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Bridging the Atlantic Divide, Wilton
Park , August 4-8, 2003
The Conference
What can a person say about the Wilton Park experience?
Personally, I must say this proved to be the most rewarding
adventure that I have experienced! After spending a week at
Wiston House, I have found that both Americans and Europeans
enjoyed taking part in a seminar that allowed us to express
our views and to learn about our many diversities. Our main
purpose was to Bridge the Atlantic Divide, and I feel without
a doubt, that goal was met and surpassed! Before arriving at
Wilton Park, I expected the tone of the conference to be very
political and highly analytical, just as I experienced last
summer at the St. Albans School of Public Service. However,
this point was contradicted in many ways.
The conference gave all members the chance to meet people of
an international spectrum, that included meeting people of
various races, ethnicities and cultural backgrounds. In
addition, dialogue among the students and speakers proved to
be the key and integral part of the whole experience.
Discussions included bilateral issues and global issues such
as the current ‘War on Terrorism’, Great Britain’s support of
America’s war in Iraq, Reformation of the United Nations, and
Europe’s New Democracies, just to name a few. Moreover, we had
an opportunity to take an excursion to London, which provided
students with the social aspect of London by visiting museums
and other historic sites, shops, and other tourists'
attractions.
Orators/Speakers
We were delighted to have a panel of prominent, intelligent,
and accomplished speakers, who provided an insight into their
professions and views on past and current issues. In some
ways, these speakers served as moderators in discussions that
included issues such as terrorism, trade, democracy, religion,
and culture. All speakers clearly challenged the students to
think about how each of these issues impacts our way of life
and our international relations with each other. The speakers
included many journalists (both domestic and foreign
correspondents), professors, theologians, and government
officials, most notably Lord McNally, Deputy Leader of the
Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords of London.
Discussions
Among the many discussions, we had the opportunity of engaging
in dialogue of how the US views Europe and vice versa. The
responses given by the students were very opinionated and in
the end, helped us to understand each other better. The
conversation enabled us to compare and contrast the many
ideals and beliefs of both parties, which resulted in very
interesting and intriguing facts and information.
It should also be noted that there was strong, anti-American
sentiment amongst many Europeans. Particularly, the war in
Iraq became one of the most talked about issues during the
entire conference. It was obvious to see that Europeans are no
supporters of President George W. Bush and Great Britain’s
Prime Minister, Tony Blair. Socially, the Europeans felt that
their culture and their way of life was being threaten by
American pop culture. This includes: American food, clothing,
entertainment, and sports.
At the start of the conference, many if not almost all
Europeans considered America to be a superpower that sometimes
‘bullies’ and intimidates other countries in order to serve
its own interests. However, as we continued to converse about
this key issue, I found that Europeans viewed Americans in a
new scope despite strong convictions. Also, we were given the
opportunity of having a free round table discussion of two
subjects chosen by participants.
Excursion to London
During our excursion to London we toured the House of
Parliament and House Lords, which is equivalent to the United
States Congress. During our trip to the House of Parliament,
we had the opportunity of meeting and talking to Ben Bradshaw,
Parliamentary under Secretary of State.
Mr. Bradshaw entertained many questions related to Great
Britain’s role in the war in Iraq and the war on terrorism.
Due to the caliber of questions, Mr. Bradshaw publicly
acknowledged that the students in the program were very
inquisitive and an intelligent group of students. Afterwards,
we visited the London Eye, which was an awesome experience. I
took photos of famous landmarks such as St. Paul’s Cathedral,
Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace. Our culminating
visit landed at the Foreign Press Association. We witnessed an
interesting conversation between one French journalist and one
American journalist give their views on the American-France
relations before and after the Iraq invasion. Both men
provided meaningful insight and knowledgeable information.
What Did I Take Home?
My participation in this conference definitely had a great
impact on my life and future ambitions. This experience has
furthered my interests in Political Science and International
Relations. I am now compelled to learn more the about the
outside world and how it affects US policies. At Wilton Park,
I was fortunate to meet people from far places that shared my
common interest and as a result, we have formed relationships
that will never end. I anticipate returning to next year’s
nference. I will be forever grateful and endowed to Wilton
Park and the American Friends of Wilton Park for their
generosity and support.
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