From the Ashes: Cultural Identity and National Security in the Age of Conflict
The destruction and manipulation of culture is one of the key weapons used by autocratic regimes to attack democracies. The From the Ashes: Cultural Identity and National Security in the Age of Conflict symposium brings together leading voices to highlight the importance of safeguarding art, culture, and democracy, as well as explore the alliances, treaties, and policies designed to combat cultural destruction.
Panelists will reflect on the establishment of international alliances in the 20th century, particularly NATO, and examine how these frameworks have evolved. The symposium will also spotlight contemporary examples of threats to culture and 21st-century responses and strategies for integrating cultural preservation into future peacekeeping efforts and national security priorities for NATO allies and partners.
Date: November 19, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. CT
Location: Annenberg Presidential Conference Center, Hagler Auditorium
Bush School of Government and Public Service, Texas A&M University
1002 George Bush Drive West, College Station, TX 77843
Agenda
10:00 a.m. – Welcome
- John B. Sherman, Dean, Bush School of Government & Public Service, Texas A&M University
- Bart Oosterveld, Board Member, International Arts & Artists
- Ambassador Robert Gelbard, Member, Board of Directors, Center for European Policy Analysis
10:30 a.m. – Democracy & Cultural Destruction in Conflict & Authoritarian Rule: A Historical Perspective
- Eduardo Espina, Professor, College of Arts and Sciences, Texas A&M University; Uruguayan Poet
- Anna Bottinelli, President, Monuments Men & Women Foundation
- Moderator: Joe Golsan, Director, The French Institute, Texas A&M University
11:30 a.m. – Beyond 75 Years: NATO’s Impact on Stability and Democracy
- Ambassador Robert Gelbard, Member, Board of Directors, Center for European Policy Analysis
- Jessica Ludwig, Director, Global Policy, George W. Bush Institute
- Emily Otto, Fellow, Transatlantic Defense and Security and Digital Innovation Initiative, Center for European Policy Analysis
- Moderator: Karla Castillo, BVTM Anchor, KBTX
12:30 p.m. – Refreshment Break
1:45 p.m. – Keynote
- Will Hurd, Member, International Leadership Council, Center for European Policy Analysis; US Representative (TX-23), US House of Representatives (2015-2021)
2:40 p.m. – Democracy & Countering Cultural Destruction in Conflict: A Contemporary Perspective
- James Ball, Director, Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts, Texas A&M University
- Jake Groshong, Chief Executive Officer, Playing for Change Foundation
- Dr. Carmela Garritano, Associate professor, Department of International Affairs, Texas A&M University
- Moderator: Licy Do Canto, Global Advisory Council, Wilson Center; The Do Canto Group
3:50 p.m. – Security, Identity, and the Next Generation
- Brigadier General (Ret.) Kim Field, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Texas A&M University
4:50 p.m. – Visual display of ARS AEVI art works
5:00 p.m. – War & Art: Our Duty for the Next Generation
- Renato Miracco, Exhibition Curator, From the Ashes: Cultural Survival and National Identity in the Age of Conflict
- Moderator: Cory Arcak, Director of International and High-Impact Experiences, Texas A&M University
6:00 p.m. – Close
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