By Ashley Dickson
In the first forum of the International Forum Series, BYU political science professor Stan Taylor spoke about his personal reflections on ethical issues in international affairs.
Taylor”s address Wednesday, Sept. 10, to faculty, staff and students focused on two political issues with which he was personally involved that raised ethical concerns.
One situation involved the Senate”s dealings with the collection of evidence against Americans cooperating with hostile and foreign intelligence services.
The second issue was the right of the U.S. government to conduct covert activities abroad, including the assassinations of foreign political leaders.
While discussing the need for authorization from the president of the United States to go forth with covert actions, Taylor said the previous rule that allowed any government official to order covert actions needed to be eliminated because it was not healthy for the country.
“My role in these developments has been small, although I”m proud to be a part of it,” Taylor said.
Taylor has had extensive experience in international affairs and has received degrees from BYU and the Fletcher School of Law and Dimplomacy.
Since then, he has served as director of the Kennedy Center, chair of the Political Science Department and coordinator of the International Relations program at BYU.
Taylor also worked as a consultant and a staff member for the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence from 1976 to 1986.
“I”d love to hear all his stories, if there had been more time,” said Michelle Squires, an international studies major.
Squires said Taylor had good insight to often overlooked subjects.
“It was great to hear an insider”s perspective to the intelligence committee,” she said.
Kristine Randall, a senior majoring in international studies, has attended multiple forums at which Taylor has spoken.
“I think he”s a fascinating man,” Randall said. “He”s been in such key positions. He has such a clear vantage point to what”s going on.”
Taylor was awarded the International Society”s 2003 service award and has received numerous citations for excellence in teaching at BYU.
The next lecture of the Forum Series will be held September 17th in room 238 of the Kennedy Center. Valerie M. Hudson, professor of political science, will speak about security implications of Asia”s surplus male population.
