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Australian Institute of International Affairs - Western Australia

Geopolitics Vs International Relations: an African perspective

Wed, 27 Feb 2019
18:15 - 20:00

 

EVENT FULLY SUBSCRIBED ONLINE. PLEASE CONTACT SECRETARY ON 0432 956 895 TO ENQUIRE ABOUT POSSIBLE DOOR SALES.

 

As a long time AIIA Western Australia member and supporter, we are delighted to welcome Dr Max de Vietri as our first speaker for the 2019 program to give consideration to the differences between geopolitics and international affairs.

The interaction of human groups on the surface of the earth has been the subject of long-time evaluation. In spite of claims to impartiality, writings on this can often be classed as propaganda or, at the very least, biased and prejudiced, upholding the rights and privileges of one group of people against another. Whether shrouded in terms of supposed 'objective' geopolitical terms or a more 'subjective' international relations relations speak, these writings shape the thoughts and actions of leaders, as well as our own.

The difference between ‘objective’ geopolitics and ‘subjective’ international relations is uncovered through the principal academic researchers and international government advisers that have historically helped shape these concepts. The dichotomy and the great weakness in our own thinking about global matters is exposed by examining the writings of these researchers and practitioners.

Max will explore this in the context of the recent elections in resource-rich Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a country that is one of the largest copper producer in the world and contains some 80% of world global reserves in cobalt - both commodities becoming increasingly important in our quest for environmentally safe power. What is the outlook for mining companies, including many from Australia, who have their eyes on this resource along with potential gold and copper deposits? And what are the expected social and political impacts of future natural resource projects on West African states and peoples?

 

Case Study Room, Level 1, UWA Club (next to the Auditorium).

Doors open from 6.15pm. Enjoy a complimentary house beverage on arrival. Presentation commences 6.45pm.

Optional a la carte dinner available from the Level 1 UWA Club Bar & Restaurant following the presentation. No bookings required. Individual orders and payments taken by restaurant staff on the night.

*** Capacity at the venue is limited and door sales may not be available. Pre-purchase tickets early via the blue "GET TICKETS" button below to avoid disappointment! ***

 

About the speaker

Dr Max de Vietri is the Principal of African Geopolitics, a socio-political advisory group that helps African governments and foreign companies in the natural resources industries work together on the African continent. A graduate geologist with 43 years of international experience in mining and petroleum exploration and production in over 50 countries, including 26 in Africa, Max has been involved in finding and championing the evaluation of significant hydrocarbon and mineral discoveries. Raised in France before migrating to Australia, his native language skills have been beneficial for working in many French speaking African locations, starting with Burkina Faso as early as 1978.

Max is an “Officer of the National Order of Merit for the Islamic Republic of Mauritania”, an award granted by then-President Ely Mohamed Vall in 2005 in recognition of his efforts in promoting the mining and petroleum potential of Mauritania. In addition to Max's graduate degree in geology (1975), he has a Graduate Diploma in Business (1986), a Master in International Relations (2010), and doctorate in International Affairs (2015), evaluating the interaction of the establishment of a petroleum industry with the socio-political environment of Mauritania.

His experience serving as Consul for the Republic of Mali in Perth between 2005 and 2016, led to the establishment of African Geopolitics in 2012, aimed at assisting in the development of economic projects for the benefit of commercial ventures, African governments, and local people. Max's postgraduate research studies in international affairs began in 2008, reinforcing his interest in the social and political impacts of natural resource projects on emerging countries, and especially West African states.

 

Important format changes in 2019:

  • Change of day - regular AIIA monthly events will now be held on Wednesdays. Save the dates in your diary for the rest of 2019 - 20th March, 17th April, 22nd May, 26th June, 24th July, 28th August, 25th September, 23rd October, 27th November, 11th December (Christmas format).
  • Change of room - regular AIIA monthly events will now be held in the UWA Club Case Study Room located on level 1, next to the Auditorium.
  • Capacity limitations - the Case Study Room has a strict capacity limit which may prevent door sales depending on the event. Secure your place by purchasing tickets online in advance. 
  • Optional dinner post-presentation - members and guests are invited for dinner with the speaker following the presentation (subject to speaker availability). This will be held in the UWA Club Bar & Restaurant (same level of the Case Study Room) off the a la carte menu. No pre-bookings required. Individual orders and payments will be taken by restaurant staff. EFTPOS and separate billing available.
Ticket Type Price
Member ticket $10.00 Sold out
Non-member ticket $20.00 Sold out
The University Club of Western Australia
Entrance 1, Hackett Dr, Crawley WA 6009, Australia

PO Box 1326, South Perth, Western Australia, 6951, Australia

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