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Printer-Friendly ModeFormer advisor to treasury secretary speaks to OLLI
February 19, 2007 —
The SVSU Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) held one of their semi-annual meetings on Wednesday, with former advisor to the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Dr. Roger Pajak speaking on international relations and specifically China, Russia and the Middle East.
Currently a National Counter Intelligence Officer for Russia and the Middle East, Pajak was a former National Security Advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Treasury. Pajak grew up in Bay City, where he still has family. He teaches part-time at the University of Viginia and at military schools around the world on the subject of foreign policy.
During his speech he centered primarily on Russia and the Middle East, but also addressed issues regarding China and the issue of globalization.
He labeled Russia as a "third world power with nuclear weapons." He noted that, while it may not seem to be foremost concern with regards to foreign policy, Russia must be addressed and monitored constantly. Post Cold-War Russia has foreign exchange reserves amounting to well over $4 billion, acquired due to the high price of oil, of which the country is the world's second largest exporter.
Pajak argues that there are three problems Russia is facing. One is its decreasing population, with an average birth rate of only 1.9 (2.4 being the average required to maintain population). The second concern is that there are still nuclear weapon facilities that are not adequately protected. The last concern is the recent push of the Russian government to align itself with various countries in the Middle East and South America - something the U.S. is keeping a close eye on.
Pajak also discussed the concerns about Iran as a "rogue gorilla" nation. He noted that there is debate in Washington as to how to go about talking to the Iran leadership.
Pajak concluded by noting his commendation of OLLI, and said that if he were still living in the area, he "would no doubt be a member."
