High Schools: Last Chance To Register for 2017 NH Academic WorldQuest!

We are just 5 weeks away from the 3rd Annual NH Academic WorldQuest Competition- but it's not too late to participate! The team registration deadline is on February 12th. To compete, all you need is a teacher, 4 high school students and enthusiasm to learn about world affairs! Head over to our website to learn more about this unique program and registration details. 

This year we are happy to have Dylan Mahalingam - philanthropist, activist and social entrepreneur - as our keynote speaker. Dylan is best know for founding Lil' MDG's, a global non-profit organization at the age of 9. We are also excited to announce this year's emcee - Scott Spradling. Scott is an Emmy award winning former reporter, anchor and political director for WMUR-TV in Manchester. Joining our mission partner, Southern New Hampshire University, this year's presenting sponsors - Pax World and McLane Middleton- are excited to show incredible support for this globally-minded program. THANK YOU sponsors!

Academic WorldQuest is a team competition that 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. 

THANK YOU ACADEMIC WORLDQUEST SPONSORS!

 MORE INFORMATION HERE!

Special Day of Programming Engages Thousands Across State in U.S. Foreign Policy with Dr. Jessica Mathews

Grant Bosse (left) moderates the discussion between Jessica T. Matthews, Wil Zemp, and Ambassador Jim Smith (left to right) during our Town Hall event at SNHU, which focused on the Middle East and the new administration.

More than 200 people joined the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire's timely town hall on January 26 featuring Dr. Jessica Mathews, Ambassador Jim Smith, and Colonel Wil Zemp and discussion of the challenges facing President Donald Trump and his administration in the Middle East, moderated by Grant Bosse of the Union Leader. Thanks to a grant from the World Affairs Councils of America, the day of programming also included visits by Dr. Mathews to NHPR's The Exchange news hour and to more than 50 students at Pinkerton Academy, as well as an interfaith luncheon with local religious leaders.

While topics discussed at the evening town hall, presented in partnership with SNHU, included ISIS and Trump's relationship with Russia, much of the discussion focused on the future of the Iran nuclear deal. Mathews, Smith, and Zemp shared their thoughts on how the Trump administration might handle these pressing issues and what it will mean for the United States as well as the rest of the world.

When it came to the fate of the Iran Nuclear Deal, all three speakers were unanimous in their support of the deal's survival. They argued that deal has been successful thus far because Iran has held up its end in the bargain. Ever since the agreement, Iran has been slowly disarming its nuclear facilities under the close watch of inspectors.

Ambassador Jim Smith brought up the complications of Trump's desire to pull out of the Iran Nuclear Deal by pointing out that the UK, France, Russia, and China were key negotiators in the deal. If the United States were to pull out of the deal, Iran would still be obligated to honor the agreement because of its multilateral nature. Colonel Zemp believes the United States and Russia are already in the midst of a second cold war, using Russia's intervention in Ukraine and the United States launching sanctions on Russia as examples of cold war behavior. In concurrence with Colonel Zemp, Dr. Mathews went even further by declaring this Cold War even more dangerous than the first. Mathews observed that the first Cold War had a clear set of rules and structure set in place after World War II, which successfully prevented a nuclear war. This time around there is no clear structure, so the world is in greater danger of nuclear war than ever before.

MISS THE PROGRAM? WANT TO SEE IT AGAIN? WATCH HERE

 IN THE NEWS: DR. MATHEWS IN THE UNION LEADER; CONCORD NEWS RADIO'S NH NOW; & ON NHPR'S THE EXCHANGE

Photo Gallery

Dr Jessica T. Mathews visited Pinkerton Academy (Derry), where she spoke to 50 high school students about current events in the Middle East as well as pursing a career in international relations.

For Educators

2017 Great Decisions Teaching Training Institute for High School Teachers

June 26- June 30 in New York City

In order to promote the expansion of global affairs discussion in high school classrooms, the Teachers Training Institute provides teachers with the training and materials necessary to provide in-depth international studies discussion.  The Foreign Policy Association will also be able to provide accommodation and $300 towards travel expenses. 

The application is due Friday, March 31. 

Community Events Calendar

Great Decisions

Foreign Policy Discussion Group

FREE 8-week course  @ Portsmouth Public Library

Tuesdays: January 10 - February 28;  10-11:15 AM or 7-8:15 PM

More information:  Call  603-766-1720 to register 

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16 at 4:30 PM

International Law in the Trump Administration

Harold Hongju Koh, Sterling Professor of International Law at Yale Law School

Filene Auditorium, Moore Hall, Dartmouth College, Hanover

MORE INFO

* 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! *