Phi Beta Delta International Forum Takes on the Politics of Water

Dr. David R. Smith, associate professor of geography, will present a lecture titled "Water War in Central Asia?  Implications for Regional and U.S. Foreign Policy” as part of the Phi Beta Delta International Forum from 7 to 8:15 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 7, in the Dicke Forum. The presentation was originally scheduled for Sept. 23.

Smith spent the summer in the Republic of Tajikistan conducting research on water and conflict issues in Central Asia as part of a U.S. Embassy Policy Specialist (EPS) program fellowship from the International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX).


His talk focuses on water, conflict over water and regional social development issues in Central Asia as countries struggle to create their identities in the post-Soviet era.

Smith has degrees from Kent State and the University of Chicago. His research has taken him to Russia, Central Asia, Iran and North Korea.  He is a board member of an NGO (IRFD) with special consultative status with the United Nations, and has received travel and research grants from the U.S.  National Academy of Sciences, Fulbright program, IREX, and other programs.