Dinner and Debate with the IAFS Club

Political tensions, climate change, and democracy are normal dinner discussions for students in Ketchum 1B60 on Tuesday nights at the International Affairs Club. Club Co-President Nick Harvey (IAFS ’19) describes the student organization as “a forum to have open and informed discussions on pressing issues” where students can share their opinions, learn about global topics, and engage in productive discussions. “We eat pizza together each week because the best discussions happen around the dinner table,” says Harvey. The International Affairs Club attracts a variety of attendees, from social and natural sciences to engineering, and even graduate programs.

Recently, turnout has been growing and global problems involving culture, politics, or conflict have attracted a crowd. One recent meeting had participants discussing China’s move away from its One Child Policy and the impact on China’s power in the global arena. “It was fascinating,” explains Harvey. “We talked about everything from Chinese economic growth to the global threat of overpopulation for the environment.” Conversations at the table frequently involve strong opinions and perspectives because “members are passionate about what is happening in the world,” says Co-President Rachel Ensign (IAFS '19). With no shortage of events in news headlines, the International Affairs Club always has topics to discuss and new members to welcome.