Portland, Ore. -- (April 15, 2010) -- Veteran journalist James Fallows moved to Shanghai in 2006 to write about the complexity of China's explosive growth and new culture. His essays were chronicled in The Atlantic and published together in the book "Postcards from Tomorrow Square."

Fallows will talk about the human stories of China's bumpy transition to democracy during a public lecture at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 21, in Portland. The free lecture will take place at the University of Oregon's White Stag Block, 70 NW Couch St.

The former U.S. News & World Report editor explains the economic, political, social, environmental and cultural forces that have transformed China into a world superpower and its impact on both the U.S. and the world.

"Jim's experience working and living in China for over three years has given him a unique perspective on China's role as a global force in culture, business and politics," said Wendy Larson, vice provost for Portland Programs. "As an institution that values communication and understanding among nations and people across the world, the UO is delighted to bring to Portland audiences a speaker with a deep understanding of social and economic life in a rapidly changing China."

The Fallows lecture concludes a series of events that relates to the UO in Portland's "China Now" yearlong theme.

Fallows is the author of several books, including "Breaking the News," about the crisis facing contemporary news media, and "Blind into Baghdad," about the lead-up to the war in Iraq. He has won the National Book Award, the American Book Award and the National Magazine Award. He is a former speechwriter for President Jimmy Carter and is the Atlantic's technology columnist.

Seating is limited. To register, visit pdx.uoregon.edu/fallows_lecture.html or call 503-412-3785.

Sponsored by the UO in Portland and the UO Confucius Institute.

About the University of Oregon
The University of Oregon is a world-class teaching and research institution and Oregon's flagship public university. The UO is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), an organization made up of the 62 leading public and private research institutions in the United States and Canada. The University of Oregon is one of only two AAU members in the Pacific Northwest.

Contact: Heidi Hiaasen, UO in Portland communications, heidih@uoregon.edu, 503-412-3714

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