May 30, 2018

Weekly World News Update

Italy's Political Crisis; Death Toll in Puerto Rico; Inside Gaza; U.S.-North Korea Negotiations; Violence in Cameroon; Crimes Against Humanity in Venezuela; Colombia Heads to a Runoff

Quote of the Week

"The European Union is in an existential crisis." ​

-- George Soros, billionaire investor and philanthropist, warned Tuesday in Paris, in a speech delivered to the Annual Meeting at the European Council on Foreign Relations.

Great Implications for Italy's Political Crisis

"What Comes Next for Italy?" Beppe Severgnini -- The New York Times, May 28, 2018

"Spitting in Europe’s Face Won’t Help Italy" Rachel Donadio -- The Atlantic, May 28, 2018

"Dow Sinks 504 Points - Then Rallies - As Italy’s Political Crisis Triggers Global Sell-Off" Thomas Heath -- The Washington Post, May 29, 2018

"Italy's Revolt Against the EU" Erik Jones -- Foreign Affairs, May 24, 2018

"How to Save Europe" George Soros -- Project Syndicate, May 29, 2018

The Real Death Toll of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico

"Mortality in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria" Panel of Experts -- The New England Journal of Medicine, May 29, 2018 [Report]

"Puerto Rico Governor Welcomes 'Real Number' of Hurricane Maria Deaths After Shocking Report" Editorial Board -- CBS News, May 30, 2018

Inside Gaza

"Israel and Palestinians Trade Fire on Gaza Border Amid Ceasefire Talk" Ruth Eglash -- The Washington Post, May 30, 2018

"Killer Drones, Incendiary Kites, Sniper Rifles and Robot Machine Guns Contribute to Gaza Bloodbath" Sebastien Roblin -- The National Interest, May 27, 2018

Saving U.S.-North Korea Negotiations

"Korea Summitry" Richard N. Haass -- Foreign Affairs, May 25, 2018

"Trump Should Get Even Tougher with North Korea" Marc A. Thiessen -- The Washington Post, May 24, 2018

"Can South Korea Save the Summit?" E. Tammy Kim -- The New York Times, May 27, 2018

"The North Korea Summit Jitters Scare America's Allies" Joergen Oerstroem Moeller -- The National Interest, May 29, 2018

"How Leaving China in the Dark Helped Doom the Trump-Kim Summit" John S. Van Oudenaren -- The Diplomat, May 26, 2018

Violence in Cameroon

"Cameroon’s ‘Quiet’ Anglophone Crisis Keeps Escalating with Killings, Detentions Mounting" Kwasi Gyamfi Asiedu -- Quartz, May 29, 2018

Crimes Against Humanity in Venezuela

"Panel of Independent International Experts Finds 'Reasonable Grounds' for Crimes Against Humanity Committed in Venezuela" Mónica Reyes -- Organization of American States, May 29, 2018 [Press Release]

"Maduro Uses Repression and Military Purge to Stay in Power in Venezuela" Antonio Maria Delgado -- Miami Herald, May 29, 2018

"U.S. Sanctions Must Be Precise in Order to Spare Innocent Venezuelans" Dany Bahar -- The Hill, May 24, 2018

Colombia Prepares for a Runoff

"Colombians Hope for Change in the First Post-War Presidential Election" Editorial Board -- The Economist, May 26, 2018

"In Colombia, Far-Right and Hard-Left Candidates Will Vie for Presidency" Susan Abad and Nicholas Casey -- The New York Times, May 27, 2018

May 29, 2018

WACA Weekly

This Week: Inside Gaza on KNOW NOW Thursday; FPA Centennial Dinner; Council Highlights

Thursday 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.

Born in the Gaza Strip, Yousef was paralyzed from the waist down at age 15 after being shot in the spine by an Israeli soldier. During an agonizing recovery at a hospital in Tel Aviv, Yousef was inspired to become a peacemaker by his father’s message of coexistence. 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 this Thursday, May 31, from 2:00-2:30 PM ET.

Foreign Policy Association Holds Centennial Dinner

Inge Thulin

Chairman, President, CEO, 3M

Foreign Policy Association (FPA) will host its 2018 Centennial Annual Dinner on Thursday, May 31.

FPA will present its Corporate Social Responsibility Award to Inge Thulin, President, Chairman, and CEO of 3M, and to Darius Adamczyk, Chairman and CEO of Honeywell.

Darius Adamczyk

Chairman and CEO, Honeywell

FPA will also recognize the work of William R. Rhodes, President and CEO of William R. Rhodes Global Advisors, LLC, and Sana Sabbagh, for their lifetime of philanthropy and work in international affairs education. Both Rhodes and Sabbagh are Directors of the Foreign Policy Association.

Welcome, Summer Interns!

Please join WACA in welcoming our two summer Program and Outreach Interns, Anna Bonsu and Kemal Taban!

Anna graduated Cum Laude with a BA in international studies and political science from Old Dominion University in May 2018. At ODU, she was a member of the International Studies and Political Science National Honor Societies, and served in an executive role at the organization Global Learning ODU. Anna spent her junior year in Seoul, South Korea. She previously interned on a campaign for the 2017 Virginia state election.

Kemal is a rising junior at The College of William and Mary, majoring in international relations and minoring in economics. He is active on campus and serves as Treasurer of the Muslim Student Association and Undersecretary of Diversity Initiatives on the Student Assembly. Kemal has previously worked at the American Psychological Association and with several political campaigns.

Are you a current university student, interested in joining the WACA team? We hire driven, internationally engaged students for fall, spring, and summer terms. Please check our employment page for timelines and information on how to apply!

WorldBoston Is Hiring!

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

Council Highlights

Tuesday, May 29

World Affairs Council of Maine hosts Judith Fergin, former U.S. Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, for “Asia-Pacific Views of the U.S. and Why They Matter.” Details

Wednesday, May 30

World Affairs Council of Greater Houston hosts James Clapper, former U.S. Director of National Intelligence, to discuss his book, Facts and Fears: Hard Truths from a Life in Intelligence. Details 

World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth hosts Paula Minnis, Founder of GAIA, for “How a Social Entrepreneur Is Helping Resettled Refugees One Pouch at a Time…” Details

World Affairs Council of New Hampshire hosts Dean Spiliotes, Civic Scholar in the School of Arts and Sciences at Southern New Hampshire University, for a film screening and discussion of The Final Year. Details

Thursday, May 31

World Affairs (Northern California) hosts Fran Ulmer, Chair of the United States Arctic Research Commission, for “After the Arctic Ice Melts.” Details

World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth hosts James Clapper, former U.S. Director of National Intelligence, to discuss his book, Facts and Fears: Hard Truths from a Life in Intelligence. Details

San Diego World Affairs Council hosts Y Pang Tsui, inventor and developer of engineering processes for manufacturing, for “Hong Kong: Reintegration into China.” Details

Santa Fe Council on International Relations hosts Rob Reider, former SFCIR Board Member, to discuss his books, The Genius Club and American Scream. Details

World Affairs Council of Western Michigan hosts Michael Hershman, President and CEO of the Fairfax Group, for “Global Corruption: Overview and Navigation for U.S. Businesses.” Details

World Affairs Council of Western Michigan hosts William Garvelink, former U.S. Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for “Global Trends in International Relations: Pandemics, Corruption, and Failed States.” Details

Travel the World with WAC Philadelphia

Travel with Council Leaders - hear them lecture on Travel the World tours from the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia!

2018 travel schedule includes trips to: 

·     Craig Snyder, President and CEO, World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, Poland & Moscow Seminar: July 14-22

·     Jim Falk, President and CEO, World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth, Cruise the Rhine, July 11-29

·     Megan Torrey, CEO, World Affairs Council of Connecticut, Himalayan Kingdoms, Sept. 11-25

·     Dixie Anderson, Executive Director Emerita, World Affairs Council of Western Michigan, Romance of the Douro River: Sept. 15-26

·     Joyce Davis, President, World Affairs Council of Harrisburg, Town & Country Life in Languedoc: Oct. 6-14

·     Don Samford, Board President, Peoria Area World Affairs Council, Cuba: Nov. 4-12

·     Megan Torrey, CEO, World Affairs Council of Connecticut, South East Asia: Jan. 29 - Feb. 11, 2019

·     Mimi Gregory, Vice President of Programs, Naples Council on World Affairs, Grand Seine: June 30 - July 18, 2019

·     Dr. Carla Thorson, Senior Vice President of Programs, World Affairs, Northern California, Arctic Expedition: June 21 - July 1, 2019

·     Derrick Olsen, President, WorldOregon, Trade Routes of Coastal Iberia: Oct. 13-21, 2019

Contact www.wacphila.org/travel or call 1-800-942-5004, ext. 209 or 217.

May 25, 2018

Next Week: 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.

Join the May KNOW NOW call on Thursday, 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.

May 23, 2018

Weekly World News Update

Israel-Palestine Conflict; Iran Deal and the EU; North Korea Talks; U.S.-China Trade War; Venezuela's Elections; Reform in Saudi Arabia?

Quote of the Week

"No nation in the world allows foreigners to storm its border. Period. When the declared intention of the aggressors is to kill that nation’s citizens, it is laughable to even suggest that a forceful response would not ensue."

-- H.E. David Friedman, U.S. Ambassador to Israel, in a Monday article for Fox News about the new U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and violence in Gaza.

"The occupation must end, so the people of Palestine can be liberated, and the people of Israel liberated from it. End the occupation, and the violence and insecurity will largely disappear."

-- Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, in a statement at the Special Session of the Human Rights Council on Friday.

Israel-Palestine Conflict: Is There Hope for Peace?

"How to End the Endless Conflict Between Israel and the Palestinians" Editorial Board -- The Economist, May 17, 2018

"How Netanyahu Is Stoking Israelis' Fear of the Nakba" Galia Golan -- Haaretz, May 21, 2018

"World Must Tell Gaza’s Hamas-Abused Masses the Truth: There Will Be No ‘Return’" David Horovitz -- The Times of Israel, May 17, 2018

"Palestinians Ask ICC to Open Full Inquiry Into Israel" Marlise Simons and Alan Cowell -- The New York Times, May 22, 2018

"Don’t Blame Hamas for the Gaza Bloodshed" Sari Bashi -- Foreign Policy, May 22, 2018

The Iran Deal and the Future of U.S.-EU Relations

"Pompeo Demands a King's Ransom from Iran" Curt Mills -- The National Interest, May 21, 2018

"The Trump Administration’s Plan B on Iran Is No Plan at All" Suzanne Maloney -- Brookings Institution, May 22, 2018

"The Saudi Lobby’s Scheme to Destroy the Iran Deal" William D. Hartung and Ben Freeman -- The American Conservative, May 23, 2018

"Europeans Want to Break Up with America. Deep Down, They Should Know that They Can’t" James Kirchick -- The Washington Post, May 22, 2018

What's the Deal with the North Korea Talks?

"We Need to Test Our Assumptions About North Korea" Ken Gause -- The National Interest, May 22, 2018

"Who’s to Blame the Hiccup in North Korea Talks? South Koreans Say Bolton" Anna Fifield -- The Washington Post, May 21, 2018

"Trump Blames China’s Xi Jinping for Sabotaging the Kim Jong Un Summit" Gordon G. Chang -- The Daily Beast, May 23, 2018

"Trump's DPRK Dilemma" Dan Blumenthal -- American Enterprise Institute, May 22, 2018

U.S.-China Trade War Negotiations Move Forward

"Who Will Be the Biggest Losers from a China-U.S. Trade War Truce?" Frank Tang and Liu Zhen -- South China Morning Post, May 22, 2018

"Trump’s China Deal Is the Worst Ever" Edward Alden -- Nikkei Asian Review, May 22, 2018

"In Trade War With U.S., China Gets the Upper Hand" Greg Ip -- The Wall Street Journal, May 22, 2018

Aftermath of the Venezuelan Elections

"How Long Can Nicolás Maduro Hang on to Power in Venezuela?" Jon Lee Anderson -- The New Yorker, May 22, 2018

"As Trump Adds Sanctions on Venezuela, Its Neighbors Reject Election Result" Nicholas Casey and Julie Hirschfeld Davis -- The New York Times, May 21, 2018

"A Fraudulent Election Means Even More Problems for Venezuela" Dany Bahar -- Brookings Institution, May 22, 2018 [Podcast]

Social Reform Halts in Saudi Arabia

"Saudi Arabia Hits the Brakes on Reforms" Simon Henderson -- The Atlantic, May 22, 2018

"Saudi Arabia Expands Crackdown on Women’s Rights Activists" Sarah Dadouch -- Reuters, May 22, 2018

May 21, 2018

WACA Weekly

This Week: WACA's Recap on San Antonio Meeting; Future of Korea at WAC Harrisburg; McFaul on Russia Podcast; plus Council Highlights

Spring Leadership and Board Meetings - Thank You WAC San Antonio!

WAC San Antonio's Leslie Palmer (C) with WACA Board members and guests

Karen Burghart (L), Matthew Hughes, and Kimberley Coles

Stratfor VP Reva Goujon delivers Friday dinner keynote

Thank you to all who attended the Council Leadership and WACA Board meetings last week in Texas, and especially to Leslie Palmer and her World Affairs Council of San Antonio team for hosting such a successful program!

In addition to workshops on How to Build an Endowment and on Developing Strong Corporate Relations, WACA President Bill Clifford presented the findings of our Council Benchmarking Survey. So far, we have a 53% participation rate from the Council network. According to Council colleagues, this survey provides invaluable information for local Councils. WACA would like to make our data even more robust by having 100% participation and so have kept the survey open. You can find the link here. Please fill it out if your Council has not yet done so. We are grateful!

Additionally, WACA and Council leaders held a productive discussion on the benefits of WACA membership. We will continue the conversation at the WACA National Conference, November 7-9, and aim to have the new dues structure in place by 2019. We value your input and encourage you to join us at the Conference for the Fall Leadership Meeting, signature policy forums, and special events.

WAC Harrisburg Hosts Future of Korea

The first of eight Future of Korea 2018 events in the annual WACA-KEI program series will be held on Thursday, May 24.

World Affairs Council of Harrisburg will present this program in conjunction with its 2018 Torch of Global Enlightenment Awards, honoring distinguished individuals and globally responsible organizations.

Listen to Michael McFaul on podcast!

From Cold War to Hot Peace: An American Ambassador in Putin's Russia is a riveting inside account of four decades of U.S.-Russia relations, from the fall of the Soviet Union to the rise of the Russian President and his hostile challenge to the West.

Listen to the May Cover to Cover podcast of our conference call with Ambassador Michael McFaul on his new book.

World Affairs Council of Seattle and World Affairs Council of Orange County will feature McFaul in public forums this week. (see Council Highlights below.)

Join us for WACA's June 12 Cover to Cover with Ambassador Rick Barton on his new book, Peace Works.

WorldBoston Is Hiring!

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

Council Highlights

Monday, May 21

Cleveland Council on World Affairs hosts François-Philippe Champagne, International Trade Minister of Canada, for “NAFTA: North American Competitiveness is Job #1.” Details

World Affairs Council of Greater Houston hosts Jesús Silva-Herzog Márquez, Professor of Law at Instituto Tecnológico Autonomo de Mexico, for “Mexico's Presidential Election and U.S.-Mexico Relations.” Details

World Affairs Council of Seattle hosts a panel of experts for “The Future of U.S.-China Relations: A Debate.” Details

Tuesday, May 22

World Affairs Council of Austin hosts David Firestein, Founding Director of the China Public Policy Center, for “China, Innovation, and Us.” Details

World Affairs Council Upstate hosts Paul Berg, former Foreign Service Officer, for “American Foreign Policy: Truth and Fiction from a Firsthand Perspective.” Details

Santa Fe Council on International Relations holds a screening of Red Light Revolution. Details

World Affairs Council of Atlanta hosts Elizabeth Kiss, President of Agnes Scott College, for “Reimagining ATL as a Global Leader.” Details

Wednesday, May 23

San Diego World Affairs Council hosts WACA 2017 Conference speaker Steven Pifer, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, for “Ukraine: Russian Interference and How the U.S. Can Bolster Ukrainian Security.” Details

World Affairs (Northern California) hosts Shlomi Kofman, Consul General of Israel to the Pacific Northwest, for “Diplomat Luncheon.” Details

Global Minnesota hosts Tom Hanson, Diplomat in Residence at University of Minnesota Duluth, and Joan Brzezinski, Executive Director of the China Center and Confucius Institute, for “Bridging the Gap in U.S.-China Negotiation and Communication Styles.” Details

World Affairs Council of St. Louis hosts Rob Rudloff, Cybersecurity Team Leader at RubinBrown, and Matt Flinner, Education and Outreach Coordinator at Better Business Bureau, for “Cyber Security and You.” Details 

World Affairs Council of Seattle hosts Michael McFaul, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia, for "From Cold War to Hot Peace: Looking Back and Forward in the U.S. Russia Relationship." Details 

Thursday, May 24

World Affairs Council of Orange County hosts Michael McFaul, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia, to discuss his book, From Cold War to Hot Peace: An American Ambassador in Putin’s Russia. Details

World Affairs Council of Orange County hosts WACA 2017 Conference speaker Steven Pifer, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia, and James Coyle, Director of the Center for Global Education at Chapman University, for “Russia’s Border Wars and Frozen Conflicts.” Details

International Relations Council (Kansas City) hosts a panel of experts for “The Opportunities and Challenges of Chinese Investment in the U.S.” Details

World Affairs Council of Sonoma County hosts Norman Bowen, Professor Emeritus of Political Science at California State University East Bay, for “Macron’s Vision for France and Europe.” Details

World Affairs Council of Kentucky and Southern Indiana hosts WACA Cover to Cover author Dr. Jonathan D. Quick, Chair of the Global Health Council, to discuss his book, The End of Epidemics: The Looming Threat to Humanity and How to Stop It. Details

World Affairs Council of Charlotte hosts Brigadier General Stephen Cheney, USMC (Ret.), CEO of the American Security Project, for “First to Respond: The Military in the Age of Climate Change.” Details

World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth hosts Brett Baier, Chief Political Anchor at Fox News Channel, to discuss his book, Three Days in Moscow: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of the Soviet Empire. Details

May 16, 2018

Weekly World News Update

North Korea Talks; Israel-Palestine Conflict; Iraq's New PM; Rohingya Crisis; Burundi Votes

Quote of the Week

"If the U.S. is trying to drive us into a corner to force our unilateral nuclear abandonment we will no longer be interested in such dialogue and cannot but reconsider our proceeding to the DPRK-U.S. summit."

-- Kim Kye Gwan, North Korean Vice Foreign Minister, in a Tuesday statement about the upcoming June talks with the U.S.

North Korea Gets Cold Feet

"White House Brushes Aside North Korea's Threats to Cancel Summit with Trump" Mark Landler; Choe Sang-Hun; Jane Perlez -- The New York Times, May 16, 2018

"Deciphering Kim Jong Un's Motives" Michael Green -- Foreign Affairs, May 16, 2018

"A Step-By-Step Plan for Denuclearizing North Korea" Michael O'Hanlon -- The National Interest

Israel-Palestine Conflict Hits Inflection Point

"Celebration in Jerusalem, Bloodshed in Gaza" Emma Green -- The Atlantic, May 14, 2018

"Israel Has the Right and Obligation to Defend Its Border with Deadly Force" David French -- National Review, May 15, 2018

"The Spirit of Palestinian Resistance Will Not Be Broken" Omar Baddar -- Al Jazeera, May 15, 2018

"The Damage Done in Jerusalem" Steven A. Cook -- Council on Foreign Relations, May 15, 2018

"Jerusalem Protests: Violence in the Vacuum" Hugh Lovatt -- European Council on Foreign Relations, May 15, 2018

Iraq's New Prime Minister

"Former U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Discusses Election Results" Mary Louise Kelly and Zalmay Khalilzad -- NPR, May 15, 2018 [Podcast]

"The Time to Stop Bankrolling the Iraqi Military Is Now" Jason C. Ditz -- The American Conservative, May 15, 2018

"Iraq's Election: A Key Event in America's Wars" Anthony H. Cordesman and Munqith Dagher -- Center for Strategic and International Studies, May 14, 2018

Checking In on Rohingya Crisis

"As Obama Eased Myanmar Sanctions, Some Saw Warnings of a Massacre" Priyanka Boghani -- PBS Frontline, May 10, 2018

"Aung San Suu Kyi Is a Politician, Not a Monster" Peter A Coclanis -- Foreign Policy, May 14, 2018

"Process as Well as Substance Is Important in ICC's Rohingya Decision" Alex Whiting -- Just Security, May 15, 2018

Burundi Votes on New Constitution

"Burundi Votes Tomorrow on Controversial Constitutional Amendments. A Lot Is at Stake" Yolande Bouka and Sarah Jackson -- The Washington Post, May 16, 2018

"Burundi Referendum to Extend Presidential Term Raises Fears of Violence" Cristina Krippahl -- Deutsche Welle, May 16, 2018

May 15, 2018

TODAY: Cover to Cover

From Cold War to Hot Peace

In 2008, when Michael McFaul was asked to leave his perch at Stanford and join an unlikely presidential campaign, he had no idea that he would find himself at the beating heart of one of today’s most contentious and consequential international relationships. As President Obama’s adviser on Russian affairs, McFaul helped craft the U.S. policy known as “reset” that fostered unprecedented collaboration between the two countries. Then, as U.S. Ambassador to Russia (2012-2014), he had a front-row seat when this fleeting, hopeful moment crumbled with Vladimir Putin’s return to the presidency.

From Cold War to Hot Peace is a riveting inside account that combines history and memoir to tell the full story of U.S.-Russia relations from the fall of the Soviet Union to the new rise of the hostile, paranoid Russian president.

Join the May Cover to Cover conference call to discuss McFaul's new book, From Cold War to Hot Peace: An American Ambassador in Putin's Russia, today, May 15, at 2:00-2:30 PM ET.

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.

May 14, 2018

WACA Weekly

This Week: Join Cover to Cover with Michael McFaul; Spring Leadership and Board Meetings; Final Call to Vote for National Board Slate; International Relations Council Hosts Ambassador of the Czech Republic; Work at WorldBoston; Council Highlights

TOMORROW: Michael McFaul on Cover to Cover

When Michael McFaul was asked to leave his perch at Stanford and join an unlikely presidential campaign in 2008, he had no idea that he would find himself at the beating heart of one of today’s most contentious and consequential international relationships. As President Obama’s adviser on Russian affairs, McFaul helped craft the U.S. policy known as “reset” that fostered unprecedented collaboration between the two countries. Then, as U.S. Ambassador to Russia (2012-2014), he had a front-row seat when this fleeting, hopeful moment crumbled with Vladimir Putin’s return to the presidency.

From Cold War to Hot Peace is a riveting inside account that combines history and memoir to tell the full story of U.S.-Russia relations from the fall of the Soviet Union to the new rise of the hostile, paranoid Russian president.

Join the May Cover to Cover conference call to discuss McFaul's new book, From Cold War to Hot Peace: An American Ambassador in Putin's Russia, on Tuesday, May 15 from 2:00-2:30 PM ET.

Stratfor's Reva Goujon to Speak at Leadership Meeting Dinner: Where U.S. Trade Policy and Grand Strategy Intersect

Reva Goujon, Vice President of Global Analysis at Stratfor, will keynote a special dinner at San Antonio's Club Giraud on Friday, May 18 from 6:00-9:00 pm, following the leadership workshop sessions.

The meetings will open with an installment of WAC San Antonio's Distinguished Speaker Series, "San Antonio’s First 300 Years: From Spanish Colony to Modern City," on Thursday, May 17 at 5:30 pm.

The WACA Board meets Saturday, May 19 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm.

Reva Goujon

VP of Global Analysis

Stratfor

Council Leaders: Please Vote by May 18

New WACA National Board terms will commence July 1 (a term is three years).

According to the bylaws, one authorized representative of each member organization may vote YEA or NAY on the nominees for the WACA National Board. See bios.

Please respond by email vote to Chelsea Beaulieu at cbeaulieu@worldaffairscouncils.org no later than close of business on Friday, May 18.

With the start of our new fiscal year on July 1, 2018, WACA National Board Committees will be recomposed. The Nominating Committee will announce an official call for nominations to the board in early September. Please begin now to consider the strongest Supporting (corporate and institutional) and Council candidates for the WACA National Board, with terms to start in July 2019. 

CANDIDATES ELECTION (JULY 2018-JUNE 2021 TERM):

BOARD CANDIDATES (Supporting Member Nominees):

Carlos Alvarez, CEO, The Gambrinus Company (TX)

Alex Lari, CEO, The Claremont Group (NY) 

BOARD CANDIDATES (Council Rep Nominees):

Joan Lemoine, immediate past Executive Director, WAC Hilton Head

Derrick Olsen, President, WorldOregon

Incumbent Supporting Member Nominee (second 3-year term):

Forough Hosseini, Senior Vice President, Information Systems, ICI Homes, Inc. (FL) 

Incumbent Council Rep Nominees (second 3-year term):

Craig Snyder, President and CEO, WAC Philadelphia 

Xiao Yin Zhao, Executive Director, WAC Kentucky and Southern Indiana

International Relations Council (Kansas City) to Host H.E. Kmoníček

International Relations Council hosts H.E. Hynek Kmoníček, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the U.S., and Ladislava Begeç Consul General of Slovakia in New York, Wednesday, May 14, for "100th Anniversary of the Pittsburgh Agreement."

The Pittsburgh Agreement established Czechoslovakia as an independent nation after WWI in the wake of the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

WorldBoston Is Hiring!

WorldBoston is hiring a manager of operations and global education programs!

Request for Proposals: Meridian International Center U.S. Exchange Alumni Network and Capacity Building Program

Meridian International Center is seeking proposal partners for the FY2018 U.S. Exchange Alumni Network and Capacity Building Program. This program seeks to expand engagement with American citizen alumni by offering professional development seminars and accompanying career events in different regions of the U.S., focusing on professional networks, capacity building, and job-skills training.

Selected partner organizations will be responsible for the following:

·     In collaboration with Meridian, design one- to two-day professional development seminars and career opportunities for approximately 40-200 U.S. citizen alumni of USG-funded exchange programs;

·     Identify speakers, trainers, and local business contacts to participate in the professional development seminars and follow-on activities;

·     Assist Meridian to execute a communications strategy in order to drive event recruitment and media coverage.

Deadline for applications: Friday, May 18.

May 9, 2018

Weekly World News Update

U.S. Leaves Iran Deal; Haspel CIA Controversy; U.S.-North Korea Relations; Armenia's New PM; Malaysia Votes; Global Health

Quote of the Week

"The Iranian nuclear deal is defective at its core."

-- U.S. President Donald Trump, in a speech Tuesday announcing the U.S. withdrawal from the deal.

"We will begin again with the enrichment of uranium at an industrial level without limits."

-- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani, in a speech in reply to the U.S. decision.

"Walking away from the JCPOA turns our back on America’s closest allies, and an agreement that our country’s leading diplomats, scientists, and intelligence professionals negotiated. In a democracy, there will always be changes in policies and priorities from one Administration to the next. But the consistent flouting of agreements that our country is a party to risks eroding America’s credibility, and puts us at odds with the world’s major powers."

-- President Barack Obama, in a statement released in response to the Trump Administration's move.

U.S. Drops the Iran Nuclear Deal

"Trump Withdraws U.S. from the Iran Nuclear Deal. What You Need to Know" Jon Greenberg; John Kruzel; Amy Sherman -- PolitiFact, May 8, 2018

"Trump Dumps Iran Deal - Hallelujah!" Andrew C. McCarthy -- National Review, May 8, 2018

"Trump Destroys the Iran Deal - and a Lot More" Robin Wright -- The New Yorker, May 8, 2018

"Europeans Scramble to Save Iran Nuclear Deal, but Face New Concerns Over U.S. Sanctions" James McAuley -- The Washington Post, May 9, 2018

"The Challenge of Reinstating Sanctions Against Iran" Peter Harrell -- Foreign Affairs, May 4, 2018

Controversy Over Haspel for CIA

"Bipartisan Group of 115 Retired and Former Career Ambassadors Warn Senate that Confirming Haspel Would Undercut the Work of Diplomats Around the World" Editorial Board -- Human Rights First, May 9, 2018

"Why Intelligence Pros Have Swung Behind the CIA's Gina Haspel" Gerald F. Seib -- The Wall Street Journal, May 7, 2018

Warming U.S.-North Korea Relations?

"Trump's First Breakthrough in North Korea Negotiations" Krishnadev Calamur -- The Atlantic, May 9, 2018

"Kim Jong Un Is Playing America and China" Doug Bandow -- The National Interest, May 8, 2018

"Make North Korea's Test Pause Permanent" Jon Wolfsthal -- 38 North, May 7, 2018

Armenia's New Prime Minister

"He Was a Protester a Month Ago. Now, Nikol Pashinyan Leads Armenia" Neil MacFarquhar -- The New York Times, May 8, 2018

"How Russia Played Silent Kingmaker in Armenia's Revolution" Margarita Antidze -- Reuters, May 8, 2018

Malaysia Goes to the Polls

"Malaysia's Unappetizing Choice" James Crabtree -- Nikkei Asian Review, May 8, 2018

"What Is Wrong with Malaysia?" Umapagan Ampikaipakan -- The New York Times, May 7, 2018

"'Queen of Dragons': The Inside Story of Malaysia's Election Fixer" Peter Guest -- Wired, May 9, 2018

Global Health News

"Ebola Returns Just as Trump Asks to Rescind Ebola Funds" Ed Yong -- The Atlantic, May 9, 2018

"Bringing Gender Equality to Global Public Health" Helen Clark and Sania Nishtar -- Project Syndicate, May 8, 2018

May 7, 2018

WACA Weekly

This Week: Complete the Council Survey; Register for Spring Leadership and Board Meetings; Pakistan's Ambassador at Dallas/Fort Worth; Charlotte Hosts World Citizen Award Dinner; Council Highlights

WACA Council Survey to Close on Friday, May 11

WACA has been conducting a Council Benchmarking Survey in conjunction with WACA's annual membership dues renewal. While almost all of you have submitted your dues (thank you!), we would also like to achieve full participation in the survey.

The survey's objective is to gather data about local Council size and resources, programming, and marketing. Please only fill out one survey per Council. We plan to release the survey results at the Spring Leadership Meeting in San Antonio on May 18, and we will also provide them in a newsletter.

Council leaders: Please be sure to complete our Council Survey by Friday, May 11.

Stratfor's Reva Goujon to Speak at Leadership Meeting Dinner:

Where U.S. Trade Policy and Grand Strategy Intersect

Registration for the May 17-18 Council Leadership Meeting is now open! Please be sure to sign up even if you have already reserved your hotel room.

Reva Goujon, Vice President of Global Analysis at Stratfor, will keynote a special dinner at San Antonio's Club Giraud on Friday, May 18 from 6:00-9:00 pm, following the leadership workshop sessions.

WACA President Bill Clifford will host a conference call to brief Meeting participants on the full agenda and clarify topics for the popular breakout sessions. We want your input! Please sign up for the call - indicate your preference for Wednesday, 5/9 or Thursday, 5/10 at 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm ET - using this Doodle poll below. Be sure to respond to the poll by 12:00 pm ET tomorrow (Tuesday).

The meetings will open with an installment of WAC San Antonio's Distinguished Speaker Series, "San Antonio’s First 300 Years: From Spanish Colony to Modern City," on Thursday, May 17 at 5:30 pm.

The WACA Board meets Saturday, May 19 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm.

Reva Goujon

VP of Global Analysis

Stratfor

Next Week: Michael McFaul on Cover to Cover

When Michael McFaul was asked to leave his perch at Stanford and join an unlikely presidential campaign in 2008, he had no idea that he would find himself at the beating heart of one of today’s most contentious and consequential international relationships. As President Obama’s adviser on Russian affairs, McFaul helped craft the U.S. policy known as “reset” that fostered unprecedented collaboration between the two countries. Then, as U.S. Ambassador to Russia (2012-2014), he had a front-row seat when this fleeting, hopeful moment crumbled with Vladimir Putin’s return to the presidency.

From Cold War to Hot Peace is a riveting inside account that combines history and memoir to tell the full story of U.S.-Russia relations from the fall of the Soviet Union to the new rise of the hostile, paranoid Russian president.

Join the May Cover to Cover conference call to discuss McFaul's new book, From Cold War to Hot Peace: An American Ambassador in Putin's Russia, on Tuesday, May 15, at 2:00-2:30 PM ET.

Council Leaders: Please Vote by May 18

New WACA National Board terms will commence July 1 (a term is three years).

According to the bylaws, one authorized representative of each member organization may vote YEA or NAY on the nominees for the WACA National Board. See bios.

Please respond by email vote to Chelsea Beaulieu at cbeaulieu@worldaffairscouncils.org no later than close of business on Friday, May 18.

With the start of our new fiscal year on July 1, 2018, WACA National Board Committees will be recomposed. The Nominating Committee will announce an official call for nominations to the board in early September. Please begin now to consider the strongest Supporting (corporate and institutional) and Council candidates for the WACA National Board, with terms to start in July 2019. 

CANDIDATES ELECTION (JULY 2018-JUNE 2021 TERM):

BOARD CANDIDATES (Supporting Member Nominees):

Carlos Alvarez, CEO, The Gambrinus Company (TX)

Alex Lari, CEO, The Claremont Group (NY) 

BOARD CANDIDATES (Council Rep Nominees):

Joan Lemoine, immediate past Executive Director, WAC Hilton Head

Derrick Olsen, President, WorldOregon

Incumbent Supporting Member Nominee (second 3-year term):

Forough Hosseini, Senior Vice President, Information Systems, ICI Homes, Inc. (FL) 

Incumbent Council Rep Nominees (second 3-year term):

Craig Snyder, President and CEO, WAC Philadelphia 

Xiao Yin Zhao, Executive Director, WAC Kentucky and Southern Indiana

Request for Proposals: Meridian International Center U.S. Exchange Alumni Network and Capacity Building Program

Meridian International Center is seeking proposal partners for the FY2018 U.S. Exchange Alumni Network and Capacity Building Program. This program seeks to expand engagement with American citizen alumni by offering professional development seminars and accompanying career events in different regions of the U.S., focusing on professional networks, capacity building, and job-skills training.

Selected partner organizations will be responsible for the following:

·     In collaboration with Meridian, design one- to two-day professional development seminars and career opportunities for approximately 40-200 U.S. citizen alumni of USG-funded exchange programs;

·     Identify speakers, trainers, and local business contacts to participate in the professional development seminars and follow-on activities;

·     Assist Meridian to execute a communications strategy in order to drive event recruitment and media coverage.

Learn more: Friday, May 11 conference call with Gretchen Ehle, VP of GlobalConnect at Meridian.

Deadline for applications: Friday, May 18.

World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth Hosts Pakistan's Ambassador

World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth hosts H.E. Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the U.S., today, May 7, for "Pakistan-U.S. Bilateral Relations."

A member of the Foreign Service of Pakistan with 36 years of bilateral and multilateral experience, H.E. Chaudhry has served as Ambassador of Pakistan to the U.S. since March 2017.

World Affairs Council of Charlotte to Hold World Citizen Award Dinner

Since 1990, the World Affairs Council of Charlotte has presented its World Citizen Award annually to prominent citizens who have enhanced their community’s standing in the world, honoring their accomplishments and contributions to the city, the region, and the international community.

At this year's sold-out dinner on Tuesday, May 8, the World Affairs Council of Charlotte will present the 2018 World Citizen Award to Pat Rodgers, President and CEO of Rodgers Builders.