January 8th
7-9pm
800 Saint Paul St.

Alexis Bhagat will facilitate a three-part catalytic conversation in the wake of the announcement of the escalation of the Afghan War. A catalyst is a substance that initiates and/or accelerates a chemical reaction. It is intended for this conversation to provoke exciting reactions in the tactics and strategies of peace activists in the coming year.

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Part One: Where We're At - An Analysis

Bhagat will put forward a brief analysis, from an anarchist perspective, of the trajectory of US policy in waging the War on Terror. He will also speak about unmanned hunter-killer planes (the "MQ-9 Reaper UAV") and current prospects for non-proliferation and disarmament.Together, we will discuss implications at home and abroad for the escalation, and the continuing question of nuclear disarmament.

* Part Two: Getting Together - Sharing Experiences

We will go around in Talking Stick format testifying on war and peace--how the war has affected us, what sort of activism we may or may not have been involved with, what we think peace could mean. The stick will go around three times. Bhagat will share his experiences working with Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist order and is especially interested in hearing experiences of anarchists who work with communities of faith.

* Part Three: Moving on - Strategies for the Coming Year

Bhagat will briefly speak about a few tactics from the past century--from direct action disruption to mass protest to dropping out--and how they fit into diverse strategies to oppose militarism and imperialism. Together we will discuss strategies that anarchists should be putting forward to end the War on Terror, identifying allies, and spelling out "What is to be Done?"