Sir Paul Collier will discuss how the refugee crisis is changing the world

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 AMES, Iowa -- The Economist magazine calls Sir Paul Collier "one of the world's most thoughtful economists" whose books "consistently illuminate and provoke." Collier will share his views on the refugee crisis — one of the most urgent and contentious issues of our time — during a talk at Iowa State University.

Collier will present "Rethinking the Refugee Crisis" at 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29, in the Memorial Union Sun Room. His free, public talk is part of ISU's World Affairs Series: "Redefining Global Security."

Collier is professor of economics and public policy and director of the Centre for the Study of African Economies at Oxford University. He is the author of several books, including the best-seller, "The Bottom Billion: Why the Poorest Countries are Failing and What Can Be Done About It." His most recent book is "Exodus: How Migration Is Changing Our World." Based on original research and case studies, the book clearly and concisely describes the effects of encouraging or restricting migration.

Collier also serves as adviser to the strategy and policy department of the International Monetary Fund and to the Africa region of the World Bank. In 2010 and 2011, Foreign Policy magazine named Collier to its list of top global thinkers. He regularly writes columns and commentary for The New York Times, Financial Times, Wall Street Journal and Washington Post.

Collier's talk is co-sponsored by the College of Human Sciences, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, department of economics, World Affairs Series and the Committee on Lectures, which is funded by Student Government. More information is available online at ISU Lectures Program, or by calling 515-294-9935.