Author Ben Wildavsky discusses his new book The Great Brain Race: How Global Universities Are Reshaping the World on Tuesday, June 1, at 6:30 p.m. at the Plaza Branch, 4801 Main St.

The Great Brain Race examines the growing international competition for the world’s brightest minds a trend Wildavsky contends should be welcomed, not feared.

Universities in China, India, and Saudi Arabia are competing with universities like Harvard and Oxford for students, faculty, and preeminence. He says as more schools strive to become world-class, the education marketplace is providing more options to more people.

Wildavsky is a senior fellow in research and policy at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, which co-sponsors the event.

Copies of The Great Brain Race will be available for sale, and Wildavsky will sign copies purchased during the event.

Admission is free. A 6 p.m. reception precedes the event. Click here or call 816.701.3407 to RSVP.