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  • Wednesday, September 05, 2018 1:09 PM | Anonymous

    September 5, 2018

    Weekly World News Update

    NAFTA Progress; China Interior Shocks and Strategic Exterior Moves; Swedish Election; Europe Talks Immigration; Argentina Currency Woes

    Quote of the Week

    Canada will not be signing a deal unless it is in the interest of Canadian workers, the Canadian middle class, and Canadians in general…We’ve been very clear that there are a number of things that we absolutely must see.Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at a televised news conference in Vancouver on Tuesday.

    Scramble for NAFTA

    NAFTA Breakthrough? Maybe.” Hilary Novik Sandberg -- Eurasia Group, August 30, 2018

    A NAFTA Deal Inches Closer” Inu Manak -- Cato Institute, September 4, 2018

    Canada Left Facing a Fait Accompli in NAFTA Negotiations” Claude Barfield -- American Enterprise Institute, August 30, 2018

    A New NAFTA Without Canada? Unions and Tech Push Back Against Trump's Mexico-Only Deal” David Meyer -- Fortune, September 3, 2018

    Where Things Stand on NAFTA” Victoria Guida -- Politico, September 4, 2018

    Troubling Revelations in Xinjiang

    Trump Urged to Sanction China Over Crackdown on Muslims” -- CBS News, August 30, 2018

    China Bites Back at U.S. Suggestion of Sanctions Over Concentration Camps” Casey Michel -- ThinkProgress, August 31, 2018

    China's Jaw-Dropping Family Separation Policy” Sigal Samuel -- The Atlantic, September 4, 2018

    Detention of Uighurs Must End, UN Tells China, Amid Claims of Prison Camps” -- The Guardian, August 30, 2018

    Charm Offensive in Africa

    China Is Doubling Down on Its “Win-Win” Strategy in Africa” Abdi Latif Dahir -- Quartz, September 4, 2018

    China Has Spent Billions in Africa, But Some Critics at Home Question Why” Robyn Dixon -- Los Angeles Times, September 3, 2018

    Theresa May’s Focus on UK–Africa Ties Is Long Overdue” Alex Vines -- The Telegraph, August 31, 2018

    Analysts: Africa Visits by Merkel and May Present Opportunities” Chika Oduah -- Voice of America, September 3, 2018

    Crucial Election in Sweden

    Swedish Center-Left Holds Small Lead Ahead of September 9 Election” Daniel Dickson and Simon Johnson -- Reuters, September 4, 2018

    Sweden Democrats: How a Nationalist, Anti-Immigrant Party Took Root in a Liberal Nordic Haven” Ben Kelly -- Independent, August 31, 2018

    Sweden Struggles with ‘Country in Chaos’ Social Media Attacks” Rafaela Lindeberg -- Bloomberg, August 30, 2018

    Immigration Debate Heats Up Across Europe

    Chemnitz Protests Show New Strength of Germany’s Far Right” Katrin Bennhold -- New York Times, August 30, 2018

    The Irish Times View on Germany’s Far-Right: A Warning from Chemnitz” Editorial Board -- The Irish Times, August 31, 2018

    "Europe’s Liberals Fear Continent Facing End-of-Era Moment" Jamie Dettmer -- Voice of America, September 3, 2018

    Another Currency Drop in Argentina

    Argentina Hikes Interest Rate To 60 Percent in Bid to Halt Currency's Fall” Colin Dwyer -- NPR, August 30, 2018

    Argentina's Macri Raises Taxes, Axes Ministries After Peso Plunge” Charlotte Mitchell -- Al Jazeera, September 3, 2018

  • Wednesday, September 05, 2018 9:11 AM | Anonymous

    September 4, 2018

    September Newsletter

    President's Letter; Council of the Month: Santa Fe; Early-bird Conference Deadline; Cover to Cover; Engage America Grant Programs; New WACA Interns; Council Jobs, and News!

    President's Letter

    Dear Council Leaders, Friends, and Supporters:

    The stakes have rarely been higher for the news media. Fifteen to 20 years ago, a top concern of journalists was how the Internet and new technologies would change the ad-driven business model that supported news gathering and delivery, and whether their companies and jobs would continue to exist.

    These days, as attacks from an American president on what he deems “fake news” increase and, more dangerously, morph into an authoritarian assault targeting journalists as “the enemy of the people,” the threat is far greater – to democracy itself. Globally, this worrisome trend emboldens those in power where protections for reporters were already weak; for established and emerging democracies, it erodes discourse, citizenship, and governance.

    On Monday, a Myanmar judge found two Reuters reporters, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, guilty of breaching a law on state secrets and jailed them for seven years. The Washington Post, in an editorial the day before, decried the imprisonment and killing of journalists “to smother vital truths."

    When President Trump’s lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, says in a televised NBC interview that “Truth isn’t truth,” this is not a “business as usual” environment for the Fourth Estate. Chuck Todd, moderator of Meet the Press and political director at NBC News, just penned a piece for the Atlantic, “It’s Time for the Press to Stop Complaining - And to Start Fighting Back.”

    Meanwhile, New Yorker magazine is now caught up in controversy for inviting and suddenly disinviting Steve Bannon as a headline speaker for its eponymous Festival. Vox today carried a worthwhile take on this New Yorker-Bannon story and the double bind journalists find themselves in today. Councils could face similar perils when it comes to engaging certain speakers for their events.

    The WACA National Office urges courage, and we commend the Santa Fe Council on International Relations – our Council of the Month – for putting together a timely and aptly-named conference in December: Journalism Under Fire.

    Yours truly,

    Bill Clifford, WACA President and CEO


    WACA 2018 National Conference:

    Braving the New World Order

    November 7-9

    The Mayflower Hotel

    Washington, DC

    Hurry! Purchase your Conference tickets now:

    Early-bird deadline is expiring in 3 days on Friday, September 7!

    Also: our Table of Eight promotion has been extended - be sure to check it out!

    Buy early-bird discounted tickets

    New speakers!

    Ivo Daalder and James Lindsay are co-authors of the forthcoming book The Empty Throne: America's Abdication of Global Leadership. Discounted copies will be available for sale at the Conference.

    Ivo H. Daalder

    President

    Chicago Council on Global Affairs

    James M. Lindsay

    SVP, Director of Studies, and Maurice R. Greenberg Chair

    Council on Foreign Relations

    Bookmark the WACA 2018 National Conference website for speakers and program updates!

    Join our Cover to Cover conference call on Tuesday, September 11, at 2:00-2:30 pm ET, featuring C.J. Chivers, two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning correspondent for the New York Times, on his new book, The Fighters: Americans in Combat in Afghanistan and Iraq.

    The Fighters is a tour de force, a portrait of modern warfare that parts from slogans. It does for these troops what Stephen Ambrose did for the G.I.s of WWII and what Michael Herr did for the grunts in Vietnam. The Fighters presents a human side of the long arc of two wars, told with the empathy and understanding of an author who is himself an infantry veteran.

    Sign up here

    Author C.J. Chivers

    Cover to Cover: American Soldiers and Endless War

    WAC Atlanta Hosts WACA-Sasakawa USA Program on Japan

    The World Affairs Council of Atlanta holds its Alliance Working in America Series program, co-sponsored by WACA and its grant funder Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA, on September 5.

    The TAWA program, “Japan and Georgia, Growing Together,” which will discuss contemporary U.S.-Japan relations and benefits to the State of Georgia. Speakers include: Admiral (Ret.) Dennis Blair, Dr. Satu Limaye, YKK America President Jim Reed, and Ambassador James Zumwalt. Learn more.

    WAC Atlanta's event is the third in the Alliance Working in America Series. Previous programs have been held by WorldOregon and WAC Greater Houston. Stay tuned for a fourth edition in spring 2019!

    Councils Host Engage America Grant Programs

    World Affairs Councils around the country resume hosting Engage America Future of Korea 2018 and Oman 2018 programs. These series are co-sponsored by WACA and its grant funders Korea Economic Institute and Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center.

    Future of Korea 2018

    World Affairs Council of Harrisburg will present a panel of experts for its Reception & Forum: The Future of Korea on Sept. 20. Details here.

    World Affairs Council of Charlotte will host a panel of experts for History in the Making: The U.S. and the Korean Peninsula in 2018 on Sept. 26. Details here.

    Oman 2018

    World Affairs Council of South Dakota will feature Dr. Linda Pappas Funsch for Oman’s Role in Promoting Peace in the Middle East on Sept. 13. Details here.

    World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth will present Dr. Anne Rasmussen for Music and The Omani Arts Economy on Sept. 29. Details here.

  • Thursday, August 30, 2018 9:14 AM | Anonymous

    August 29, 2018

    WACA 2018 National Conference:

    Braving the New World Order

    November 7-9

    The Mayflower Hotel

    Washington, DC

    Hurry! Purchase your Conference tickets now:

    Early-bird deadline is expiring in 10 days on Friday, September 7!

    Also: our Table of Eight promotion has been extended - be sure to check it out!

    Buy early-bird discounted tickets

    New keynote speakers!

    Ivo Daalder and James Lindsay are co-authors of the forthcoming book The Empty Throne: America's Abdication of Global Leadership. Discounted copies will be available for sale at the Conference.

    Ivo H. Daalder

    President

    Chicago Council on Global Affairs

    Chevron

    James M. Lindsay

    Sr Vice President, Director of Studies, and Maurice R. Greenberg Chair

    Council on Foreign Relations

    For nearly three decades, the WACA National Conference has brought World Affairs Council leaders and members to engage with top government officials, diplomats, business executives, innovators, journalists, educators, and students on the most pressing global issues and policy choices that impact our lives.

    By attending this year's WACA Conference in Washington, DC, you will benefit from:

    ·     Expert opinions, timely insights, and audience dialogue about the United States' role in the world

    ·     Access to extraordinary speakers, thought leaders, and ambassadors available for local Council programming

    ·     Bipartisan, diverse, and inclusive perspectives on the Administration’s "America First" philosophy

    ·     Visits to think tanks and embassies, networking receptions, and dinners

    ·     Professional development, leadership training, mentoring, and peer-to-peer networking

    Bookmark the WACA 2018 National Conference website for speakers and program updates!

    The WACA 2018 National Conference will be

    held November 7-9 at the beautifully renovated

    Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC. 

    Book your rooms under WACA's special group rate of 

    $259 / night (Single/Double Occupancy) plus tax.

    Click here to reserve your room!

    See more information

    fpa logo 1918

  • Wednesday, August 29, 2018 3:01 PM | Anonymous

    August 29, 2018

    Weekly World News Update

    Remembering John McCain; Rohingya Crisis One Year On; Uganda's Crackdown; Land Reform in South Africa; Australia's New PM; Taiwan’s Allies Dwindle; Macron’s Call for European Defense; U.S. Foreign Aid Rollback?

    Quotes of the Week

    "We weaken our greatness when we confuse our patriotism with tribal rivalries that have sown resentment and hatred and violence in all the corners of the globe. We weaken it when we hide behind walls, rather than tear them down, when we doubt the power of our ideals, rather than trust them to be the great force for change they have always been."

    -- Sen. John McCain’s former presidential campaign manager and family spokesperson Rick Davis, reading aloud the text of the senator’s farewell statement at the Arizona State Capitol.

    At that time I liked him personally for his toughness and strong stance. Later on, when he became a U.S. Senator, he and Senator John Kerry greatly contributed to promote Việt Nam-U.S. relations so I was very fond of him. When I learnt about his death early this morning, I feel very sad. I would like to send condolences to his family. I think it’s the same feeling for all Vietnamese people as he has greatly contributed to the development of Việt Nam-U.S. relations."

    -- Colonel Trần Trọng Duyệt, the man in charge of the prison where John McCain was held as a POW, speaking with Viet Nam News having learned of Senator McCain's death on Saturday.

    Remembering John McCain

    Obituary: John McCain” Editorial Board -- The Economist, August 26, 2018

    The Death of Political Courage” Richard Fontaine -- The Atlantic, August 26, 2018

    "Great-Heart Is Gone" Eliot Cohen -- The Atlantic, August 26, 2018

    "McCain Honored By Best Friend Graham In Emotional Senate Speech" Kelsey Snell -- NPR, August 28, 2018

    The Rohingya Crisis, One Year Later

    Myanmar: Shameful Anniversary Highlights Lack of Accountability for Atrocities Against Rohingya” -- Human Rights Watch, August 23, 2018

    Rohingya: UN Calls for Myanmar Generals to Be Prosecuted for Genocide, War Crimes, and Crimes Against Humanity” Adam Withnall and Jane Dalton -- The Independent, August 27, 2018  

    Rohingya Crisis: 132 MPs Across Region Call for Myanmar to Be Referred to ICC” Hannah Ellis-Petersen -- The Guardian, August 24, 2018

    Aung San Suu Kyi Stripped of Edinburgh Honour” BBC, August 23, 2018

    Crackdown in Uganda

    A Pop Star, a Protest, and a Likely Case of Torture in Uganda” Anonymous Author -- The Atlantic, August 25, 2018

    Ugandan Pop Star, Government Critic Bobi Wine Free on Bail” Rodney Muhumuza -- The Kansas City Star (AP), August 27, 2018

    Uganda: Who is Bobi Wine and Why Is He Creating Such a Fuss?” Editorial Board -- News24, August 27, 2018

    Land Reform in South Africa

    Land Redistribution in South Africa, Trump’s Tweet, and U.S.-Africa Policy” Witney Schneidman and Landry Signé -- Brookings, August 27, 2018

    Trump Tweets About White Farmers While Indigenous Peoples Face Annihilation” Raj Patel -- The Guardian, August 26, 2018

    What's Behind Trump's Concern for White Farmers in South Africa?” Z. Byron Wolf -- CNN, August 23, 2018

    Leadership Change in Australia

    "The Rise and Rise of Scott Morrison" Deborah Snow -- The Sydney Morning Herald, August 25, 2018

    Meet Australia's New Prime Minster, One-Time Attack Dog Scott Morrison” Ruth Pollard -- Bloomberg, August 24, 2018

    Scott Morrison Is a New Kind of Australian Prime Minister: An Evangelical Christian” Rick Rojas -- The New York Times, August 27, 2018

    The Fall Out from Australia’s Leadership Shake Up” Anthony Fensom -- The Diplomat, August 28, 2018

    Taiwan’s Allies Dwindle

    China Seeks Domination, U.S. Says, After El Salvador Dumps Taiwan" Steve Holland, Yimou Lee -- Reuters, August 23, 2018

    Taiwan Prepares for the Day When It May Have No More Friends” Asia Times Staff -- Asia Times, August 27, 2018

    "Ikea Is the Latest Big Brand to Feel the Heat in China Over Taiwan" Daniel Shane -- CNN Money, August 29, 2018

    Macron’s Call for European Defense

    France’s Macron Urges Europe to Take Charge of Own Defense” Sylvie Corbet -- AP News, August 27, 2018

    Macron Says Europe Can No Longer Rely on U.S. for Security” Editorial Board -- The Local France, August 27, 2018

    French President Emmanuel Macron Insists EU Can No Longer Rely on U.S. to Guarantee Its Security” Editorial Board -- South China Morning Post, August 27, 2018

    Trump Flip Flops on Foreign Assistance

    "U.S. Aid Community Braces for 'Rescission' Fight" Michael Igoe -- Devex, August 24, 2018

    "Administration Decides Not to Roll Back Foreign Aid Funds" Carol Morello and Erica Werner -- The Washington Post, August 28, 2018

    "Palestinians Blast Trump’s Aid Cut as Political Blackmail" Isabel Kershner -- The Sydney Morning Herald, August 26, 2018


  • Tuesday, August 28, 2018 8:14 AM | Anonymous

    August 27, 2018

    WACA Weekly

    This Week: Member Benefits: Conference Scholarships for Students and Stratfor Subscription Discount; WACDFW Focuses on Education; Wanted: Council CEOs; Pulitzer Prize-winning Author Visits Cover to Cover; plus, Program News

    WACA 2018 National Conference: Braving the New World Order

    November 7-9

    The Mayflower Hotel

    Washington, DC

    The National Board of Directors of the World Affairs Councils of America is pleased to announce that WACA will offer 25 scholarships for undergraduate students from the Council network to attend our 2018 National Conference - Braving the New World Order - November 7-9 at The Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC.

    The WACA Board, in partnership with The Gambrinus Company and Mr. Carlos Alvarez, is offering these scholarships in order to fulfill our educational mission and to prepare future leaders for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. The Conference -- coming right after the midterm elections -- promises to be a special occasion for our network of Council leaders, members, friends, and students to engage with many leading policy makers and analysts about critical foreign and trade policy issues and America's role in the world.

    Nominate a student!

    Stratfor Worldview:

    Special subscription discount for WACA Members!

    Dear Council Leaders and Supporters:

    It's a pleasure to share an exciting opportunity with you. As part of WACA's evolving partnership with Stratfor, the Austin, Texas-based company renowned for its geopolitical intelligence platform, we are pleased to offer a significantly discounted annual subscription to Stratfor Worldview for members of WACA and local Councils.

    Your premium digital subscription includes:

    ·     Unlimited access to all Analyses, Articles, Guidances, and Snapshots

    ·     Custom Email Notifications

    ·     My Collections - your library of Stratfor Insights

    ·     Members-only Discussion Forums

    ·     Members-only Newsletters

    ·     Quarterly, Annual, and Decade Forecasts

    ·     Access to Mobile App for iOS and Android

    ·     Text-to-Voice feature to listen to Stratfor WorldView content when on the move

    With Stratfor's special WACA discount, you will save 72% off the price of a one-year subscription. Enjoy the wealth of analytical and predictive insights for only $99 - the equivalent of just $1.90 per week!

    To redeem this offer, visit Stratfor's World Affairs Councils of America Partnership Page.

    And for members of WACA's 1918 Society, you will receive the subscription automatically, for free, as a benefit of your participation! (Hint: join the 1918 Society today!)

    Council of the Month Sets Itself Apart with Education

    The World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is investing in the next generation with discounted educator and school memberships, free student tickets for speaker programs, International Career Day, internships, and the International Educator of the Year awards.

    Additionally, the unique “20 Under 20” program was added in 2016 to shine a spotlight on young people who give back to their communities and exemplify what it means to be a global Texan. The driven group of students that make up the 20 Under 20 Class of 2018 participated in three days of the leadership program in June, meeting with leaders in various industries including the Dallas Business Journal, the City of Dallas’s Office of Welcoming Communities and Immigrant Affairs, Azteca America TV 55 Studios, the Canadian Consulate, UT Dallas Center for Brain Health, and Texas Central Partners.

    The Council's investment in the students of Dallas-Fort Worth has paid off: Plano West Senior High School has won WACA's Carlos and Malú Alvarez Academic WorldQuest National Competition two years in a row. 

    Click here to learn more.

    Councils Seek Executives

    Global Minnesota -- President

    Global Minnesota seeks an outstanding and experienced international affairs and nonprofit sector leader to serve as its President. This role will develop the organization’s engagement throughout Minnesota using the 5-year Strategic Plan as a roadmap with the goal of deeper awareness and understanding of global economic, political, social, and cultural ideas and issues. Apply here.

    cleveland

    Cleveland Council on World Affairs -- CEO

    CCWA is seeking a Chief Executive Officer. The ideal candidate will bring proven strategic and hands-on leadership experience to fulfill CCWA’s mission to inspire engagement in international affairs and world cultures through education, citizen diplomacy, and public dialogue. Apply here.

    Cover to Cover Author Chivers Discusses The Fighters


    Cover to Cover will feature a conversation with C.J. Chivers, two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning correspondent for the New York Times, on his new book, The Fighters: Americans in Combat in Afghanistan and Iraq.

    You are able to contribute to the World Affairs Councils of America at no additional cost to you! If you shop at Amazon through this link or the Amazon Smile logo to the left, a portion of your purchase will be donated to WACA. Bookmark our page today!

    Shop here and smile on WACA!

    Council Highlights

    Monday 8/27

    Global Minnesota hosts Kate Bauer, Blumenstein-Katz Family fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, and a panel of experts for “Iran Sanctions and the U.S. Business Community.” Details

    World Affairs Council of Greater Houston hosts Robert Jordan, former U.S. Ambassador, along with Professors Dina Alsowayel and Gregory Gause for “Reform in Saudi Arabia: Real Change or Consolidation of Power?” Details

    Wednesday 8/29

    World Affairs Council of Inland Southern California host Dr. Haroon Ullah, Chief Strategy Officer at Broadcasting Board of Governors, for “Fighting for Cyber Supremacy in an Age of Extremism.” Details Mr. Ullah was last December's Cover to Cover author.

    World Affairs Council of Jacksonville host Dr. Madiha Afzal, author and adjunct assistant professor at Johns Hopkins, for “Quarterly Saloon – Pakistan Under Siege: Extremism, Society, and the State.” Details Ms. Afzal was this past April's Cover to Cover author.

    Thursday 8/30

    San Diego World Affairs Council host Dr. Haroon Ullah, Chief Strategy Officer at Broadcasting Board of Governors, for “Fighting for Cyber Supremacy in an Age of Extremism.” Details

  • Wednesday, August 22, 2018 1:03 PM | Anonymous

    August 22, 2018

    Weekly World News Update

    Kofi Annan's Legacy; Europe's Risky Infrastructure; Merkel Meets Putin; Greece Exits Bailout; Venezuela's Currency Crisis; Key Elections in Paraguay and Brazil; Deadly Floods in India

    Quote of the Week

    "We are a global society, and I believe it is through open dialogue and the exchanging of ideas that we have a real opportunity to learn from one another."

    -- First Lady Melania Trump, issuing a public statement Monday, in which she announced plans to travel to Africa without her husband in October.

    Kofi Annan's Legacy

    Kofi Annan, Who Redefined the UN, Dies at 80” Alan Cowell -- New York Times, August 18, 2018

    "Former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan Left a Legacy of a More Interventionist United Nations" Jason Daley -- Smithsonian.com, August 20, 2018

    "Kofi Annan’s Unaccountable Legacy" Philip Gourevitch -- The New Yorker, August 18, 2018

    Kofi Annan, RIP” Frederic C. Hof -- Atlantic Council, August 20, 2018

    Deadly State of Infrastructure in Europe

    Italy’s Crumbling Infrastructure Under Scrutiny After Bridge Collapse” Lorenzo Tondo -- The Guardian, August 17, 2018

    Cut in Two, Genoa Finds Its Political Paralysis Now Eclipsed by Shock” Gaia Pianigiani, Elisabetta Povoledo, and Richard Perez-Peña-- The New York Times, August 16, 2018

    Audit Warns 840 Bridges May Be at Risk of Collapse in France” Editorial Board -- Al Jazeera, August 19, 2018

    Not at All "Helsinki"

    Merkel and Putin Talk Syria, Ukraine, and Nord Steam 2 – But Meeting Ends with No Agreements” Colin Drury -- Independent, August 19, 2018

    Nord Stream 2: Is Germany ‘Captive’ to Russian Energy?” James McBride -- Council on Foreign Relations, August 16, 2018

    A Breakthrough in Berlin? Not So Fast.” Jörn Fleck -- Atlantic Council, August 17, 2018

    Greek Bailout Ends for Better or Worse

    Greece Exits Bailouts, But Difficult Path Ahead” Eric Maurice and Damiano Bacci -- EU Observer, August 20, 2018

    Greek Bailout: IMF and Europeans Diverge on Lessons Learnt” Matthew Oxenford and Dr. Angelos Chryssogelos -- Chatham House, August 16, 2018

    Greece’s Bailout Is Ending But the Pain Is Far from Over” Liz Alderman -- The Irish Times, August 20, 2018

    Hyperinflating Venezuela's Currency

    Venezuela’s Red Friday: Maduro’s Destructive Plan” Moises Rendon -- Center for Strategic & International Studies, August 21, 2018

    Venezuela’s ‘Desperate’ Currency Devaluation Won’t Save Its Economy from Collapse” Benjamin J. Cohen -- The Conversation, August 22, 2018

    Venezuelans Skeptical of Maduro’s Latest Measures to Salvage Economy” Kejal Vyas, Maolis Castro, and Juan Forero -- The Wall Street Journal, August 21, 2018

    Paraguay's New President

    New Paraguayan President Abdo Benitez Sworn In” Editorial Board -- BBC, August 16, 2018

    New President Takes Over in Paraguay, Vows to Cut Poverty” Pedro Servin -- The Washington Post, August 15, 2018

    Paraguay’s New President: All Bark and No Bite?” Felipe Puerta -- Insight Crime, August 16, 2018

    Controversial Vote Ahead in Brazil

    Brazil Readies for Contentious Presidential Campaign” David Wemer -- Atlantic Council, August 16, 2018

    Bots in Brazil: The Activity of Social Media Bots in Brazilian Elections” Andrew Allen -- Wilson Center, August 17, 2018

    Brazil Election: What to Expect from October’s Presidential Poll” Sam Cowie -- Al Jazeera, August 15, 2018

    Catastrophic Floods in India

    Bodies Found as Floods Recede in India’s Kerala” Editorial Board -- Channel News Asia, August 20, 2018

    Officials Say Over 350 Dead, 800,000 Displaced in India Flood” Aijaz Rahi -- Time, August 19, 2018

  • Tuesday, August 21, 2018 9:29 AM | Anonymous

    August 20, 2018

    WACA Weekly

    This Week: Cover to Cover on Cuba; Qatar Deadline; Member Benefits: Conference Scholarships for Students and Stratfor Subscription Discount; Wanted: Council CEOs; plus, Program News

    Wednesday, August 22, at 2:00-2:30 PM ET

    Cover to Cover with Vicki Huddleston on Cuba

    Peeling back the "Sugar Curtain" to examine several decades of stormy relations between the U.S. and Cuba, Vicki Huddleston, the top diplomat in Havana under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, provides an essential memoir. Huddleston also peers into the future, when for the first time in more than six decades no one named Castro will be Cuba's leader.

    Register now for the conference call Wed., Aug. 22, at 2-2:30 PM ET.

    Coming up in September...

    Cover to Cover will feature a conversation with C.J. Chivers, two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning correspondent for the New York Times, on his new book, The Fighters: Americans in Combat in Afghanistan and Iraq.

    Sign up!


    You are able to contribute to the World Affairs Councils of America at no additional cost to you! If you shop at Amazon through this link or the Amazon Smile logo to the left, a portion of your purchase will be donated to WACA. Bookmark our page today!

    Shop here and smile on WACA!

    WACA 2018 Leadership Mission to Qatar: October 12-19

    The application deadline is Friday, August 24, 2018. If you have any questions, please send an email to Liz Brailsford at the WACA National Office at lbrailsford@worldaffairscouncils.org.

    The World Affairs Councils of America is delighted to announce that the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Washington, DC will sponsor a WACA Leadership Mission to Qatar, this October.

    Note: Flights will depart from United States airports on Friday, October 12, and arrive in Doha on Saturday, October 13. Return flights will depart Qatar on Friday, October 19.

    This WACA Leadership Mission will be comprised of a Qatar Embassy representative, WACA President and CEO Bill Clifford, and a minimum of 10 delegates from the Council network. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in dialogue with top government officials, business leaders, journalists, and other experts to gain a better understanding of the political, national security, economic, social, and cultural landscape of the host country. See complete details.

    Apply now!

    WACA 2018 National Conference: Braving the New World Order

    November 7-9

    The Mayflower Hotel

    Washington, DC

    The National Board of Directors of the World Affairs Councils of America is pleased to announce that WACA will offer 25 scholarships for undergraduate students from the Council network to attend our 2018 National Conference - Braving the New World Order - November 7-9 at The Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC.

    The WACA Board, in partnership with The Gambrinus Company and Mr. Carlos Alvarez, is offering these scholarships in order to fulfill our educational mission and to prepare future leaders for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. The Conference -- coming right after the midterm elections -- promises to be a special occasion for our network of Council leaders, members, friends, and students to engage with many leading policy makers and analysts about critical foreign and trade policy issues and America's role in the world.

    Nominate a student!

    Stratfor Worldview:

    Special subscription discount for WACA Members!

    Dear Council Leaders and Supporters:

    It's a pleasure to share an exciting opportunity with you. As part of WACA's evolving partnership with Stratfor, the Austin, Texas-based company renowned for its geopolitical intelligence platform, we are pleased to offer a significantly discounted annual subscription to Stratfor Worldview for members of WACA and local Councils.

    Your premium digital subscription includes:

    ·     Unlimited access to all Analyses, Articles, Guidances, and Snapshots

    ·     Custom Email Notifications

    ·     My Collections - your library of Stratfor Insights

    ·     Members-only Discussion Forums

    ·     Members-only Newsletters

    ·     Quarterly, Annual, and Decade Forecasts

    ·     Access to Mobile App for iOS and Android

    ·     Text-to-Voice feature to listen to Stratfor WorldView content when on the move

    With Stratfor's special WACA discount, you will save 72% off the price of a one-year subscription. Enjoy the wealth of analytical and predictive insights for only $99 - the equivalent of just $1.90 per week!

    To redeem this offer, visit Stratfor's World Affairs Councils of America Partnership Page.

    And for members of WACA's 1918 Society, you will receive the subscription automatically, for free, as a benefit of your participation! (Hint: join the 1918 Society today!)


    WAC Albuquerque Hosts Oman - Past and Present

    The World Affairs Council of Albuquerque featured Dr. Linda Funsch last Wednesday for its Engage America: Oman program, co-sponsored by WACA and its grant funder Sultan Qaboos Culture Center. The audience rated Dr. Funsch's comprehensive presentation, “Oman - Past and Present," as excellent and were pleased to learn about the history and the contemporary affairs in this strategically-located country. A key takeaway was that Oman is a far more progressive society than many of its neighbors while still maintaining a solid relationship with its history and traditional culture.

    WACABQ's program is the latest in the WACA Engage America: Oman 2018 Series. Next, South Dakota WAC and WAC Dallas/Fort Worth will host experts recommended by the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center.

    Read more


    Council of the Month: WAC Dallas/Forth Worth to Honor Ron Kirk


    The World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth will honor former U.S. ambassador and former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk for his public service, civic, and business leadership with the H. Neil Mallon Award at its 35th annual dinner on October 12 at the Hilton Anatole Hotel.

    One of the most respected and admired individuals in the Dallas/Fort Worth community, Ron Kirk is a 30-year public servant and legal veteran. He serves as senior counsel in the Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher’s Dallas and Washington, DC offices, and provides leadership for a number of corporate boards and charitable organizations.

    Honorary event chairs are former President Barack Obama, Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings, and Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price.

    Click here to learn more about participating or call 214-695-8400. 

  • Thursday, August 16, 2018 4:50 PM | Anonymous

    August 16, 2018

    Cover to Cover summer read transports you to Havana, Cuba...

    Wednesday, August 22, at 2:00-2:30 PM ET

    Cover to Cover with Ambassador Vicki Huddleston

    Our Woman in Havana

    Peeling back the "Sugar Curtain" to examine several decades of stormy relations between the U.S. and Cuba, Vicki Huddleston, the top diplomat in Havana under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, provides an essential memoir.

    Huddleston recounts missed opportunities for detente and the myths and misconceptions that have long pervaded the U.S.-Cuban standoff. Her perspectives on the Obama administration's diplomatic opening of 2014, the mysterious "sonic" brain and hearing injuries suffered by American and Canadian diplomats who were serving in Havana, and the Trump administration's reversal of the Obama opening, are nuanced and well presented.

    Huddleston also peers into the future, when for the first time in more than six decades no one named Castro will be Cuba's leader.

    Join our conference call Wednesday, August 22, at 2:00-2:30 pm ET.

    Join our call!

    Coming up on September 11:

    Cover to Cover on 9/11 will feature a conversation with C.J. Chivers, two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning correspondent for the New York Times, on his new book, The Fighters: Americans in Combat in Afghanistan and Iraq.

    You are able to contribute to the World Affairs Councils of America at no additional cost to you! If you shop at Amazon through this link or the Amazon Smile logo to the left, a portion of your purchase will be donated to WACA. Bookmark our page today!

    Make purchases here and smile on WACA!

  • Thursday, August 16, 2018 4:49 PM | Anonymous

    August 16, 2018

    WACA and Councils to Provide 25 Student Scholarships for 2018 National Conference

    The National Board of Directors of the World Affairs Councils of America is pleased to announce that WACA will offer 25 scholarships for undergraduate students from the Council network to attend our 2018 National Conference - Braving the New World Order - November 7-9 at The Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC.

    The WACA Board, in partnership with The Gambrinus Company and Mr. Carlos Alvarez, is offering these scholarships in order to fulfill our educational mission and to prepare future leaders for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. The Conference -- coming right after the midterm elections -- promises to be a special occasion for our network of Council leaders, members, friends, and students to engage with many leading policy makers and analysts about critical foreign and trade policy issues and America's role in the world.

    Scholarship Award

    We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to make the WACA 2018 National Conference available to a very important audience: our promising undergraduate scholars. The scholarship includes registration fees plus $1,000 per student to be used towards travel, lodging, and/or incidentals. 

    Eligibility & Expectations

    ·     World Affairs Councils must publicize the WACA scholarship opportunity in a substantial manner to their members and local educational institutions in order to attract the best potential candidates.

    ·     Each Council executive may nominate one college undergraduate student, 18 years or older, from their local Council communities.

    ·     High school students, undergraduates studying in Washington, DC, and graduate students are not eligible.

    ·     Each nomination must be submitted with the Nomination Form and must be accompanied by a letter of recommendation from the Council head explaining why the student has been selected for consideration for this scholarship.

    ·     Students who attend the Conference will be expected to blog and post on social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.) before, during, and after the WACA Conference. The student's ability to do so should be considered by Councils during the nomination process.

    ·     Students who attend the Conference will be required to submit a two-page report on their experience. The deadline to do so is Monday, December 3, 2018

    Selection

    ·     Nominations are due by Friday, September 21, 2018. Send the completed Nomination Form and accompanying nomination letter to Liz Brailsford at lbrailsford@worldaffairscouncils.org.

    ·     Nominated students will be reviewed by the National Office in consultation with the WACA National Board of Directors. Selections will be announced the week of September 24.

    ·     The National Office will confirm the selected undergraduates to their Councils and will register these participants for the 2018 Conference.

    ·     WACA will then provide a scholarship check of $1,000 per selected student, made out to the Council, to help cover travel, lodging, and other expenses for the scholarship recipient. Councils are responsible for making these arrangements with/for the selected students.

    ·     We strongly urge scholarship participants to make every effort to book rooms at WACA's discounted group rate at The Mayflower Hotel.

    Council leaders, this is a competitive program and we look forward to receiving nominations of excellent candidates. We also hope that you will encourage your Council members and board members to  register now  for the 2018 National Conference. Please let us know if you have any questions. 

     

    Thank you to our generous sponsor:

    WACA 2018 National Conference: Braving the New World Order

    November 7-9

    The Mayflower Hotel

    Washington, DC

    Register now!

    Our Table of Eight promotion has been extended - be sure to check it out!

    Think Tank six-pack

    Brookings Institution

    Thomas Wright is director of the Center on the United States and Europe and a senior fellow in the Project on International Order and Strategy at Brookings.

    Center for Strategic and International Studies

    The principals of The Trade Guys, CSIS’s recently launched podcast, will offer a special briefing for a live WACA audience at CSIS headquarters.

    PLUS:

    American Enterprise Institute 

    Center for American Progress New this year!

    Center for a New American Security

    The McCain Institute New this year!

    Additional National Conference speakers and program details will be made in the coming weeks!

    The WACA 2018 National Conference will be held November 7-9 at the beautifully renovated

    Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC. 

    Book your rooms under WACA's special group rate of 

    $259 / night (Single/Double Occupancy) plus tax.

    Click here to reserve your room!

    See more information

  • Wednesday, August 15, 2018 2:34 PM | Anonymous

    August 15, 2018

    Weekly World News Update

    U.S.-Turkey Relations in Tailspin; Fragile Alliances; Stronger Sanctions Slam Russia; Space Force; Technology...Making Things Better?; Argentine Senate Rejects Legalizing Abortion; Cuban Governance

    Quote of the Week

    "Washington must give up the misguided notion that our relationship can be asymmetrical...Failure to reverse this trend of unilateralism and disrespect will require us to start looking for new friends and allies." -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose op-ed appeared in Friday's New York Times.

    U.S.-Turkey Relations in Tailspin

    The Real Reasons Why U.S.-Turkey Relations Have Hit an All-Time Low” James Carey -- Geopolitics Alert, August 12, 2018

    Turkey’s Frustration Is Bigger Than U.S.: Foreign Minister” -- Hurriyet Daily News, August 15, 2018

    'Relations with Turkey Are Not Good at This Time' (Trump Tweet)” Krishnadev Calamur -- The Atlantic, August 11, 2018

    "Trump Is the First President to Get Turkey Right" Steven Cook -- Foreign Policy, August 13, 2018

    Lira Crisis: Action by Turkey’s Central Bank Fails to Quell Contagion Fears” Julia Kollewe and Martin Farrer -- The Guardian, August 13, 2018

    Fragile Alliances 

    Allies, Alliances, and the Fourth Strategic Offset” Michael Miklaucic -- Real Clear Defense, August 10, 2018 

    Security Woes: Why Europe Must Develop Its Own Security FrameworkCristian Tracci -- Foreign Policy Association Blog, August 13, 2018  

    The Case Against a U.S. Retreat from International Development” John R. Allen -- Brookings, August 10, 2018

    Stronger Sanctions Slam Russia

    Russia Likens U.S. Sanctions to Economic War – and Threatens Response ‘By Other Means’” Sam Meredith -- CNBC, August 10, 2018 

    "U.S. Congress Publishes Entire Text of Russia Sanctions 'Bill from Hell’" -- RT, August 14, 2018

    "Ruble Tumbles as U.S. Sets Out New Sanctions on Russia" Andrew Kramer -- New York Times, August 9, 2018

    Space Force 

    Space Force Is Trump’s Answer to New Russian and Chinese Weapons” Lara Seligman -- Foreign Policy, August 10, 2018 

    Trump's Space Force Is About Beating China, as Beijing Is Talking as if It Already Owns Space” Alex Lockie -- Business Insider, August 10, 2018 

    U.S. Needs a Cyber Force More Than a Space Force” James Stavridis -- Bloomberg, August 14, 2018 

    Opinion: Why a Missile Defense System in Space Is a Bad Idea” Laura Grego and David Wright -- Politico, August 10, 2018 

    Technology...Making Things Better?

    Elon Musk Says Money to Take Tesla Private Would Come from Saudi Arabia, But He Hasn’t Struck a Deal” James F. Peltz and James Rufus Koren -- LA Times, August 13, 2018 

    Update on Taking Tesla Private” Elon Musk -- Tesla, August 13, 2018 

    AP Exclusive: Google Tracks Your Movements, Like It or Not” Ryan Nakashima -- AP, August 13, 2018   

    Argentine Senate Rejects Legalizing Abortion

    Argentina’s Women Have Not Been Beaten on Abortion – Change Will Come” Claudia Piñeiro -- The Guardian, August 10, 2018 

    For Abortion Activists in Argentina, a Campaign Waged Online Faces a Disconnect” Jasmine Garsd -- NPR, August 10, 2018 

    Pro-Abortion-Rights Activists Won in Ireland, But Not Argentina” Yasmeen Serhan -- The Atlantic, August 10, 2018 

    Cuban Governance

    "Cuba Begins Public Debate on Modernizing Cold War-era Constitution" Marc Frank -- Reuters, August 13, 2018

    Cuban Opposition Leader Is Accused of Attempted Murder. Activists Dispute the Charge” Nora Gámez Torres -- Miami Herald, August 13, 2018 


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