The diplomat fellows have begun an exciting week of deliberations and caucus meetings that will culminate in a grand parliamentary showdown next Tuesday. The fellows are billed to write bills on the following policy areas for the imaginary country of “Loudenia”. The policy platforms to be represented include Loudenia’s relations with Russia, China, it’s position on the Middle East crisis situations, Trade policy, Energy policy, and the policy on the Environment. The Republic of Loudenia is a “Central European nation that boasts picturesque mountains, dense forests and a temperate climate”. The country has a literacy rate of 99% and has steady national budget surpluses for the past decade. Unemployment rate is at only 4.8 %. Loudenia is also a member of the European Union (EU) and of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Read More »
The diplomat fellows today explored the correlations, if any, between political stability and economic development in sub-Saharan Africa. The session, led by professor of Economics Sylvain Boko, examined cutting-edge research on the topic and generated interesting discussions on post-conflict reconstruction in some of the fellows’ countries. Dr. Boko’s thesis is this; there is a strong correlation-if not causal connection- between political stability and economic development. He cited Somalia, Sudan, the DRC, and Zimbabwe as important case-studies for his proposition. Prof. Boko explained that traditional economic modules have proved insufficient in explaining the failing economies of many fragile states in Africa and much of the ‘developing’ world. He noted that much of the available data shows that while political stability may not be sufficient for economic growth it is nevertheless an essential index in the equation. Read More »
The Wake Forest University Admissions office provided refreshments and made several staff available in special sessions aimed at the possibilities and pratfalls of applying to US colleges and universities. Nearly all the fellow were interested in learning more, attending the sessions. Four Diplomats were interested enough to arrange personal interviews for Thursday. Yes, Mr. Turkmenistan, there will be an opportunity to visit admissions. 
Theo Yakah & John Dinan lead a lively morning brainstorming session on Monday morning, presenting the Diplomats with a history of successful programs from past years and facilitating a lively discussion of project ideas lead by the fellows. There is not shortage of good ideas in the group. Here’s to a productive ‘09
John is clearly Mr. Wake Forest in this picture! Click for a larger version.
The fellows distributed across the city of Winston-Salem Monday morning engaging in service work at six Community Centers. A variety of
tasks were undertaken, from working with special needs children to cleaning resuscitation practice dummies. The goal of “Community Service) is to make more real the potential of citizen’s involvement in improving local communities.
Fellows volunteered at The Children’s Center * American Red Cross * Habitat For Humanity ReStore * The Salvation Army Thrift Store * The Salvation Army Thrift Store * The International Boys & Girls Club, Salvation Army * The “New” Boys & Girls Club. Read More »
Kenneth and Matt win the lottery - pictured driving away after a 9 pm Saturday evening arrival at Polo Dorm, Wake Forest Univ. campus. Fellows will spend a week staying with their home stay hosts, returning to campus for activities and classes during the week. Send louden@wfu.edu photos from home stay good times
After a tough day at the Water Park. More Photos under Diplomat photo tab. (Photo Credit - “France”)
Ms. Bettina Males, Tour Guide, Colonial Williamsburg
” Wars always last longer than we think they will“
-Sharon Smith, Tour Guide, Capitol Building, Colonial Williamsburg
“Fifteen Times…Fifteen Times…Fifteen Times,” a group of Diplomats chanted as they left The Escape From Pompeii water ride at Busch Gardens. At the end of the day, the crowds started to disperse, and the lines for the popular water ride shriveled down to zero, offering the Diplomats the opportunity to escape Pompeii repeatedly over the course of their final hour at Busch Gardens.
This eagerness to explore and bond with their fellow Diplomats was present the entire day. Over the course of the afternoon, the fellows have been racing across the park, from ride to ride, show to show, theme country to theme country. They traveled by foot, miniature train and skylift. Some, like Susan Eckman, were ambitious and brave, attempting to ride each and roller coaster. Others, preferred to stick to Read More »
The diplomat fellows have begun an exciting week of deliberations and caucus meetings that will culminate in a grand parliamentary showdown next Tuesday. The fellows are billed to write bills on the following policy areas for the imaginary country of “Loudenia”. The policy platforms to be represented include Loudenia’s relations with Russia, China, it’s position on the Middle East crisis situations, Trade policy, Energy policy, and the policy on the Environment. The Republic of Loudenia is a “Central European nation that boasts picturesque mountains, dense forests and a temperate climate”. The country has a literacy rate of 99% and has steady national budget surpluses for the past decade. Unemployment rate is at only 4.8 %. Loudenia is also a member of the European Union (EU) and of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Read More 
