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Derek Chollet shares his views on US Foreign Policy: The Very Recent Past and the Not-So-Distant Future
By David Sanok, Council Intern - The World Affairs Council of NH hosted its final Global Tipping Points event of the year on November 15 at UNH Manchester. About 80 people came out to hear Derek Chollet's talk, which addressed the strengths of Obama’s decisions in foreign affairs over the past eight years and speculated on how the incoming Trump administration may impact Obama’s achievements. Chollet served for 6 years during the Obama Administration in senior positions at the White House, State Department and Pentagon, and as the US Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs. These experiences inspired his new book The Long Game: How Obama Defied Washington and Redefined America's Role in the World.
Chollet praised Obama for his bold yet cautious approach when confronted with international crisis’s and defended the administration’s handling of Syria, Russia, Ukraine, and Iran. Chollet pointed to Obama's handling of the “red line” situation Syria as a success rather than a failure because Obama convinced the Syrian president to hand over chemical weapons without having to go to war. He also highlighted the President’s use of sanctions on specific Russian officials and the negotiation of the Iran deal to phase out Iran’s nuclear program as examples of achieving foreign policy goals without using military force.
Chollet expressed a mixture of worry and uncertainty as to whether Obama's foreign policy achievements would survive under the administration of President-Elect Donald Trump. Trump’s demonstrated tendency to quickly change positions makes it uncertain as to what course of action he ultimately will take. Chollet emphasized that the gains made by Obama and his legacy in terms of foreign policy may very well be diminished, or at the least altered by his successor. Watch for an in-depth review of Chollet's book coming next month in the dispatch!
The Annual Fund: Help Us Bring the World to NH
Collected: $4,170 - Goal:$5,000 - DONATE NOW!
We're currently at 83% of our fundraising goal for the Annual Fund - that leaves us with $830 left to raise! Please consider making a donation by December 31 to help support the World Affairs Council of NH, our mission, and our programs! THANK YOU!!
Seacoast Library Talk Explores Details of Israeli- Palestinian Conflict
By Doaa Shabana, Council Intern - In partnership with the World Affairs Council of NH, the Portsmouth Public Library hosted Dov Waxman, Professor of Political Science, International Affairs, and Israel Studies at Northeastern University, on Tuesday, October 25 .
Waxman discussed why Obama’s administration failed to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict over eight years, asserting that it wasn’t for a lack of trying. "His time in office will be remembered as the time in which the possibility of a two state solution effectively ended," Waxman said.
Also, he elaborated on factors that caused a slow down in the peace process, including both Israeli and Palestinian political unwillingness to solve the conflict, and other problems in the Middle East that have taken attention away from the Israeli-Palestinian issue.
The event had about 70 attendee, who were very engaged with the topic. A lot of questions were asked by the audience, such as how the Arab spring affected the the peace process, the rise of the Islamic state and his predictions about the future of the conflict. Waxman said that he’s not very optimistic about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict being solved anytime soon, with the status quo prevailing.
Academic WorldQuest Registration Now Open!
Registration for our 3rd annual Academic WorldQuest competition is now open! This team competition tests high school students' knowledge of global issues and foreign policy. If you know any high school teachers or students, please let them know about this unique and exciting opportunity to expand their global knowledge in a fun yet competitive atmosphere. The competition will be held on Sunday, March 12, 2017, at Southern New Hampshire University.
MORE INFORMATION HERE!
Photo Gallery:
Council Executive Director Anna Berry, President Steve Solomon and Treasurer Andy Supplee all attended the World Affairs Councils of America National Conference in Washington D.C. in November. They attended many panel discussions, such as the one above on countering extremism. Photo - @WACAmerica
International Visitors from Malta, in NH to study the US Elections, get the chance to speak with State Senator Donna Soucy at the NH Joint Democratic Campaign Office.
The Maltese visitors, on a tour at WMUR's studios, pause to take a photo with anchor Erin Fehlau.
International Opportunities for Teachers & Students
TEACHERS: Study trip to the United Arab Emirates
The World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth invites educators from around the United States to apply for an expenses-paid study trip to the United Arab Emirates on March 11-19, 2017. The program is supported by the UAE Embassy in Washington, D.C.
As many as a dozen 6th-12th grade educators from North Texas and across the U.S. may be selected for the trip that begins with a one-day get-acquainted workshop at the UAE Embassy in DC on March 10. Participants then travel to the UAE, a nation of more than 9 million people with a globally respected education system.
Applications will be accepted until 5:30 PM (CST) on Thursday, December 15. Submit applications to Amy Miller, Director of Education at the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth, at amiller@dfwworld.org.
STUDENTS:
High school:
The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program (CBYX) offers merit-based scholarships for to study for an academic year in Germany. The program was established in 1983 to celebrate German-American friendship based on common values of democracy. Students live with host families, attend local schools, and participate in community life in Germany. For more information and application deadlines, visit the organization in charge of recruitment for your state at usagermanyscholarship.org. Deadline for NH students is December 12.
Undergraduate:
Cultural Vistas Fellowship, a funded professional development program, is now accepting applications for the 2017 program year! The Cultural Vistas Fellowship is an 8-week summer internship program that gives undergraduate students who have not yet participated in a formal study or internship abroad program the opportunity to gain practical work experience in Argentina, Germany or India. The Cultural Vistas Fellowship is open to students in all fields who can demonstrate their interest in or commitment to advancing their career goals, developing global competencies, and experiencing life in another culture. Application Deadline is January 6.
Community Events Calendar
TONIGHT! Wednesday, December 7 at 5:30 PM
Going Global Entrepreneur Forum
Laconia-based Orion Entrance Control, Inc. will be the featured presenter at the next Entrepreneur Forum, one of the Council’s marquee events. The kick-off theme will be “going global,” an issue Orion faces as the company looks to expand its reach to the worldwide market.
FIRST, 200 Bedford Street, Manchester, NH 03101
MORE INFO
Friday, December 9, 12 - 1:30PM
Opportunities for the New President and Congress: A Discussion on How to Address the Nation's Fiscal Challenges
Brown bag lunch and panel discussion with Former US congressmen for NH Charles Bass, Paul Hodes, William H. Zeliff and Ambassador George Bruno.
Co-sponsored by The Concord Coalition and the Warren B. Rudman Center
The Rich Room, Warren B. Rudman Center at UNH School of Law (2 White St. Concord)
Details and Event RSVP
* Events listed here and on our website are not necessarily endorsed or supported by WACNH but we like to share information that might be of interest from other community organizations! To see all upcoming events, visit our Community Events page online and follow us on Facebook! *
World Affairs Council of New Hampshire
SNHU - 2500 North River Road - Manchester - NH - 01306
www.wacnh.org - 603.314.7970 - council@wacnh.org
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