Thursday, October 28, 2021
by Dr. Joel Toppen
Political Science Professor, Hope College
South Haven Campus of Lake Michigan College, 7 p.m.
There was bipartisan support in Congress and a general consensus among Americans for ending the 20-year war in Afghanistan, but the messy withdrawal and apparent lack of an evacuation plan has frustrated us all. Citizens of all political persuasions are demanding answers for what went wrong and what comes next. Hope College Political Science Professor Joel Toppen, whose academic work focuses on U.S. foreign policy and global governance, will analyze the war and offer his insights on the implications of the Taliban’s return to power.
A member of the Hope College faculty since 1997, Dr. Toppen received the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in political science from Purdue University. His research field work has taken him to several African nations and his innovative interdisciplinary courses have included off-campus study and internship opportunities for his students internationally and in Washington, D.C. He has been honored as the college’s Outstanding Professor Educator by graduating seniors. He also has extensive experience as a professional consultant for international relief and development agencies, primarily focussing on food security and agricultural development in sub-Saharan, Africa.
Admission to the presentation is $10 at the door. Students, educators, and clergy are admitted free. Hearing loop technology is available.
