WACA Weekly

This Week: WAC Jacksonville Hosts Former Mexican President; Savannah Hosts Oman 2018; New Council Leaders

World Affairs Council of Jacksonville Hosts Former President of Mexico

World Affairs Council of Jacksonville will host Felipe Calderón, former President of Mexico (2006 to 2012), today, April 9, for "What Does Mexico Think?"

Calderón is one of Latin America's most distinguished leaders and is internationally recognized as a president who strengthened the rule of law and made possible the economic recovery of Mexico after the world economic crisis. During his term he implemented public policies that projected Mexico as a powerful player in the global economy. He was named "Statesman of the Year" by the World Economic Forum in 2012 and considered one of the 100 most influential people by Time magazine in 2010.

WAC New Hampshire's New Leader

Tim Horgan recently took the helm as World Affairs Council of New Hampshire's new Executive Director. Tim joined WAC New Hampshire in 2009 as an AmeriCorps member. Prior to his new position, he held the role of Associate Director, focusing on the International Visitor Leadership Program through the U.S. Department of State.

“While I will certainly miss my time spent with our amazing international guests I am excited for this new chapter in my career, as well as for the organization,” Tim stated. “I appreciate the Board placing their faith in me to steer the organization forward in this critical time for WAC New Hampshire and our nation.

Peoria Area World Affairs Council Welcomes Back Angela Weck as Executive Director

Angela Weck will be returning as Executive Director of the Peoria Area World Affairs Council this month, working with outgoing leader Kristin McHugh, to ensure a smooth transition.

Angela served in this same role from 2000-2015, and joined Peoria Area WAC as a member in 1991. She also teaches at Bradley University. Of her reappointment to this position Angela said, "I love what Peoria Area WAC and WACA do, so it was an honor to be selected again."

Cover to Cover: Pakistan Under Siege

Over the last fifteen years, Pakistan has come to be defined exclusively in terms of its struggle with terror. But are ordinary Pakistanis extremists? And what explains how Pakistanis think?

In Pakistan Under Siege, using rigorous analysis of survey data, in-depth interviews in schools and universities in Pakistan, historical narrative reporting, and her own intuitive understanding of the country, Madiha Afzal gives the full picture of Pakistan’s relationship with extremism. 

Join the April Cover to Cover conference call to discuss Afzal's new book, Pakistan Under Siege: Extremism, Society, and the State, on Wednesday, April 18, at 2:00-2:30 PM ET.

KNOW NOW: Preventing International Conflict

Violent conflict is a common thread that runs throughout history and across all cultures. It disrupts local, national, and international communities, and results in war, displacement, and death.

One strategy to address violent conflict is through a public health approach. The Violence Prevention and Restoration (PAR) Model, developed by the International Center for Compassionate Organizations (ICCO) explains how violence begins, spreads, and infects others like a thought-borne pathogen or virus. Understanding the origins of violence may help prevent it.

Join WAC Kentucky and Southern Indiana's Xiao Yin Zhao as she hosts Ari Cowan and Tony Belak, Director General and Associate Director of ICCO, to discuss how the proliferation of international conflict and violence can be prevented by utilizing the PAR Model on Tuesday, April 24, at 2:00-2:30 PM ET.

Academic WorldQuest 2018

The Carlos and Malú Alvarez 2018 Academic WorldQuest National Competition program will be held at The National Press Club in Washington, DC on April 27-28, at 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

This year's program will once again feature a welcome reception at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) on Friday, April 27, at 4:00-6:00 PM. Ambassador William Taylor, Executive Vice President of USIP, will give welcoming remarks.

For topics, study guide, and other information about this year's competition, please click here.

Please stay tuned for the competition agenda!

Thank you to our generous sponsors!

New Hampshire and San Antonio Councils Are Hiring!

World Affairs Council of New Hampshire is hiring an international visitor exchange program manager.

World Affairs Council of San Antonio is conducting a search for a new development director.