“In every free nation, and most of all in communities which have attained the enjoyment of peace and tranquility, this one art has always flourished above the rest and ever reigned supreme.” – Cicero

One of the core missions of the communication discipline is to foster dialogue between those who have differing opinions. This discussion launches a series of sponsored dialogues between professional, scholarly, and political voices presenting opposing positions on significant issues. Dialogues with notable opposition such as these will foster a greater understanding of the conflicts themselves and the position of each interlocutor involved.

Before a mutually beneficial agreement was reached, Los Angeles and Paris competed to host the 2024 Summer Olympics. In this event, representatives of both cities will discuss the arguments presented for each, the reasons each city claimed it should host, each city’s goals in hosting, and the resolution of the conflict. Guests are listed below. 

For Paris:

• Benoît Labat, higher education and French language attaché, French Consulate
• Yann Deschamps, PhD associate professor of sport history, Université Marie et Louis Pasteur

For Los Angeles:

• Alan Abrahamson, JD, publisher of Three Wire Sports, professor of sports journalism, University of Southern California

This event will be moderated by Dan Durbin and Julianna Kirschner. 

This program is open to all eligible individuals. USC Annenberg operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.