August 30 – September 15, 2010. Consider global security in the 21st century during discussions on arms, energy, and the environment in the Black Sea region. Optional extensions allow for exploration of Kiev and Chernobyl (8/25-31) and Istanbul and Ephesus (9/15-18).

In 2006, Princeton Journeys participated in a World Leaders Symposium in the Baltic Sea that brought together high-ranking officials, brilliant academics, and other dignitaries to discuss the end of the Cold War and the current state of affairs in that region. Princeton Journeys is pleased to announce another opportunity to study a region along with key political, intellectual, and diplomatic figures.

Embark on a journey to Russia and the Black Sea region, August 30 – September 15, 2010, to delve into the unique history and culture of the region, and explore in depth issues ranging from Russia's deteriorating relations with the West, the proliferation of nuclear weapons, the struggle between Russia and her former satellite states, the independence movements of potential breakaway republics, and the strategic importance of oil in the Caucasus region and general issues of environmental security in the region.

A distinguished group of guest speakers includes:

• Condoleezza Rice, former U.S. Secretary of State;
• William Perry, former U.S. Secretary of Defense;
• Mikhail Gorbechev, president of the former Soviet Union from 1985 to 1991 and founding president of Green Cross International;
• James Hadley Billington '50, Librarian of Congress

Together, with other distinguished leaders, they will provide insight and perspective on the modern history and contemporary politics of this region.

The symposium will begin with a high-level keynote conference in Moscow. The cruise itself will begin and end in Istanbul and will be aboard the privately chartered Silver Wind, one of the highest-rated luxury ships afloat. Port calls will allow for exploration of various sites in Georgia, Ukraine, and Turkey with optional excursions to Azerbaijan. Through exclusive regional connections, experience special, behind-the-scenes access to key sites and meetings with local dignitaries that will enhance understanding of the complex relationship between the U.S. other actors in this interesting region.

Please note: Princeton travelers will share this experience with travelers from various other organizations and institutions, including the Alumnae Association of Smith College, American Museum of Natural History, Harvard Alumni Association, Smithsonian Journeys, Stanford Travel/Study, and Yale Educational Travel.

About the Study Leader
A team of enrichment lecturers will be joining this program. James Billington '50, Librarian of Congress, will serve as Princeton study leader throughout the journey.

James Hadley Billington '50 has been The Librarian of Congress since September 1987. Educated at Princeton University (1950) and Oxford (1953), he was a professor of history at Princeton from 1964 to 1973. Billington is the author the classic cultural history, The Icon and the Axe (1966); The Face of Russia (1998), a companion book to his PBS series of the same name; and many other books. In 1988 he accompanied President Ronald Reagan to the Soviet Summit in Moscow. He is the founder and chairman of the Open World Leadership Center, which has brought 15,000 young political leaders from Russia, Ukraine, and other successor states to the U.S., and has been chairman of the board that administers the Fulbright Exchange Program worldwide. The recipient of 40 honorary doctorates and 11 foreign state decorations, Billington is currently consultant to President Medvedev of Russia on a new Russian library system. He is also the founder of the World Digital Library program, which has put online cultural treasures from all 192 countries in UNESCO.

To make a reservation, fill out the form in the brochure or contact Princeton Journeys at (609) 258-8686 or journeys@princeton.edu for further information.