Facing Foreign Affairs

Averi Haugesag

Document Type

News Article

Publication Date

11-30-2016

Campus Unit

College of Business & Public Administration

Abstract

UND President Mark Kennedy initiates discussion about foreign affairs among Army/ Air Force cadets.

With the election just three weeks behind us, President-Elect Donald Trump is at the forefront of many conversations—one of those a conversation between UND President, Mark Kennedy and junior/senior level Army/ Air Force ROTC students.

In a gymnasium filled with cadets in uniform, President Kennedy challenged those present to think about foreign affairs in a way many never had.

“He provided us with a lot of insight and knowledge on issues, topics and prospective that we as officers, are going to need to understand” said Cadet Jacob Crane.

President Kennedy started out with a short presentation then encouraged breakout sessions among the cadets to discuss how they think President-Elect, Donald Trump, Vice President-Elect, Mike Pence and Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan would handle certain world-affairs.

“I thought it was really interesting,” said Cadet Rhea Goulet. “I had never looked at it from that perspective. We don’t really think about it like that and I don’t think anyone really questions us to think about it like that.”

President Kennedy says discussions like this are important because those in the room could be some of the U.S. military’s future leaders.

“The trouble is, most Americans don’t think about foreign policy,” said Kennedy. “Most people don’t think outside of this country. So I think many times we stumble into these decisions without having time to think about them ahead of time. If you develop the base to make a decision ahead of time, then it’s more likely you’ll make a smart decision. So when I’m sitting in my rocking chair, it’s more likely I’ll be safe.”

“Obviously we report to civilians and that’s the way it should be,” said Crane. “But I think it’s important for us to kind of be aware because we are citizens in this nation, We should know what’s going on. I think it’s important for us because it makes us better people. It makes us smarter and we can think independently and kind of just help the nation move along.”

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