News Release

04-17-09

ISS Hosts Energy Security Forum

From left: Dr. Tyrus W. Cobb, Dr. Ted Robert Gurr, and Dr. Dennis Pirages

The ISS hosted a panel discussion to a full house at the Atomic Testing Museum on Thursday, April 16th, 2009.  The forum was entitled “Minimizing the Impact of Conflict on U.S. Energy Security.”

The engaged audience heard opening remarks from ISS Executive Director, Scott Smith.  Included on the panel was Dr. Tyrus W. Cobb, CEO of the Northern Nevada Network and former special assistant to President Reagan; Dr. Ted Robert Gurr, an internationally recognized expert in ethnic conflict; and Dr. Dennis Pirages, UNLV Dean’s Professor of Government in the Department of Political Science.

The panelists offered thought-provoking comments on the growing concern over the concentration of energy reserves located in unstable regions around the world.  Particular areas of concern include Eastern Africa and the Middle East.  The panelists linked the internal conflict and oil-production of these unstable countries to the potential impact on America’s long-term access to energy resources.   

The panel discussion concluded with a lively Q&A session between the panelists and the audience. 

The event, which was open to the general public, was attended by 80 people, including researchers, students, and business persons.

This event was co-sponsored by the Nevada Alliance for Defense, Energy and Business and the Nevada World Affairs Council in Las Vegas.

Click here to view an album of photos from the event.

Click here to download selected portions of the panel discussion.