July 9, 2018

WACA Weekly

This Week: Condolences for Cleveland Council; Cover to Cover Tomorrow; New Conference Speakers; and Council News and Highlights

A Message from Amb. Heather Hodges, President and Ambassador-in-Residence, Cleveland Council on World Affairs

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of CCWA’s CEO, Maura O’Donnell-McCarthy. Maura passed away unexpectedly, yesterday morning, July 8. As Chairman of the Board, Wael Khoury, has noted, Maura was an outstanding woman, exemplary mother, a dynamic civic leader, and a dedicated CCWA CEO. She gave CCWA her full commitment and energy and played a pivotal role in growing the organization and assuring its future success. We will share additional details on our website as soon as we have them.

A Message from WACA President and CEO Bill Clifford

There is no loss that feels as hard to me as that of the passing of a true friend. Always generous with her time and advice, Maura brimmed with good ideas and kindness. She was passionate about her work leading the Cleveland Council, and she cared for and supported the national office and network in large ways and small. She sent my staff chocolates after every National Conference to show her gratitude. I will miss our phone conversations, her commitment to high standards, and her smile. I am ever grateful to have known Maura not just as a colleague but also as a true friend these past six years. My deepest sympathies go to her husband Neil, her family, and our friends at the Cleveland Council.

Maura O'Donnell-McCarthy, CEO, Cleveland Council on World Affairs

Tomorrow: Edge of Chaos on Cover to Cover

A generation after the fall of the Berlin Wall, demonstrations have broken out from Belgium to Brazil led by angry citizens demanding a greater say in their political and economic future, better education, healthcare, and living standards. The bottom line of this outrage is the same: people are demanding their governments to do more to improve their lives faster.

In her new book, Edge of Chaos: Why Democracy is Failing to Deliver Economic Growth - and How to Fix It, Dambisa Moyo sets out the specific, radical solutions needed to resolve these issues and reignite global growth.

Join our Cover to Cover conference call with Moyo tomorrow, July 10, at 2:00-2:30 pm ET.

Dambisa will also be a WACA 2018 Conference keynote speaker - join the call for a sneak preview!

WACA 2018 National Conference: Braving the New World Order

November 7-9

The Mayflower Hotel

Washington, DC

Speakers Announced!

New!

Kelly Magsamen

Kelly Magsamen, Vice President for National Security and International Policy at the Center for American Progress

This will be CAP's first off-site briefing at the WACA National Conference

Nina Ansary

Dr. Nina Ansary, Visiting Fellow at the London School of Economics (LSE) Centre for Women, Peace and Security, and one of six UN Women Champions for Innovation

Ray Rothrock

Ray Rothrock, Chairman and CEO of RedSeal, a Sunnyvale, CA-based provider of network security solutions, and author of Digital Resilience

Further announcements on National Conference speakers and other program details will be made in the coming weeks.

The Conference Registration website will launch later this week. Book your room at our special group rate now!

The World Affairs Councils of America 2018 National Conference will be held November 7-9 at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC. 

We have secured a special group rate: 1 Bedroom Suite / Standard Room: $259 per night (Single/Double Occupancy) plus tax. Click here to reserve your room!

World Affairs Council - Washington, DC Welcomes New President

Please join WACA in welcoming World Affairs Council-Washington, DC's Interim President and CEO, Dr. Matthew D. Shank, President Emeritus of Marymount University.

Dr. Shank, who previously served on WAC-DC's Board and received the Council’s Educator of the Year Award in 2017, will begin his tenure on July 16.

“Matt Shank is in the top tier of nonprofit executives,” said James Moran, co-chair of the Council Board and former longtime congressman for Northern Virginia’s 8th District. “The World Affairs Council looks forward to having the benefit of Dr. Shank’s intellect, wisdom, and leadership.”

A Warm Welcome to Wendy Skratt, New Head of World Affairs Forum

The World Affairs Forum has appointed Stamford, Connecticut resident Wendy Skratt as Executive Director. Formerly Director of Communications & Events at the Forum, Wendy says her top priorities will be expanding membership and enhancing public awareness of world affairs programs. For those of you who were not able to meet her at the WACA Spring Leadership Meeting in San Antonio, please extend a warm welcome to Wendy.

Councils Are Hiring!

Vermont Council on World Affairs seeks a Marketing and Events Coordinator.

WorldBoston is hiring a Manager of Operations and Global Education Programs.

The American Academy of Diplomacy is Hiring!

WACA's suitemate, The American Academy of Diplomacy, is hiring a Program & Finance Assistant.

New Episode of Dallas/Fort Worth's Global I.Q. Minute Out Now!

General Michael V. Hayden, former Director of the CIA and former Director of the NSA, delves into The Assault on Intelligence: American National Security in an Age of Lies in a special episode of Global I.Q. Minute with Jim Falk, President and CEO of World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth.

June 27, 2018

Weekly World News Update

Turkey's Erdogan Wins Big, Expands Powers; Immigration Divides in U.S. and Europe; Ratcheting Up Trade Wars; Colombia’s FARC Peace Deal Under Threat; Saudi Lifts Ban on Women Drivers; World Leader Gives Birth

Quote of the Week

“The winner is our democracy. The winner is service-based politics. The winner is superiority of national will. The winner is Turkey. The winner is the Turkish nation.” 

-- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaking to supporters in Ankara early Monday morning after winning re-election Sunday.

Erdogan's Sweeping New Powers

"Turkey’s President Just Won Reelection – and a Dangerous Set of New Powers" Madeleine Ngo -- Vox, June 25, 2018

"Turkey’s Elections: Partially Free, Fair, and Fake" Steven A. Cook -- Council on Foreign Relations, June 25, 2018

"The Erdogan Supremacy" Kaya Genc -- The New York Times, June 25, 2018

"Bully-Boy Erdoğan is a Threat to Turkey – and the World" Simon Tisdall -- The Guardian, June 22, 2018

Immigration Battles Rage On

"Supreme Court Upholds Trump Travel Ban" Robert Barnes and Ann E. Marimow -- The Washington Post, June 26, 2018

"After Supreme Court Ruling, How Does Trump’s Travel Ban Affect U.S. Immigration Policy?" Amna Nawaz and Judy Woodruff -- PBS, June 26, 2018

"Trump Calls for Depriving Immigrants Who Illegally Cross Border of Due Process Rights" Katie Rogers and Sheryl Gay Stolberg -- The New York Times, June 24, 2018

"What is Europe’s Migration Fight About?" Jacopo Barigazzi and James Randerson -- Politico, June 22, 2018

"Merkel is Struggling to Get EU Countries to Follow Germany’s Lead on Migration" Edmund Heaphy -- Quartz, June 26, 2018

Drums of Trade War?

"Why Donald Trump’s Threatened Trade War With China Could Also Hurt South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan" Jane Cai and Sarah Zheng -- South China Morning Post, June 27, 2018

"Harley-Davidson’s Announcement Shows the Folly of Trump’s Trade War" John Cassidy -- The New Yorker, June 26, 2018

"There's a New Tariff in Town: Implications of Trump's Steel Tariffs" Ole Moehr -- Atlantic Council, June 22, 2018

"EU Adopts Rebalancing Measures in Reaction to U.S. Steel and Aluminium Tariffs" Press Release -- European Commission, June 20, 2018

Colombia’s FARC Peace Deal Under Threat with Ivan Duque?

"Will President Iván Duque Bring Prosperity to Colombia?" Stephen Gibbs -- The Times, June 21, 2018

"Is Colombia’s Duque Another Macron, or Another Medvedev?" Frida Ghitis -- World Politics Review, June 21, 2018

Women Drive in Saudi Arabia

" The End of Saudi Arabia’s Ban on Women Driving is About Economics, Not Equality" Martin Hvidt -- Quartz, June 25, 2018

"Why Did Saudi Arabia Lift the Driving Ban on Women Only Now?" Hana Al-Khamri -- Al Jazeera, June 24, 2018

World Leader Gives Birth

"New Zealand Prime Minister Gives Birth; First World Leader to Do So in Decades" Shannon Van Sant -- NPR, June 21, 2018

June 25, 2018

WACA Weekly

This Week: Santa Fe CIR Presents Future of Korea 2018; Apply for Peacebuilders Award; Spotlight on Mexico; Travel with WAC Greater Houston; Job Vacancies; plus Council Highlights

Santa Fe CIR Presents Future of Korea 2018 Program

Santa Fe Council on International Relations is one of eight Councils to participate in WACA's Engage America: Future of Korea 2018 program series. "The Future of the Koreas: A Panel Discussion" will be held Thursday, June 28, featuring:

·     Jandi Kim, Second Secretary at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the U.S.

·     Troy Stangarone, Senior Director of Congressional Affairs and Trade at KEI

·     Adam Miller, Military Adviser in the Office of Korean Affairs, DPRK Unit, U.S. Department of State

This program is presented in partnership with WACA and the Korea Economic Institute.

Apply for "Tomorrow's Peacebuilders" Award!

The Tomorrow’s Peacebuilders award recognizes groups involved in nonviolent campaigns or movements for a just and inclusive peace.

Apply today for an opportunity to win $10,000 in support of your organization or movement's activities. The award, sponsored by the Program on Nonviolent Action at the United States Institute of Peace, is the first of its kind presented as part of Peace Direct’s annual award offerings to benefit peacebuilding organizations around the globe.

One representative from each shortlisted group will receive an all-expenses paid trip to the award ceremony at PeaceCon 2018 in Washington, DC and promotion of their group’s work online to a global peacebuilding audience.

Application deadline: June 30.

Travel to South America with World Affairs Council of Greater Houston!

Join World Affairs Council of Greater Houston to discover the three vibrant capital cities of Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile.

This 13-day tour of Bueno Aires, Montevideo, and Santiago will be led by regional expert Christopher Ashby, former U.S. Ambassador to Uruguay, October 13 - 25, 2018.

WorldBoston Is Hiring!

WorldBoston is hiring a Manager of Operations and Global Education Programs.

The American Academy of Diplomacy is Hiring!

WACA's suitemate, The American Academy of Diplomacy, is hiring for a few positions: Program Director and Program & Finance Assistant.

Monday, June 25

World Affairs Council of Inland Southern California hosts Earl Anthony Wayne, former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, for “Why NAFTA and U.S.-Mexico Relations Are Important to You.” Details

World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth hosts Roslyn A. Walker, Senior Curator at the Dallas Museum of Art, for a guided tour. Details

Tuesday, June 26

World Affairs Council of Kentucky and Southern Indiana hosts Rufus H. Yerxa, President of the National Foreign Trade Council, for “Is Trade Protectionism the New Normal?” Details

World Affairs Council of Seattle hosts Carrie Hessler-Radelet, President and CEO of Project Concern International, for a special evening Field Notes Live event. Details

Foreign Policy Association hosts Theodore Roosevelt IV, Managing Director at Barclays Capital Corporation, and Charles McGonigal, Special Agent in Charge, Counterintelligence Division, New York FBI Field Office, for “Trade and National Security.” Details

World Affairs Council of San Antonio hosts a Young Professionals event, "How Humanitarian Efforts Can Help the LGBTQ Populations of the World." Details

World Affairs (Northern California) hosts Martha Saavedra, Associate Director of the Center for African Studies at UC Berkeley, for “Where Politics and Football Align.” Details

San Diego World Affairs Council hosts Earl Anthony Wayne, former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, for “Why Mexico’s Election, NAFTA, and U.S.-Mexico Relations Are Important to You.” Details

Wednesday, June 27

Global Minnesota hosts Trita Parsi, President of the National Iranian American Council, for “Iran, the U.S., and the Challenge of Nuclear Security.” Details

Montana World Affairs Council hosts film director and producer Sophie Dia Pegrum for "An Evening of International Film, Wine, and Culinary Arts." Details

World Affairs Council of Orange County hosts Earl Anthony Wayne, former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, for “Why NAFTA and U.S.-Mexico Relations Are Important to You.” Details

Thursday, June 28

World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth hosts General Michael V. Hayden, former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, for “American National Security in an Age of Lies.” Details

World Affairs Council of Tennessee hosts Tian Deyou, Economic and Commercial Minister Counselor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to the United States, for “The U.S.-Chinese Business Relationship.” Details

World Affairs Council of Atlanta hosts Carrie Lee, Assistant Professor of Security Studies at the U.S. Air War College, for “The Interplay of Domestic Politics and Military Operations.” Details

World Affairs Council of New Hampshire hosts Trita Parsi, President of the National Iranian American Council, for "Trump, Iran, and the Risk of War." Details

World Affairs Council-DC hosts Daniel Mulhall, Ambassador of Ireland to the U.S., for a special discussion. Details

Santa Fe Council on International Relations hosts a panel of experts for “The Future of the Koreas.” Details

June 20, 2018

Weekly World News Update

U.S. Immigration Battle; Migrant Crisis in Europe; U.S. Says 'No' to UN Human Rights Council; Unrest in Nicaragua; Turkey Goes to the Polls; U.S.-China Trade War

Quote of the Week

“I appreciate the need to enforce and protect our international boundaries, but this zero-tolerance policy is cruel. It is immoral. And it breaks my heart."  

-- Former First Lady Laura Bush compares what’s happening at the U.S. border to Japanese internment camps in a Sunday op-ed in the Washington Post.

U.S. Immigration Battle

“Sessions’ Draconian Asylum Decision” Caroline Bettinger-López and Rachel Vogelstein -- Foreign Affairs, June 15, 2018

“The Facts About Trump’s Policy of Separating Families at the Border” Salvador Rizzo -- The Washington Post, June 19, 2018

“No More 'Internment Camps': Democrats Disrupt Congressional Hearing” Sarah N. Lynch and Susan Cornwell -- Reuters, June 19, 2018

“Is it Fair to Call the U.S.’s Migrant Child Detention Centers “Concentration Camps”?” Annalisa Merelli -- Quartz, June 19, 2018

“How Anti-Immigration Passion Was Inflamed from the Fringe” Michael D. Shear and Katie Benner -- New York Times, June 18, 2018

Migrant Crisis in Europe

“France Offers to Take in Aquarius Ship Migrants as Tensions Soar with Italy” Romina McGuinness -- Express, June 18, 2018

“Merkel Gets Two Weeks to Solve Migrant Crisis” Kate Ferguson -- Daily Mail, June 17, 2018

“Migration Is Down, Crime Is Low, but Merkel Is in Trouble” Krishnadev Calamur -- The Atlantic, June 18, 2018

Turkey Goes to the Polls

“Will Spike in Fake News Have an Impact on Elections in Turkey?” Faisal Edroos -- Al Jazeera, June 14, 2018

“Turkey Elections 2018: Everything You Need to Know” Kareem Shaheen -- The Guardian, June 18, 2018

“Why Erdogan Is Entering Key June Elections with a Far-Right Ally” Umut Uras -- Al Jazeera, June 18, 2018

Unrest in Nicaragua

“Nicaragua Protests Take a New Turn: Empty Streets” Alfonso Flores Bermúdez and Elisabeth Malkin -- The New York Times, June 14, 2018

“Nicaragua Is Heading Down the Same Dark Path as Venezuela” Margarita Herdocia -- Time, June 13, 2018

“Barricades and Empty Streets: Nicaragua’s Leader Loses Control” Juan Montes -- The Wall Street Journal, June 18, 2018

U.S.-China Trade War

“What Can Beijing Do if China-U.S. Trade Row Worsens?” Ryan Woo -- Reuters, June 19, 2018

“The Mystifying List of Things that Trump Is Happy to Let China Export to the U.S. Tariff-Free" Gwynn Guilford -- Quartz, June 18, 2018

U.S. Says 'No' to UN Human Rights Council

“U.S. Quits 'Biased' UN Human Rights Council” Editor's Post -- BBC, June 20, 2018

“U.S. Leaving UN's Human Rights Council, Cites Anti-Israel Bias” Jamey Keaten and Edith M. Lederer -- The Associated Press in the New York Times, June 20, 2018

June 18, 2018

WACA Weekly

This Week: WAC San Antonio Presents Oman 2018; Columbia WAC Hosts Ambassador of Uzbekistan; Apply for Peacebuilders Award; Travel to South America; WorldBoston Is Hiring; New Cover to Cover Podcast; Council Highlights

World Affairs Council of San Antonio Presents Oman 2018 Program

World Affairs Council of San Antonio will present an Oman 2018 program, "Love and Politics in the Arabic Poetic Tradition," featuring Dr. Suzanne Stetkevych on Thursday, June 21.

Dr. Stetkevych is Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Professor of Arabic and Islamic Studies in the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies at Georgetown University. This WACA Engage America program is presented in partnership with Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center.

Apply for "Tomorrow's Peacebuilders" Award!

The Tomorrow’s Peacebuilders award recognizes groups involved in nonviolent campaigns or movements for a just and inclusive peace.

Apply today for an opportunity to win $10,000 in support of your organization or movement's activities. The award, sponsored by the Program on Nonviolent Action at the United States Institute of Peace, is the first of its kind presented as part of Peace Direct’s annual award offerings to benefit peacebuilding organizations around the globe.

One representative from each shortlisted group will receive an all-expenses paid trip to the award ceremony at PeaceCon 2018 in Washington, DC and promotion of their group’s work online to a global peacebuilding audience.

Application deadline: June 30.

Travel to South America with World Affairs Council of Greater Houston!

Join World Affairs Council of Greater Houston to discover the three vibrant capital cities of Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile.

This 13-day tour of Bueno Aires, Montevideo, and Santiago will be led by regional expert Christopher Ashby, former U.S. Ambassador to Uruguay, October 13 - 25, 2018.

Listen to WACA Podcasts!

Bosnia, Rwanda, Haiti, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria - a quarter-century of stumbles in America's pursuit of a more peaceful and just world. American military interventions have cost thousands of lives and billions of dollars, yet we rarely manage to enact positive and sustainable change.

In his new book, Peace Works: America's Unifying Role in a Turbulent World, former ambassador and global conflict leader Rick Barton uses a mix of stories, history, and analysis for a transformative approach to foreign affairs, offering concrete and attainable solutions for the future.

Listen to the June Cover to Cover podcast today.

Council Highlights

Tuesday, June 19

World Affairs Council of Atlanta hosts Rick Barton, Co-Director of Scholars in the Nation's Service Initiative at Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, to discuss his book, Peace Works: America's Unifying Role in a Turbulent World. Details

WorldBoston hosts Haroon K. Ullah, Chief Strategy Officer for the Broadcasting Board of Governors, to discuss his book, Digital World War. Event details and December 2017 Cover to Cover podcast

World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth hosts Ben Rhodes, Co-Chair of National Security Action, to discuss his new book, The World as It Is: Inside the Obama White House. Details

Vermont Council on World Affairs hosts Howard Dean, former Chair of the Democratic National Committee, for its 10th Annual Dinner. Details

Wednesday, June 20

World Affairs Council of South Texas hosts Seema Mathur Hopkins, Founder of Global Voice Productions, for “Brutalities of War: Quest for Justice and Healing.” Details

World Affairs Council of Greater Reading hosts Peter Rye, President of Brentwood Industries, for “International Business.” Details

World Affairs Council of Hilton Head hosts Jim Wagner, former President of Emory University, for “The Real Benefits of Higher Education.” Details

WorldOregon hosts a panel of experts for “Oregon and the World: What is the Future of Free Trade?” Details

World Affairs Council of Las Vegas hosts Shadman Bashir, Visiting Professor of History and Political Science at Dixie State University, for “Afghanistan: The Endless War – What Next?” Details

World Affairs Council of Maine hosts David Balton, former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Oceans and Fisheries at the U.S. Department of State, for “U.S. Leadership in a Changing Arctic.” Details

Thursday, June 21

World Affairs (Northern California) hosts David Sanger, Chief Washington Correspondent for The New York Times, to discuss his book, The Perfect Weapon: War, Sabotage, and Fear in the Cyber Age. Details

World Affairs Council - DC will host Anna Mwalagho, Kenyan poet and spoken word artist, and Mokoomba, Zimbabwean band, for an embassy series event at the African Union Mission to the U.S. Details

World Affairs Council of Atlanta hosts Allecia Lowery, Community Outreach Coordinator at New American Pathways, and Sena Dzakuma, Senior Program Officer at CARE, for “Celebrate World Refugee Week.” Details

Friday, June 22

World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads hosts John F. Lehman, founder of J.F. Lehman & Company, to discuss his book, Oceans Ventured: Winning the Cold War At Sea. Details

June 13, 2018

Weekly World News Update

President Trump and Kim Jong-un Meet; Aftermath of the G7 Summit; Italy and Malta Say 'No' to Migrants; Qatar Blockade One Year In; Yemen Continues to Crumble; Rwanda Under Tight Control; World Cup 2018

Quote of the Week

"To me, it was quite disappointing that we really did not put on paper any way that would test the seriousness of Kim Jong-un,” said Joseph Yun. “We have to suspend our judgment” until something else happens, he said, but “there is nothing from the meeting to say we’ve achieved anything."

-- Joseph Yun, former U.S. Special Representative on North Korea Policy, in an article by The Washington Post about the U.S.-North Korea Summit on Tuesday.

President Trump and Kim Jong Un Meet

"Trump and Kim Got What They Wanted. The Rest of the World, Not So Much" Anne Applebaum -- The Washington Post, June 12, 2018

“Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un Sign the Blandest of Agreements” Editorial Board -- The Economist, June 12, 2018

“Mr. Trump, Where's the Beef?” Oh Young-jin -- The Korea Times, June 13, 2018

“Trump-Kim Summit: China and Kim are Winners” Daniel Fried -- Atlantic Council, June 12, 2018

“Stunning Our Allies” Victor Cha and Mike Green -- Center for Strategic and International Studies, June 12, 2018 [Podcast]

Aftermath of the G7 Summit

"Despite Trump, the West Must Stay United" Donald Tusk -- The New York Times, June 6, 2018

“U.S.-Canada Rift Roils NAFTA Talks” Paul Vieira and Sara Schaefer Muñoz -- The Wall Street Journal, June 11, 2018

"Why the G7 Is a Zero" Jim O’Neill -- The Globe and Mail, June 12, 2018

“Trudeau Is Annoying, Not an Adversary” Rich Lowry -- National Review, June 12, 2018

“Trump Goes to War Against the Democracies” David Frum -- The Atlantic, June 10, 2018

“At G7 Summit, Trump Takes a Wrecking Ball to the West” Stewart M. Patrick -- Council on Foreign Relations, June 11, 2018

Italy and Malta Say 'No' to Migrants

“By Refusing Entry to Migrant Rescue Ship, Italy and Malta Reveal Legal Shortcomings” Doris Pundy -- Deutsche Welle, June 12, 2018

“Ideology First: Italy’s Troubled Approach to Migration” Stefano M. Torelli -- European Council on Foreign Relations, June 11, 2018

Qatar Blockade: One Year In

“How Qatar Weathered the Gulf Crisis” Kristian Coates Ulrichsen -- Foreign Affairs, June 11, 2018

Yemen Continues to Crumble

“Five Reasons the Crisis in Yemen Matters” Alan Sipress; Laris Karklis; Tim Meko -- The Washington Post, June 8, 2018

“U.S.-Backed Catastrophe Brewing in Yemen” Keith Johnson; Colum Lynch; Robbie Gramer -- Foreign Policy, June 11, 2018

“The Marib Paradox: How One Province Succeeds in the Midst of Yemen’s War” Adam Baron -- European Council on Foreign Relations, June 12, 2018

Rwanda Under Tight Control

“A Deathly Hush” Helen Epstein -- New York Review of Books, June 2018

“Is the World Cup for Nationalists or Citizens of the World?” Kanishk Tharoor -- The New York Times, June 11, 2018

"World Cup Carnival Exposes Limits of Western Sanctions on Russia" Max Seddon -- Financial Times, June 13, 2018

June 11, 2018

WACA Weekly

This Week: Peace Works with Rick Barton on Cover to Cover; Western Michigan Hosts Ambassador of Norway to the U.S.; Masha Gessen at WorldOregon; Travel to Portugal; Councils Hiring

Cover to Cover Tomorrow on Peace Works

Bosnia, Rwanda, Haiti, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria - a quarter-century of stumbles in America's pursuit of a more peaceful and just world. American military interventions have cost thousands of lives and billions of dollars, yet we rarely manage to enact positive and sustainable change. In his new book, former ambassador and global conflict leader Rick Barton uses a mix of stories, history, and analysis for a transformative approach to foreign affairs, offering concrete and attainable solutions for the future.

Join the June Cover to Cover conference call to discuss Barton's new book, Peace Works: America's Unifying Role in a Turbulent World, tomorrow, June 12, at 2:00-2:30 pm ET.

WAC Western Michigan Hosts Ambassador of Norway and Expert Panel

Today's security environment has no precedent. No single challenge to U.S. interests is equivalent to those posed by Nazi Germany, imperial Japan, or the Soviet Union during the 20th century. But the sheer volume and complexity of current and emerging security threats, and their interrelationship, may be just as daunting.

World Affairs Council of Western Michigan will host "World in Disarray: Prospects and Challenges for Transatlantic Relations" on Tuesday, June 12.

Panelists include:

·     Kåre Aas, Ambassador of Norway to the U.S. (pictured)

·     Kadri Liik, Senior Policy Fellow, European Council on Foreign Relations ​

·     Richard Fontaine, President, Center for a New American Security (CNAS) 

·     Julianne Smith, Senior Fellow and Director, Transatlantic Security Program, CNAS

·     Mark Newton, Adjunct Senior Fellow, Transatlantic Security Program, CNAS

·     Adam Routh, Research Associate, Defense Program, CNAS

Did you know that CNAS was a featured off-site at the WACA 2017 National Conference?

Masha Gessen at WorldOregon

WorldOregon will host Masha Gessen, Staff Writer for The New Yorker, to discuss Gessen's book, The Future Is History: Totalitarianism and the New Russia on Tuesday, June 12.

Masha Gessen was the winner of the 2017 National Book Award in nonfiction and is the author of several books, including The Man Without a Face: The Unlikely Rise of Vladimir Putin. The recipient of numerous awards, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and a Carnegie Fellowship, Gessen also teaches at Amherst College and lives in New York City.

Travel to Portugal with Sarasota World Affairs Council!

Join the quintessential tour of one of the world’s oldest nation states and birthplace of the world’s 5th most spoken language. Learn about the country’s rich history and regional diversity, and stay in unique properties that are themselves part of the country’s cultural heritage, all while learning about the wines and gastronomy of Portugal!

Lynne Partington, Vice President of Programs at Sarasota World Affairs Council, will lead this tour, October 19 - October 31, 2018. Email Lynne for more information.

World Affairs Council of Atlanta seeks a new Program Manager!

WorldBoston is hiring a Manager of Operations and Global Education Programs.

June 6, 2018

Weekly World News Update

U.S. Trade War; June 12 U.S.-North Korea Summit; Protests in Jordan; Uncertainty in Italy; Iran Deal; Unrest in Brazil; Instability in South Sudan

Quote of the Week

"The idea that we are somehow a national security threat to the United States is quite frankly insulting and unacceptable." ​

-- Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, in an interview about the U.S. position on North American trade on NBC's Meet the Press on Saturday.

"Mexico and Canada Add to Nations Striking Fear in U.S. Farmers" Jacob Bunge; Heather Haddon; Benjamin Parkin -- The Wall Street Journal, June 6, 2018

"Trump’s Trade War Sets Up a Battlefield Rout" Noah Smith -- Bloomberg, June 6, 2018

"Tariffs and Trump: Why the G7 Summit in Canada Could Be Awkward" Jessica Murphy -- BBC News, June 5, 2018

“A Trade War Primer” Paul Krugman -- The New York Times, June 3, 2018

Preparing for the U.S.-North Korea Summit

"'For Kim Jong-Un to Cheat, Risk Is Too High'" Yeo Jun-Suk -- Korea Herald, June 6, 2018

"Korean Peace Declaration ‘Is Possible Without China but Would Be Weaker’" Sarah Zheng and Lee Jeong-Ho -- South China Morning Post, June 6, 2018

"Singapore Gears Up for the Greatest Show on Earth: The Trump-Kim Summit" Chun Han Wong; P.R. Venkat; Jonathan Cheng -- The Wall Street Journal, June 6, 2018

"A North Korean Opportunity for America and China" Richard N. Haass -- Project Syndicate, June 1, 2018

"Uninvited Guests Crash Trump’s North Korea Talks" Nahal Toosi -- Politico, June 6, 2018

Protests Incite Leadership Turnover in Jordan

"Jordan’s King Appoints New Prime Minister as Protests Resume" Omar Akour -- The Washington Post, June 5, 2018

"Jordan's Prime Minister Resigns Amid Protests Against Austerity" Jane Arraf -- NPR, June 4, 2018

"Marginalized Youth: Toward an Inclusive Jordan" Beverley Milton-Edwards -- Brookings Institution, June 6, 2018 [Report]

Italy's Uncertain Road Ahead

“Italy Needs to Be Handled with Care” Editorial Board --The Economist, May 31, 2018

“The Fall and Rise of Matteo Salvini” Erik Jones -- Foreign Affairs, June 5, 2018

Israel, Europe, the U.S., and the Iran Deal

“What do the Iranian People Want?” Rahman Bouzari -- Al Jazeera, June 4, 2018

“What Does Netanyahu Hope To Achieve On His European Trip?” Herb Keinon -- Jerusalem Post, June 6, 2018

“Washington’s Dangerous Fixation on Iran” Doug Bandow -- The National Interest, June 4, 2018

“How Sanctions Feed Authoritarianism” Peter Beinart -- The Atlantic, June 5, 2018

Unrest in Brazil

“Brazil, Scared and Leaderless, Looks to the Military” Brian Winter -- Americas Quarterly, May 31, 2018

“Truckers' Strike Highlights 'A Dangerous Moment' for Brazil's Democracy” Dom Phillips -- The Guardian, June 5, 2018

"Brazil's Centrist Parties Urged to Unite, But Behind Whom?" Anthony Boadle -- Reuters, June 5, 2018

“South Sudan Has Failed Its Children. We Must Not.” Nikki Haley -- The Washington Post, May 30, 2018

“Conflict in Abyei Could Reignite South Sudan’s Civil War” Sam Mednick -- Foreign Policy, June 6, 2018

June 4, 2018

June Newsletter

This Month: WAC San Antonio Is Council of the Month; Utah Hosts Future of Korea; Oman 2018 in San Antonio; U.S.-China Global Ed TV Series; Rick Barton on Cover to Cover; New Podcasts; Member Discounts; Councils in the News

Council of the Month: World Affairs Council of San Antonio

WACA is pleased to announce that the World Affairs Council of San Antonio is our June Council of the Month for hosting the 2018 Spring Leadership and Board Meetings.

Highlights of the Spring Leadership Meeting included an engaging opening program on San Antonio's history with historian Gilberto Hinojosa, an in-depth dinner talk by Stratfor's Reva Goujon, and constructive sessions on WACA membership, and with speakers Jennifer Cantu, SVP in Business and Community Management at Bank of America, and David Davenport, Director of Estate and Planned Gift Giving at San Antonio Area Foundation.

Thank you to Leslie Palmer, Executive Director of WAC San Antonio, and her team for coordinating such a successful program this year!

L to R: WACA President Bill Clifford; WAC San Antonio member; WAC San Antonio Executive Director Leslie Palmer; WACA Board Member Nancy Hamlin; WACA Board Member and WAC Charlotte President L.J. Stambuk.

Utah Council for Citizen Diplomacy will present an Engage America: Future of Korea program in partnership Korea Economic Institute this Thursday, June 7.

Panelists include:

·     Vanna Lavery, Republic of Korea Desk Officer, U.S. Department of State

·     Seungnam Lee, Second Secretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the U.S.

·     Phil Eskeland, Executive Director of Operations and Policy, Korea Economic Institute

The Confucius Institute U.S. Center, strategic partner with World Affairs Council - DC, recently announced its June 2 - July 1 nationwide broadcast schedule of the U.S.-China Global Education Television Series on the MHz Worldview Channel.

The series features one-on-one interviews between distinguished American private and public sector leaders and the presidents of U.S. universities and cultural organizations that host Confucius Institutes.

Featured guests include:

·     David Abney, Chairman and CEO of UPS and WACA 2016 Conference keynote speaker

·     Chuck Hagel, former U.S. Secretary of Defense

·     Bertrand-Marc Allen, President of Boeing International

·     More

June Cover to Cover:

Rick Barton on Peace Works

Bosnia, Rwanda, Haiti, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria - a quarter-century of stumbles in America's pursuit of a more peaceful and just world. American military interventions have cost thousands of lives and billions of dollars, yet we rarely manage to enact positive and sustainable change. In his new book, former ambassador and global conflict leader Rick Barton uses a mix of stories, history, and analysis for a transformative approach to foreign affairs, offering concrete and attainable solutions for the future.

Join the June Cover to Cover conference call to discuss Barton's new book, Peace Works: America's Unifying Role in a Turbulent World, on Tuesday, June 12, at 2:00-2:30 pm ET.

July 10

Dambisa Moyo will discuss Edge of Chaos: Why Democracy is Failing to Deliver Economic Growth - and How to Fix It.

Listen to WACA's Latest KNOW NOW Podcast!

The Israel-Palestine conflict has reached yet another inflection point. What's next for this protracted conflict? Is hope lost for a peaceful resolution? Is there an end in sight?

Listen to the podcast of our KNOW NOW program with Yousef Bashir, Gaza-born peace activist, to gain insight on these complex questions.

In this episode of World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth's Global I.Q. Minute, Tom Peters, author of The Excellence Dividend, reveals how organizations can thrive in the age of algorithms while elevating the heart and soul of every worthwhile endeavor - our humanity.

Did You Know that WACA Offers Subscription Discounts?

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May 31, 2018

TODAY: KNOW NOW

Inside Gaza

The Israel-Palestine conflict has reached yet another inflection point.

What's next for this protracted conflict? Is hope lost for a peaceful resolution? Is there an end in sight?

Yousef Bashir, a Gaza-born peace activist, will join WACA for a special KNOW NOW program, Inside Gaza, to shed light on these complex questions.

Yousef began his journey as a peacemaker after being shot in the back at 15 by an Israeli solder. He credits his father for teaching him to forgive and find reconciliation instead of turning to anger and revenge. Bashir holds a BA in International Affairs from Northeastern University and an MA in Coexistence and Conflict from Brandeis University. His experience includes serving as Congressional Intern, a Partnership for a Secure America Scoville Fellow, and partaking in the Seeds of Peace and Kids 4 Peace programs. His story has been featured on media outlets such as NPR and The Washington Post. Currently, Yousef works on Congressional Affairs for the Chief Representative of the PLO to the U.S. He will release a memoir, The Words of My Father, in late September of this year.

Join the May KNOW NOW call today, May 31, from 2:00-2:30 PM ET.

Cover to Cover: June - July

June 12

Rick Barton will discuss Peace Works: America's Unifying Role in a Turbulent World.

July 10

Dambisa Moyo will discuss Edge of Chaos: Why Democracy is Failing to Deliver Economic Growth - and How to Fix It.