Paul Schroeder, Ph.D. – Visiting Assistant Professor of Political Science at Case Western Reserve University

Dear Colleagues:

On November 14, the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party announced the seven members of the new Standing Committee of the party’s Politburo, who are scheduled (barring upheaval) to rule the country for the next ten years. Six of the members are new, The leading position is held by Xi Jinping, the new party General Secretary and as of March national President; but he is more first among equals than the boss.

The new leaders face great opportunities, with China’s continued (even if moderating) economic growth. But they also face great challenges. These begin with how to maintain the Communist Party’s power amid the stresses of modernization, outrage at corruption and nepotism, environmental disasters, and possible disappointed expectations if the economy worsens. They include how to deal with the military’s role in politics and economics; how hard to ride the horse of nationalism in order to maintain public support; and how to combine traditional Chinese and Maoist claims to governing legitimacy. Professor Schroeder teaches a wide range of courses on Chinese politics, ranging from China’s foreign policy, through its environmental challenges, to Chinese political thought. There will be a lot to discuss.

All best regards,
Joe White
Luxenberg Family Professor of Public Policy and Director, Center for Policy Studies

About Our Guest

Paul Schroeder is Visiting Professor in the Department of Political Science at Case Western Reserve University. Professor Schroeder earned his Ph.D. from Ohio State in Chinese Politics in 1987, writing his dissertation on regional power in the Chinese political system. Before embarking on his Ph.D. studies, he was a journalist covering police, city, county and state government for several Ohio newspapers. While doing his dissertation research, Paul Scroeder represented the State of Ohio Department of Development in Wuhan, China. He then joined the staff of the National Committee on U.S. ― China Relations in New York, managing programs in law and economics.

From 1995-2007, Dr. Schroeder was managing director of East-West Trade Development, Ltd., a firm that assisted American businesses with international trade opportunities, especially with China. He also co-founded Families of the Fallen for Change, a lobby group advocating a political solution to the Iraq war, and as part of that has worked with senior members of Congress to develop policy alternatives. Paul has taught a series of courses at CWRU in recent years, including SAGES courses on China and the Environment; POSC 368 on The Peoples Republic of China; POSC 370C, The United States and Asia; and POSC 374, Politics of Development in the Global South. He brings to our classrooms remarkable experience in teaching, scholarship, working within China and within the foreign policy process of the United States.

Where We Meet

Mather House is located next to the Thwing student center two buildings to the right of Kelvin Smith Library on Euclid Avenue. Please enter the front door to Mather House and turn right. Mather House Room 100 is at the end of the hall. Please do not be bothered by the scaffolding currently over the entry door.

Parking Possibilities

The most convenient parking is the lot underneath Severance Hall. We regret that it is not free. From that lot there is an elevator up to street level labeled as for the Thwing Center.

Friday Lunch Upcoming Topics and Speakers:

October 11: “3D Printing” or Additive Manufacturing: What Is It, and What Could It Do? With Malcolm Cooke, Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Executive Director of think(box). ***Alternate Location: Spartan Room, 3rd Floor of Thwing Center***

October 18: Patenting Genes. With Craig Nard, Tom J. E. and Bette Lou Walker Professor of Law, and Director, Center for Law, Technology, and the Arts.

October 25: Why Performance Enhancing Drugs Should be Legal in Sports. With Max Mehlman, Arthur E. Petersilge Professor of Law and Director of the Law-Medicine Center.

November 1: Press Freedom and the Edward Snowden Affair. With Jim Sheeler, Shirley Wormser Professor of Journalism and Media Writing.

November 8: Is It or Is It Not Cancer? Is That the Question? With Nathan A. Berger, Distinguished University Professor and Director, Center for Science, Health and Society.

November 15: The Opportunity Corridor and Beyond: Transportation Issues in University Circle. With Debbie Berry, Vice President of Development, University Circle Inc.

November 22: Economic Effects of Health Care Reform: The Massachusetts Experience. With Mark Votruba, Associate Professor of Economics.

November 29 : No Session – Thanksgiving Break

December 6: TBA