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2018 Civil-Military Relations Conference

This 2018 ALLIES Civil-Military Relations Conference focused on the changing climate and its impact on national and international security, specifically civil-military relations. Global warming has impacted the relationships between governments and their populations, as well as the roles and responsibilities of the military. The political and social impacts of climate change demand a whole-of-society response, while the military is often tasked with the implementation of these solutions. We will examine the role of civilian and military leaders in addressing oncoming challenges in the short- and long-term.

Conference Schedule

Saturday, Nov. 10th

Panel 1: “Society and Climate Change”

10:00am-11:30am
Robinson Auditorium

• Dr. Casey Brown, University of Massachusetts/Amherst
• Dr. Rachel Cleetus, Union of Concerned Scientists
• CDR Aaron Delano-Johnson, U.S. Coast Guard
• Dr. William Moomaw, The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University

This panel will address the social and political realities of climate change. Our panelists will discuss how drought, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events impact population centers and the peripheries of our country and others, national priorities must adjust to value consistent resources and spaces, or risk losing significant investments as time goes on. Similarly, they will discuss the role of class and identity as economic and political groups attempt to weather the physical storms battering their constituents. Lastly, the panel will address how climate shapes the state-society spectrum, through population movement and political instability.

Breakout Sessions

11:30am-12:30pm
Anderson Hall

• Room 210: Dr. Moomaw;
• Room 211: CDR Delano-Johnson;
• Room 212: Dr. Brown

Lunch Break

12:45pm-1:45pm
SEC Atrium

Panel 2: “Climate Security: Adaptations and Dangers”

2:00pm-3:30pm
Robinson Auditorium

• Dr. Auroop Ganguly, Northeastern University
• Dr. Jarrod Hayes, University of Massachusetts/Lowell
• Mr. Gregg Nakano, University of Hawaii
• Lt. Col. Patrick Workman, U.S. Army

In this panel, we will focus on new military policies and strategies in the face of rising sea levels and other physical and social consequences climate change. Panelists will grapple with what tactical and strategic changes are necessary and sufficient, as well as considering which of these concepts ought fall under the jurisdiction of specific sections of the military. In addition to military choices, our panelists will discuss which security frontiers will emerge or gain importance in the coming decades. This field will include expected physical and technological priorities and political realignments of the next several decades. This conference will also include several break-out sessions for smaller, focused discussions or activities with panelists. Attendees are also invited to a full day negotiation simulation on Sunday, which will be held in the Olin Center for Language Learning on the Tufts campus. A keynote speech will be included on Sunday afternoon, after the simulation. On Monday, at 11:00 am, attendees are welcome to attend the Tufts Veteran’s Day ceremony at Ballou Hall, with Tufts Dean James Glaser and President Anthony Monaco, as well as the Tufts Reserve Officer Training Corps contingent.

Breakout Sessions

3:30pm-4:30pm
Anderson Hall

• Room 208: Lt. Col. Workman;
• Room 210: Dr. Hayes;
• Room 211: Mr. Nakano;
• Room 212: Dr. Ganguly

Keynote Address: Climate Change, National Security, and the Future is Arctic Governance

5:00pm-6:15pm
Cabot 206, Fletcher School

Mark Nevitt of the University of Pennsylvania

Sunday, Nov. 11th

Simulation on Climate Change and State Decision-making

11:00am-4:30pm
Cabot and Olin Centers