Widlanski to discuss ‘Big Mouth’ theory

Michael Widlanski, Ph.D., a former New York Times and Cox News reporter with 20 years’ experience reporting on the Middle East, will discuss “The Big Mouth Theory: Communication Power in the Global Arena” as he delivers the second annual Schusterman Lecture at 7:15 p.m. Oct. 8 in Wilson Hall, Room 214.

Michael Widlanski

Widlanski, the Schusterman Visiting Professor of Israel Studies in Arts & Sciences, has served as a news analyst, editor and reporter with nearly a dozen major news outlets, including the New Republic, National Review, Boston Globe, Atlanta Constitution, Jerusalem Post and Haaaretz. Born in New York, Widlanski began his journalism career in 1980 as a reporter for the Jerusalem Bureau of The New York Times.

A specialist in Arab politics, Widlanski earned a doctorate in political science and communications from Bar Ilan University in 2003-04. He served as special adviser to Israeli delegations to peace talks in 1991-92 and as Strategic Affairs Advisor to the Ministry of Public Security, editing secret PLO Archives captured in Jerusalem. Since 1996, he has taught courses in political communication as a lecturer at the Rothberg School of Hebrew University.

The Schusterman Scholar is funded through a generous grant from the American Israeli Cooperative Enterprise matched by individual donations to the University.

The lecture, followed by a kosher reception, is free and open to the public. Reservations are requested before Oct. 8. For information, contact Jennifer Gibbs at 935-7003 or jgibbs@artsci.wustl.edu.