director of the
International Security and Defense Policy Center for the RAND Corporation. He
also acted as representative for the commander to the assistant secretary of defense
for special operations. He specializes in counterterrorism, counterinsurgency,
unconventional warfare, and covert action, with a focus on Al Qaeda and
ISIS.
Mr. Jones’ book focuses on the
CIA’s operations in Poland, which led them to an important victory for
democracy during the Cold War. While the Soviets backed Poland in their attempt
to stop the beginnings of a liberal opposition movement, the CIA began their
intelligence campaign, QRHELPFUL, to support the opposition groups. The CIA
donated funds to help a group named Solidarity print newspapers, broadcast
radio programs, and conduct a wide-ranging information warfare campaign against
the Polish government.
“We are all very excited to have
Seth Jones here for the event and are delighted to be working with both the
Kosciuszko Foundation and the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh on this
effort,” Ms. Markham said. “We look forward to welcoming the La Roche community
and surrounding neighborhood to campus for what I’m sure will be a compelling
presentation and discussion.”
This event is free and open to the
public. There will be a brief Q&A session following his remarks.
Additionally Mr. Jones will sign books, and guests may purchase copies of the
book. Light refreshments will be served.
The Kosciuszko Foundation, founded
in 1925, promotes closer ties between Poland and the United States through
educational, scientific and cultural exchanges. It awards up to $1 million
annually in fellowships and grants to graduate students, scholars, scientists,
professionals and artists, and promotes Polish culture in America. The
Foundation has awarded scholarships and provided a forum to Poles who have
changed history.
Established in 1931, the World
Affairs Council of Pittsburgh serves as model for promoting international
engagement across generations and sectors. The
Council’s mission is to provide a pathway for a more globally minded region,
offering students and the community a learning space that covers key
international issues. The World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh is a member of
the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA), a network of more than 90
nonprofit, nonpartisan member Councils around the country.
About
La Roche University:
A private liberal arts college in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche University
offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, six graduate degree programs and one
doctoral program, with particular strengths in education, business, criminal
justice, psychology, and health and medical sciences as well as interior design
and graphic design. This residential college provides a vibrant campus
community for more than 1,400 men and women enjoying 30-plus student
organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. Founded by the
Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, La Roche University embraces its Catholic
heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of
social justice and a commitment to international exchange, La Roche University
educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse
and global society.
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