POI's next talk will be held at our new venue at my house in D1, and following the talk is a Halloween party. See details below.
Our new speaker, Joseph Weir will be presenting his thoughts on China's New Silk Road, also known as the Belt and Road Initiative.
The ancient Han dynasty in China saw the Silk Road turn into a complex network of trade routes connecting empires and ultimately linking the East to the West. But today's New Silk Road is a whole other story. Joseph has been preparing his Master’s thesis on this very topic and will give us insight into what China’s New Silk Road is; some misconceptions around what it is not, and the consequences on a global scale in terms of politics, poverty alleviation and the environment.

In recent years China has been expanding its influence across the world, and by 2030 may have spent one trillion US dollars on infrastructure in other countries. Is this a harmless project based on international cooperation, or the next step in China’s plan for world domination? Probably neither but it’s a topic that deserves discussion.

While China’s growing political influence in many countries has been increasingly covered in the media, the environmental consequences of its enormous construction and mining projects have often been neglected. In addition, Joseph will shed light on the irony of China sending its polluting industries abroad while working hard to clean up its environment at home.

*** Halloween Party *** at my house

To celebrate our new larger location and Halloween, join us for a fun-filled and spooky Halloween Party. Make sure you come dressed in your freakiest or craziest themed outfit! More details coming soon.