The School of Public Affairs on the campus of St. Cloud State University will be hosting two events offering differing perspectives on international and local events.

“Putin’s World and What It Means for You and Me” will provide people with a look at Russia and its relationship with the United States. Featuring Director of the Global Studies Program and Geography professor at SCSU Mikhail Blinnikov and Political Science professor Jason Lindsey, the program will look at Russian President Vladimir Putin and his statements regarding Russian and U.S. relations in the October Valdai Forum in Sochi along with issues dealing with the Ukraine and the Russian economy.

Following this presentation, St. Cloud Police Chief Blair Anderson will host a discussion on law enforcement standards in the state.

“Black and Blue: Race Relations in Minnesota Law Enforcement and Its Effects” will allow Chief Anderson to discuss the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training, police agency demographics, barriers that are in place to diversify the police force, and his own journey through the ranks to become the police chief of St. Cloud.

Both Putin’s World and the Law Enforcement discussion will take place on Thursday in the Atwood Memorial Center Alumni Room. Putin’s world will begin at 11 a.m. and Anderson’s talk will start at 1 p.m.

Both events are free and open to the public.