Kasparov brings global issues to light in Graham Chapel lecture

Chess legend Garry Kasparov delivered a lecture Monday afternoon in Graham Chapel on global economics and politics, discussing the overarching issues the world is currently facing and offering ideas on how society can move forward.

Much of his discussion centered on his involvement in Russian politics, as a noted dissident of the Putin administration.

“In America, an election is a competition. In Russia, we fight to have an election,” Kasparov said.

Kasparov also attended a reception in the Women’s Building after the lecture, where he played chess with a member of the audience.

He won.

Some students were surprised by the content of Kasparov’s lecture, but many said they found it worth attending.

“I was expecting more chess, but politics is interesting,” sophomore Lawrence Yen said.

“I got to listen to one of the smartest men in the world. I am psyched,” freshman Michael Mojtahedi said.

Check back on Thursday for complete coverage.