EXPERTS ADVISORY

ANN ARBOR—Amid a slowdown in key economies, several world leaders will gather Nov. 10-11 in Beijing for the Asia-Pacific Economic Conference. Many will watch how President Barack Obama interacts with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. The leaders of Japan and China might seek to ease tensions with an ice-breaking chat.

Professors at the University of Michigan are available to discuss the annual summit of leaders:

Kenneth McElwain, assistant professor of political science, can discuss Japanese politics and the economy. His research interests include public opinion, party/campaign strategy and election analysis. McElwain was a co-editor of the book Political Change in Japan (2009). Contact: 734-615-5685 or kmcelwai@umich.edu. Bio: http://bit.ly/1Ab6ikS

Mary Gallagher, director of the Lieberthal-Rogel Center for Chinese Studies, can address social instability concerns, contagion effects on the mainland and student protests historically. Gallagher is an associate professor of political science whose interests include comparative politics of transitional and developing states as well as labor issues. Contact: 734-615-9154 or metg@umich.edu. Bio: http://bit.ly/1GkBMWo

Melvyn Levitsky is a retired career minister in the U.S. Foreign Service and professor of international policy and practice at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. During his 35-year career as a U.S. diplomat, Levitsky served as officer-in-charge of U.S.-Soviet bilateral relations. He was also a political officer at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow. Contact 734-615-4262 or levitsky@umich.edu. Bio: http://bit.ly/1tWS3M3

NOTE: U-M has a professional studio with an ISDN line for radio and satellite uplink capabilities for TV.