"The World and Business: Responsibilities, Obligations, and Profit"

An interdisciplinary conference sponsored by
The Wisconsin Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies
and
Carthage College's Clausen Center for World Business
and the Department of Political Science

October 17-18, 2008
Carthage College, Kenosha, Wisconsin

In the current international setting, where trade barriers are decreasing and global interdependence is increasing; the rule of law has become even more important and businesses must understand these changes if they want to be successful. Part of understanding these changes and the current international arena means being able to comprehend the various political, cultural, and linguistic similarities and differences that exist in the state where businesses are trying to open a subsidiary. Moreover, businesses typically seek an environment free of conflict.

The conference will feature papers and round-table discussion panels that focus on:

1. The role of multi-national and trans-national corporations in world business and their effect on states;
2. How states encourage businesses to invest where they do;
3. Obligations and responsibilities that states and businesses have to respect human rights and international law;
4. The relationship between business and the environment;
5. The role of human rights, the environment, health, wages, and/or work conditions in attracting international companies to states;
6. How knowledge of the local culture, language, and political system help businesses to be successful;
7. The effect of businesses and economic growth on indigenous communities;
8. The effect of inter- and intra-state conflicts on business;
9. The relationship of multilateral organizations and economic development; and
10. Conflicts that businesses or states may have regarding any of the above topics.

Conference organizer:

Dr. Jeffrey L. Roberg, Chair, Department of Political Science
Carthage College
2001 Alford Park Drive
Kenosha, WI 53140
Phone: (262) 551-5805, Fax: (262) 551-6208, email: jroberg@carthage.edu

For more conference information, and to register, please visit www.carthage.edu/wipcs