The highlight of the conference year is the three-day Camden Conference, which takes place the third weekend in February at the Opera House in historic downtown Camden. For the first time this year, the World Affairs Council of Maine and the Camden Conference are offering a live presentation of the Camden Conference at the Hannaford Auditorium in Portland. For more information or to register to attend the Conference in Portland, visit the World Affairs Council of Maine's website or call (207) 780-4551.

The 22nd Annual Camden Conference, Global Leadership and the U.S. Role in World Affairs, will take place Feb. 20-22, 2009.

While the general theme has been chosen, the specific title and details of the program are in the early stages of development. Please keep visiting our website or subscribe to our e-mail newsletter to monitor our progress.

The 2009 Camden Conference will gather one month after a new President of the United States has been sworn in. The new President, following the Bush Administration, will face formidable tasks in foreign policy. New leaders will have to define and implement coherent and effective strategies to promote our national interests and advance our values.

Program sessions will explore the following areas:

• What is the international context for U.S. foreign policy in 2009, and where is history taking us? How do we see the world as it is, not as we imagine or prefer it to be? What are the most important trends, challenges, and underlying conditions that will confront the new Administration?
• Is there a central theme or “grand design” that should guide U.S. foreign policy in the coming era?
• Can or should the United States aspire to be the leader in the world? Will there be a basis in our economic strength, political and diplomatic skills, and military prowess to be the central player on the world stage? What will be necessary to ensure moral standing and to demonstrate “a decent respect to the opinions of mankind?” Considering the opportunities, costs, and risks, is it to the benefit of ordinary Americans to try to be the world leader?
• What are the issues and areas that pose the greatest risks, threats, and vulnerabilities in 2009 and beyond?
• Conversely, what will be the greatest strengths, assets, and opportunities for the United States to play an effective and constructive role in international affairs?

We expect that the discussion will touch on many specific policy areas related to US leadership, such as:

• The United Nations and other institutions of the international community;
• Environmental and energy policy, trade, migration, poverty and economic inequality; human rights and humanitarian intervention; and
• The Islamist movement, the Middle East, China, Europe, Russia, India, Latin America, and Africa.