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  • Thursday, April 19, 2018 10:03 AM | Anonymous

    April 18, 2018

    Weekly World News Update

    Trump-Abe Summit; U.S.-North Korea Relations; Syrian War; Germany as an Outlier; Castro's Successor

    Quote of the Week

    "Barbara Bush was a fabulous First Lady and a woman unlike any other who brought levity, love, and literacy to millions."

    -- President George W. Bush, in a statement following the death of former First Lady Barbara Bush on Tuesday.

    Developments in U.S.-North Korea Relations

    "CIA Director Pompeo Met with North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un over Easter Weekend" Shane Harris; Carol Leonnig; Greg Jaffe; David Nakumara -- The Washington Post, April 18, 2018

    "North Korea Is Changing" Richard Javad Heydarian -- Al Jazeera, April 18, 2018

    "Unpacking a U.S. Decision to Engage North Korea: What It Entails and What It Could Achieve" Carla Freeman and Mel Gurtov -- 38 North, April 16, 2018

    Presidents Trump and Abe Meet Again

    "The Trump-Abe Summit: More than Meets the Eye" James Schoff and Feng Lin -- The Diplomat, April 16, 2018

    "Tokyo's Awakening on Trump" J. Berkshire Miller and Irina Angelescu -- The National Interest, April 17, 2018

    "How Shinzo Abe Can Help Trump Understand Kim" Ronald Tiersky -- RealClear World, April 18, 2018

    "Shinzo Abe, Pursued by Scandal" Sarah Birke -- The New York Review of Books, April 17, 2018

    The Increasingly Protracted Syrian War

    "The Hypocrisy of Trump's 'Mission Accomplished' Boast About Syria" Robin Wright -- The New Yorker, April 14, 2018

    "Back to Brinkmanship" Jacob Heilbrunn -- The National Interest, April 17, 2018

    "Four Essential Elements of a U.S. Strategy on Syria" Michael O'Hanlon -- Brookings Institution, April 17, 2018

    "Iran's Real Enemy in Syria" Karim Sadjadpour -- The Atlantic, April 16, 2018

    "Breaking the Turkey-U.S. Deadlock in Syria" Galip Dalay -- German Marshall Fund, April 16, 2018

    "How Syria Came to This" Andrew Tabler -- The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, April 15, 2018

    Germany: The Outlier

    "Germany's No-Go Foreign Policy" Judy Dempsey -- Carnegie Europe, April 17, 2018

    "Better Empty Worlds than Empty Bullets" Marcel Furstenau -- Deutsche Welle, April 16, 2018

    "Germany Is Becoming More Open and More Diverse" Editorial Board -- The Economist, April 14, 2018

    Choosing Castro's Successor

    "We Shouldn't Ignore Cuba" Christopher Sabatini -- The New York Times, April 17, 2018

    "Raul Castro's Report Card" Lucia Newman -- Al Jazeera, April 18, 2018

  • Tuesday, April 17, 2018 9:29 AM | Anonymous

    April 16, 2018

    WACA Weekly

    This Week: Pakistan Under Siege on Cover to Cover; Preventing International Conflict on KNOW NOW; Council Highlights

    Register now

    Wednesday, April 18: 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. 

    Read Afzal's recent article in The Washington Post and join the April Cover to Cover conference call to discuss her new book, Pakistan Under Siege: Extremism, Society, and the State, on Wednesday, April 18, at 2:00-2:30 PM ET.

    Next Week: 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 on KNOW NOW 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.

    Register for the call

    WAC San Antonio logo

    Book your room

    Spring Leadership Hotel Block Closes April 25!

    WACA and the World Affairs Council of San Antonio have arranged a special group rate at the Hotel Valencia for the May 17-18 Council Leadership and May 19 Board Meetings.  

    To take advantage of our hotel block at $169/night (plus tax), please book your room by April 25. Reservations can be made by following this link: WACA or by calling 855-596-3387 and referring to the World Affairs Councils of America group.

    Please stay tuned for the Leadership and Board Meeting agendas.

    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 Saturday, April 28 from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

    The AWQ program will once again feature a welcome reception at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) on Friday, April 27 from 4:00-6:00 PM. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the many ways that the United States Institute of Peace works to prevent conflicts from turning to bloodshed and to end it when they do. This includes the opportunity to hear from Ambassador William Taylor, USIP’s Executive Vice President, and Maria Stephan, Director of Nonviolent Action Programs at the Institute.

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

    See program schedule

    Thank you to our generous sponsors!

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    WAC New Hampshire Is Hiring!



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

    Apply today


    World Affairs Councils of America | 202-833-4557

    1200 18th Street, NW, Suite 902, Washington, DC 20036

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  • Friday, April 13, 2018 8:00 AM | Anonymous

     April 11, 2018

     Weekly World News Update

    National Security in the Digital Age; Chemical Attack in Syria; U.S. vs. China; Hungary Moves Far Right; 20th Anniversary of Good Friday Agreement

     Quote of the Week

     "[I]t’s clear now that we didn’t do enough to prevent these tools from being used for harm as

    well. That goes for fake news, foreign interference in elections, and hate speech, as well as

    developers and data privacy. We didn’t take a broad enough view of our responsibility, and that

    was a big mistake."

    -- Mark Zuckerberg, Chairman and CEO of Facebook, in testimony to the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce about Facebook's role and responsibility in democracy on Wednesday.

     Protecting National Security in the Digital Age

     "Facebook Makes the Snowden Affairs Look Quaint" Anne Applebaum -- The Washington Post, April 10, 2018

    "Zuckerberg: Facebook Is in 'Arms Race' with Russia" Editorial Board -- BBC, April 11, 2018

    "6 Facts About Fake News in the 2016 Election" Danielle Kurtzleben -- NPR, April 11, 2018

    "Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg Testifies Before Congress. What Comes Next?" Nicol Turner-Lee -- Brookings Institution, April 10, 2018

    "The Marine Corps Is Taking Cyber Warfare to the Front Lines" Eugene Chow -- The National Interest, April 7, 2018


     How to Respond to Another Chemical Attack in Syria?

     "America's Three Bad Options in Syria" Max Fisher -- The New York Times, April 10, 2018

    "Macron Needs to Attack Syria" Benjamin Haddad -- Foreign Policy, April 9, 2018

    "For Trump and Putin, Syria Is a Battle of Competing Realities" Masha Gessen -- The New Yorker, April 10, 2018

    "What Does 'America First' Mean in Syria?" Jonathan Tobin -- National Review, April 10, 2018

    "Syria: When and How Does This War End?" Anthony Cordesman -- Center for Strategic and International Studies, April 10, 2018 [Report]

     U.S. and China: On Trade and Other Fronts

     "Trump's Tariff Threats Are Working on China" Kenneth Rapoza -- Forbes, April 10, 2018

    "Xi's Strong Hand Against Trump" Bill Emmott -- Project Syndicate, April 11, 2018

    "Xi's Vow to Cut Auto Tariffs Is Less than Meets the Eye" Doug Palmer; Megan Cassella; Adam Behsudi -- Politico, April 10, 2018

    "U.S. Warships Sail Through South China Sea Amid Escalating Tensions with Beijing" Samuel Osborne -- Independent, April 10, 2018

    "Exposing China's Actions in the South China Sea" Ely Ratner -- Council on Foreign Relations, April 6, 2018


     Hungary Takes a Step to the Far Right

     "Hungary Embraces National Conservatism" John O'Sullivan -- National Review, April 9, 2018

    "How Illiberal Leaders Attack Civil Society" Michael Abramowitz and Nate Schenkkan -- Foreign Affairs, April 6, 2018

    "Viktor Orban's Survival Games" Balazs Jarabik -- Carnegie Europe, April 10, 2018


     The Good Friday Agreement: 20 Years Later

     "The Good Friday agreement in the Age of Brexit" Yasmeen Serhan -- The Atlantic, April 10, 2018


  • Wednesday, April 11, 2018 6:56 AM | Anonymous

    WACA Weekly

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

    See more

    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.

    See more

    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."

    More info

    Register now

    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.

    Register for the call


    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!

    More information

    Thank you to our generous sponsors!

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    New Hampshire and San Antonio Councils Are Hiring!


    WAC San Antonio logo

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

    Apply today


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

    See the job announcement


  • Wednesday, April 04, 2018 12:51 PM | Anonymous

    Weekly World News Update

    U.S. Role in Syria; U.S.-China Trade War; Saudi Arabia Warms to Israel; U.S.-Russia Relations; Iran Nuclear Deal; Ethiopia's New PM

    Quote of the Week

    "If we withdrew our troops anytime soon, ISIS would come back, the war between Turkey and the Kurds would get out of hand, and you'd be giving Damascus to the Iranians without an American presence, and Russia and Iran would dominate Syria. It'd be the single worst decision the president could make."

    -- Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) in an interview on Fox News Sunday.


    Will the U.S. Pull Out of Syria?

    "Why Leaving Syria Early Would Be a Disaster" Matthew Brodsky -- National Review, April 4, 2018

    "As Trump Talks About Leaving Syria, His Top Commander in the Middle East Emphasizes the Need to Stay" Karen DeYoung and Missy Ryan -- The Washington Post, April 4, 2018

    "Putin, Erdogan, and Rouhani To Discuss Syrian Crisis in Ankara" Umut Uras -- Al Jazeera, April 4, 2018

    U.S. and China Go Tit for Tat on Trade

    "When America Stands Up to China" Xie Tao -- The Diplomat, April 2, 2018

    "The U.S. Wrote the Rules for Global Trade. Now China Is Using Them Against Trump" David Lynch -- The Washington Post, April 2, 2018

    "China Cares a Whole Lot About Pigs in Iowa" Mara Hvistendahl -- The Atlantic, April 3, 2018

    "Was Letting China Into the WTO a Mistake?" Philip Levy -- Foreign Affairs, April 2, 2018


    Saudi Arabia Cozies to Israel

    "An Emerging Arab-Israeli Thaw" James Robbins -- The National Interest, April 3, 2018

    "Saudi Crown Prince: Israel Has a Right to Exist" Eric Levitz -- New York Magazine, April 3, 2018

    "Does the Saudi Crown Prince's Rosy Rhetoric Indicate Real Change?" Zvi Bar'el -- Haaretz, April 4, 2018

    Examining Western-Russian Relations

    "When Diplomats and Spies Must Go" Daniel Fried -- Foreign Affairs, April 3, 2018

    "Russia Short on Foreign Policy Options if Bet on Trump Fails" Andrew Osborn -- Reuters, April 4, 2018

    "Russia's Digital Warfare Has Put Western Democracies in the Crosshairs" Lisa Shymko -- Maclean's, April 2, 2018

    Future of the Iran Nuclear Deal

    "The Deal that Curtails Iran's Nuclear Ambitions Seems Doomed" Editorial Board -- The Economist, March 28, 2018

    "Trump's New National Security Team Likely Spells Disaster for the Iran Nuclear Deal" Suzanne Maloney -- Brookings Institution, April 2, 2018

    "The Bolton Threat to the Iran Nuclear Deal" Ariane Tabatabai -- Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, March 29, 2018

    Is Ethiopia Turning a New Page?

    "Can Abiy Ahmed Save Ethiopia?" Nizar Manek -- Foreign Policy, April 4, 2018


  • Tuesday, April 03, 2018 9:28 AM | Anonymous


    Dear Council Leaders, Members, and Friends:

    I am pleased to announce that Elizabeth Brailsford has joined the WACA National Office staff as Chief Operating Officer. Liz brings a wealth of management experience in the nonprofit, public, and private sectors.

    Most recently, Liz served as a full-time consultant for Panagora, a DC-based implementing partner of USAID, and the USDA’s Food for Progress Program, responsible for communications at the former and research and analysis at the latter. Previously, she led the international department at Relocation Today in Minneapolis, where she headed operations, management, business development, and client relations of the department. She has also served on the boards of multiple Japan-related nonprofits, such as the Japan America Society of Minnesota and the Saint Paul-Nagasaki Sister City Committee. Liz began her career working several years in Japan for the JET Program. She holds an M.P.A. in global policy from the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School (and serves on the School’s alumni association board), and a B.A. in media arts from the University of South Carolina.

    Our COO search was highly competitive, as WACA’s job announcement in early January drew 140+ applications. This pool was narrowed twice and six candidates were invited to interviews. Liz is already getting settled in, and you may reach her by email at lbrailsford@worldaffairscouncils.org.

    Liz will attend the Spring Leadership Meeting in San Antonio on May 17-18, which is followed by our semiannual Board meeting on May 19. I'm sure that you will enjoy meeting her in person.

    Best regards,

    President's Letter


    Bill Clifford, President and CEO


    Book your room now

    Announcing WACA 2018 National Conference Closing Luncheon Keynote: Dambisa Moyo

    WACA is pleased to announce that Dambisa Moyo will keynote the closing luncheon of the WACA 2018 National Conference, November 7-9, at The Mayflower Hotel.

    Dambisa Moyo is a preeminent thinker who influences key decision makers in strategic investment and public policy. She is respected for her unique perspectives, her balance of contrarian thinking with measured judgment, and her ability to turn economic insight into investible ideas.

    Moyo has earned a reputation as a top-tier opinion former and trusted advisor on macroeconomics, geopolitics, technology, and millennial themes. She is a Board member of Barclays Bank, Barrick Gold, and Chevron. Moyo holds a Doctorate in Economics from Oxford and master's from Harvard. She is recognized for fresh and innovative ideas as the author of three New York Times Bestselling Books and was named to the 2009 list of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World.

    Watch Moyo's 2016 TED Talk on economic growth, and book your room at The Mayflower Hotel today!


    April 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.


    May 15

    Ambassador Michael McFaul will discuss From Cold War to Hot Peace: An American Ambassador in Putin's Russia.

    June 12

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

    Register for April's Cover to Cover

    WAC San Antonio logo

    Book your room

    Spring Leadership Meeting Hotel Block Open!

    WACA and the World Affairs Council of San Antonio have arranged a special group rate at the Hotel Valencia for the May 17-18 Council Leadership and May 19 Board Meetings.  

    To take advantage of our hotel block at $169/night (plus tax), please book your room by April 25. Reservations can be made by following this link: WACA or by calling 855-596-3387 and referring to the World Affairs Councils of America group.



    Thank you to our generous sponsors!

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    Last Call to Book Your AWQ Hotel Rooms!

    Hotel Reservations:

    To take advantage of our special hotel rate of $169/night plus tax, book your room now at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel (2660 Woodley Road, NW, Washington, DC 20008). These discounted rates will expire April 5!


    Book your room!

    The Carlos and Malú Alvarez 2018 Academic WorldQuest National Competition weekend program will be held in Washington, DC on April 27-28.

    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.

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

    Please stay tuned for the competition venue and agenda!


    More information


    See more details

    Call for Applications:

    SQCC Intensive Summer Language Program

    The word Sabla in Omani Arabic dialect refers to places in communities where people gather to receive hospitality. Sabla also serves as a meeting place to discuss important public issues. 

    The Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center's Sabla Program is an intensive summer language program designed to benefit current university-level students and recent graduates. The program emphasizes the instruction of Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). The program runs for five weeks, offering highly intensive coursework in Arabic.

    Scholarships are available. Apply by May 6, 2018.


    Global I.Q. Minute

    In this episode of World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth's Global I.Q. Minute, Adam Segal, Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and Director of its Digital and Cyberspace Policy Program, considers how the rise of digital technology - particularly the proliferation of the internet and social media - are not only transforming the way we get news, but rewiring our political system, national security, diplomatic relations, and much more.

    Listen now


  • Wednesday, March 28, 2018 1:40 PM | Anonymous

    Wednesday, March 28, 2018

    World Order; Xi and Kim Meet; Trade War Looms; Expelling Russian Diplomats; Bolton Replaces McMaster; Egypt Votes; Trashed Oceans

    Quote of the Week:

    "[President Trump] is now set for war on 3 fronts: political vs. Bob Mueller, economic vs. China/others on trade, and actual vs. Iran and/or North  Korea. This is the most perilous moment in modern American history - and it has been largely brought about by ourselves, not by events."

    -- Richard Haass, President of the Council on Foreign Relations, in a tweet on Friday. Listen to Haass discuss this topic on WACA's Cover to Cover podcast.

    Is the Liberal World Order Over?

    "Liberal World Order, R.I.P." Richard Haass -- Project Syndicate, March 21, 2018
    "The Endless Hysteria About the Liberal World Order" Michael Brendan Dougherty -- National Review, March 27, 2018

    "Russia-China: The New World Order" Editorial Board -- The Week, March 27, 2018  

    Xi and Kim Meet in China

    "The Real Reasons Behind Xi Jinping's Meeting with North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un" Donald Kirk -- South China Morning Post, March 28, 2018

    "Kim Jong Un Visits China" Editorial Board -- The Economist, March 28, 2018  

    "Kim-Xi Meeting Presents a New Challenge for Trump on North Korea" Emily Rauhala and Anna Fifield -- The Washington Post, March 28, 2018

    "When Xi Met Kim: How China and North Korea Depicted It" Javier Hernandez -- The New York Times, March 28, 2018

    U.S.-China Trade War Looms

    "How to Win a Trade War" Rachel Dottle; Oliver Roeder; Julia Wolfe -- FiveThirtyEight, March 28, 2018

    "
    All of the Reasons Why Trump Can Win a Trade War with China" Alan Tonelson -- The National Interest, March 27, 2018

    "Trump, Tariffs, and the Protectionist Temptation" Phil Gramm and Mike Solon -- The Wall Street Journal via American Enterprise Institute, March 23, 2018

    "Finding the Right Off-Ramp from the Trade War" Claire Reade -- Center for Strategic and International Studies, March 27, 2018

    Russian Diplomatic Exodus

    "Putin Finally Went Too Far" Mark Galeotti -- The Atlantic, March 27, 2018
    "What's Next for Russia's Relations with the West?" Jonathan Masters -- Council on Foreign Relations, March 27, 2018 

    "Has a New Cold War Really Begun?" Odd Arne Westad -- Foreign Affairs, March 27, 2018 

    The New U.S. National Security Adviser

    "John Bolton Is a National Security Threat" Colin Kahl and Jon Wolfsthal -- Foreign Policy, March 23, 2018
    "John Bolton Isn't Dangerous. The World Is" David French -- National Review, March 23, 2018 

    "What Type of National Security Adviser Is John Bolton Likely to Be?" Michael O'Hanlon -- Brookings, March 27, 2018 

    Egypt Goes to the Polls

    "Egypt's Farcical Election and the Long Arab Winter" Ishaan Tharoor -- The Washington Post, March 28, 2018

    "President Sisi Will Win Egypt's Election. But Here's Why We Should Be Worried" Alexia Underwood -- Vox, March 26, 2018  

    "What to Know About Egypt's Presidential Election" Layla Quran and Larisa Epatko -- PBS NewsHour, March 27, 2018

    We've Trashed Our Oceans

    "Plastic Within the Great Pacific Garbage Patch Is 'Increasing Exponentially,' Scientists Find" Chris Mooney -- The Washington Post, March 22, 2018


  • Wednesday, March 28, 2018 11:03 AM | Anonymous

    John Kerry to Speak at WAC Philadelphia

    The World Affairs Council of Philadelphia will host The Honorable John Kerry on Tuesday, March 26. Kerry, 68th U.S. Secretary of State (2013-2017) and former long-serving Massachusetts Senator, was the first sitting Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman to serve as Secretary in over a century. He will present his optimistic path for the future of diplomacy and leadership to the Philadelphia community. Details.


    AWQ Release Forms Due This Friday!

    Release forms for the Carlos and Malú Alvarez 2018 Academic WorldQuest National Competition are due Friday! The AWQ championship weekend program will be held in Washington, DC on April 27-28. Please stay tuned for updates on the competition venue.

    Local champion teams of Academic WorldQuest competitions hosted by World Affairs Councils around the country must complete release forms in order to participate in the AWQ National Competition.  

    Release forms are due this Friday, March 30!

    Contact Drew Lorelli at dlorelli@worldaffairscouncils.org with any questions regarding AWQ release forms.

    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.

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

    Hotel Reservations:

    To take advantage of our special hotel rate of $169 / night plus tax for Friday and Saturday nights, book your room at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel (2660 Woodley Road, NW, Washington, DC 20008). These discounted rates will expire April 5.

    Thank you to our generous sponsors:

                                         


    April 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. 

    Register for the call.

    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.


    Spring Leadership Meeting Hotel Block Open!

    WACA and the World Affairs Council of San Antonio have arranged a special group rate at the Hotel Valencia for the May 17-18 Council Leadership and May 19 Board Meetings.  

    To take advantage of our hotel block at $169 / night (plus tax), please book your room by April 25. Reservations can be made by following this link: WACA or by calling 855-596-3387 and referring to 

    the World Affairs Councils of America group.

    Please stay tuned for meeting agendas and registration!


    Councils Are Hiring! 

    World Affairs Council of San Antonio seeks a Development Director.

    Cleveland Council on World Affairs is hiring a Manager of Student Education Programs.


    World Affairs Councils Highlights

    Did you know that WACA features Council events on its new website? Council leaders and staff: log in to your member account now and add your events for a chance for your Council to be highlighted on our main page!

    Monday, March 26

    World Affairs Council of Western Michigan hosts Mary Peters, CEO of The Carter Center, for "Global Health: Equity, Ethics, and Eradication." Details

    World Affairs Council of Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky hosts Qaisar Shareef, Advisory Partner at Ward Howell International, for a "When U.S. Foreign Goals Conflict with Conduct of American Business Abroad." Details

    Tuesday, March 27

    World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth hosts Adam Segal, Director of the Digital and Cyberspace Policy Program at the Council on Foreign Relations, for "Hacking, Fake News, Cyber Security: Their Impact on American Elections." Details

    World Affairs Council of Monterey Bay hosts Melissa Hanham, Senior Research Associate at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, for "North Korea's Weapons of Mass Destruction." Details

    World Affairs Council of the Quad Cities hosts Martin Rochester, Curators Teaching Professor of International Relations at the University of Missouri - St. Louis, for "Gulliver's Travails: U.S. Foreign Policy in An Age of Globalization and Global Disorder." Details

    World Affairs Council of Seattle hosts a panel of experts for "Impact Travel Launch: Strengthening Communities Through Sustainable Tourism." Details

    Wednesday, March 28

    World Affairs Council of Orange County hosts Stephen Seche, former U.S. Ambassador to Yemen, for "Yemen: The War the World Ignores at Its Peril." Details

    World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth hosts Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman, Kurdistan Regional Government Representative to the U.S., for a special luncheon. Details

    Cleveland Council on World Affairs hosts Ambassador Heather Hodges, CCWA President and Ambassador in Residence, and a panel of experts for "Golden Jubilee Event of the NASA Glenn Chapter of Business and Professional Women's Club." Details

    Tennessee World Affairs Council hosts Rubin Cockrell, CEO of Positive Images and Associates, for "Strengthening and Deepening the U.S.-Africa Business and Trade Relationship." Details

    World Affairs Council of Inland Southern California hosts Captain (Ret.) Robert Gusentine, Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellow at the Council of Independent Colleges, for "The Global Freshwater Crisis: Its Impact on Human Survival and Security." Details

    World Affairs Forum (Stamford) hosts Alexis Dudden, Professor of History at the University of Connecticut, for "Korea at the Center of Northeast Asian Possibilities." Details

    World Affairs Council of New Hampshire hosts Mahboba Akhtarzadah, an undergraduate student at Southern New Hampshire University from Kabul, Afghanistan, for a film screening and discussion of The Breadwinner. Details

    Thursday, March 29

    Columbus Council on World Affairs hosts David Lampton, Director of China Studies at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, for "The U.S. and China: Prospects for Trade and Security Relations." Details

    World Affairs Council of Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky hosts William Rooney, Vice President of Strategic Development at Kuehne + Nagel Inc, for "Understanding and Operating in the New World of Ocean Transportation." Details

    World Affairs Council of Austin hosts Pete Harris, Principal of Lighthouse Partners Inc., for "Will Blockchain Disrupt World Trade?" Details

    Friday, March 30

    Alaska World Affairs Council hosts Steven Pifer, Senior Fellow in the Center for 21st Century Security and Intelligence program at the Brookings Institution, for U.S.-Russia Relations: Back to the Cold." Details


    Travel the World from 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: 

    • Bill Clifford, President and CEO, World Affairs Councils of America, Inside Japan: Mar. 31 - Apr. 12
    • 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, Executive Director, World Affairs Council of Hartford, Himalayan Kingdoms, Sept. 11-25
    • Dixie Anderson, Executive Director Emerita, World Affairs Council of Western Michigan, Romance of the Douro River: Sept. 15-26
    • Mimi Gregory, Vice President of Programs, Naples Council on World Affairs, Inside Botswana: Oct. 4-16
    • Joyce Davis, President, World Affairs Council of Harrisburg, Town & Country Life in Languedoc: Oct. 6-14
    • Derrick Olsen, President, WorldOregon, Inside New York: Oct 21-26
    • Don Samford, Board President, Peoria Area World Affairs Council, Cuba: Nov. 4-12

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

  • Thursday, March 22, 2018 9:28 AM | Anonymous

    Wednesday, March 21, 2018

    Cyberwar; Israel's 2007 Attack on Syrian Nuclear Site; U.S.-Saudi Relationship; Putin Reelected; China Shows Its Strength; Slovakia's Political Fallout; EU-Brexit Progress

    Quote of the Week:

    "An American president does not lead the Free World by congratulating dictators on winning sham elections. And by doing so with Vladimir Putin, President Trump insulted every Russian citizen who was denied the right to vote in a free and fair election."

    -- Senator John McCain (R-AZ), in a tweet on Tuesday. 

    Cyberwar: The New Frontier 

    "Beware the Big Five" Tamsin Shaw -- New York Review of Books, March 21, 2018
    "The Battle for Digital Supremacy" Editorial Board -- The Economist, March 15, 2018  

    "It's Time to Regulate the Internet" Franklin Foer -- The Atlantic, March 21, 2018

    Israel's 2007 Attack on Syrian Nuclear Site Revealed

    "No Longer a Secret: How Israel Destroyed Syria's Nuclear Reactor" Amos Harel and Aluf Benn -- Haaretz, March 21, 2018  

    "Inside Syria's Secret Raid on Syria's Nuclear Reactor" Yossi Melman and Dan Raviv -- Politico, March 20, 2018

    Deciphering the U.S.-Saudi Relationship 

    "Fresh Prince" F. Gregory Gause III -- Foreign Affairs, March 19, 2018

    "The Passive Foreign Policy President" Daniel Benaim and Brian Katulis -- The New Republic, March 21, 2018

    "Saudi Crown Prince's Washington Visit Is Overshadowed by the War in Yemen" Ishaan Tharoor -- The Washington Post, March 21, 2018

    "America's Role in Yemen's Agony Can End on Capitol Hill" Editorial Board -- The New York Times, March 19, 2018

    The Completely Unsurprising Reelection of Vladimir Putin 

    "A Thing That Makes You Go Hmmm..." Jay Nordlinger -- National Review, March 21, 2018

    "
    How Russia Meddled in Its Own Election" Alina Polyakova -- The Atlantic, March 18, 2018

    "Putin's Past Explains Russia's Future" Gregory Feifer -- Foreign Affairs, March 16, 2018

    "The Middle East Needs a Steady Boyfriend" Steven Cook -- Foreign Policy, March 16, 2018
    "What 'DO NOT CONGRATULATE' Says About Trump - And the Peril of Meeting Kim Jong Un" Aaron Blake -- The Washington Post, March 21, 2018

    China Flexes Its Muscles

    "Why Xi Jinping's Term Limits Move Makes U.S.-China Conflict More Likely" Cary Huang -- South China Morning Post, March 18, 2018

    "China: It's Good to Be the Emperor" Scott MacDonald -- The National Interest, March 20, 2018 

    "Playing the Taiwan Card" Daniel Lynch -- Foreign Affairs, March 19, 2018 

    Political Fallout in Slovakia

    "Slovakia, Still the 'Black Hole' of Europe" Mikulas Dzurinda -- Politico Europe, March 16, 2018

    "Young Slovaks Buck a Trend, Protesting to Save Their Democracy" Marc Santora -- The New York Times, March 17, 2018

    "Slovakia Government's Collapse Not Enough to End Protests Over Journalist's Murder" Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson -- NPR, March 20, 2018

    "Springtime for Autocrats" Henri Barkey -- The American Interest, March 19, 2018

    EU Moves Forward on Brexit 

    "Brexit Breakthrough Offers a Moment of Clarity" Dominic Green -- The Weekly Standard, March 21, 2018

    "Full Speed Ahead to Brexit?" Bart Oosterveld; Jorn Fleck; Alvero Morales Salto-Weis -- Atlantic Council, March 19, 2018

    "Keeping Europe Safe After Brexit" Susi Dennison -- European Council on Foreign Relations, March 20, 2018 [Policy Brief]

  • Tuesday, March 20, 2018 9:09 AM | Anonymous


    Registration Deadline for AWQ Is This Friday!

    Registration for the Carlos and Malú Alvarez 2018 Academic WorldQuest National Competition is due Friday! The AWQ championship weekend program will be held in Washington, DC on April 27-28. Please stay tuned for updates on the competition venue.

    Local champion teams of Academic WorldQuest competitions hosted by World Affairs Councils around the country must complete the registration form in order to participate in the AWQ National Competition. 

    Registration forms are due this Friday, March 23!

    Register your AWQ team! 

    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.

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

    Hotel Reservations:

    To take advantage of our special hotel rate of $169 / night plus tax for Friday and Saturday nights, book your room at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel (2660 Woodley Road, NW, Washington, DC 20008). These discounted rates will expire April 5.

    Thank you to our generous sponsors:

                                         


    Spring Leadership Meeting Hotel Block Open!

    WACA and the World Affairs Council of San Antonio have arranged a special group rate at the Hotel Valencia for the May 17-18 Council Leadership and May 19 Board Meetings.  

    To take advantage of our hotel block at $169 / night (plus tax), please book your room by April 25. Reservations can be made by following this link: WACA or by calling 855-596-3387 and referring to 

    the World Affairs Councils of America group.


    American-Australian Arts Exchange:

    Call for Applications

    The American Australian Association offers small grants through its Dame Joan Sutherland Fund for aspiring American and Australian artists who show great talent in the fields of theater, fashion, dance, film and television, music, literary arts, visual arts, crafts, and design. See details and apply by April 30.


    Councils Are Hiring! 

    World Affairs Council of San Antonio seeks a Development Director.

    Cleveland Council on World Affairs is hiring a Manager of Student Education Programs.


    Juneau WAC to Hold Annual World Affairs Forum

    Juneau World affairs Council will hold its annual three-day World Affairs Forum, in partnership with University of Alaska Southeast. "Europe: Allies and Alliances in a Turbulent World" will feature expert panels of university fellows, chairs, and professors from across the U.S. and Canada, beginning Thursday, March 22. Details.


    World Affairs Councils Highlights

    Did you know that WACA features Council events on its new website? Council leaders and staff: log in to your member account now and add your events for a chance for your Council to be highlighted on our main page!

    Wednesday, March 21

    World Affairs Forum (Stamford) hosts Catherine Lotrionte, Director of the Institute for Law, Science and Global Security at Georgetown University, for "Establishing a Stable World Order for Cyberspace." Details

    World Affairs Council of Tacoma hosts Steve Niva, Professor of Global and International Studies at The Evergreen State College, for "The Refugee Crisis and the Re-Bordering of Europe." Details

    World Affairs Council of South Texas hosts Jennifer Epley, Associate Professor of Political Science at Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, for "U.S.- Asia Relations: Rising to Challenges Ahead." Details

    World Affairs Council of Greater Houston hosts Anna Freeman, Field Nurse with Doctors Without Borders, for "A Voice From the Field." Details

    International Relations Council (Kansas City) hosts a panel of experts for "Um Retrato Atual: Economic, Political, and Cultural Perspectives on Brazil in 2018." Details

    World Affairs Council of Connecticut hosts panels of experts on Germany and Peru for events that span two days: "Meet the Market Germany, Opportunities for Advanced Manufacturing", and "Meet the Market Peru, Infrastructure, Mining, and Construction." Details 

    World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth hosts Casimir Yost, Senior Fellow at Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, for "The Art of the Deal: Our Foreign Policy One Year Later." Details 

    World Affairs (Northern California) hosts Gemi Gonzalez Jose Gonzalez Lopez, Consul General of Mexico in San Francisco, for "NAFTA at the Negotiating Table." Details 

    Thursday, March 22

    WorldOregon hosts Alexander Montgomery, Co-Editor of the Oxford Handbook of Political Networks, for "Networks, Nukes, and North Korea: Or, How You Might Learn to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb." Details

    World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads hosts Daniel Fried, Distinguished Fellow in the Future of Europe Initiative and the Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center at the Atlantic Council, for "The State of World Affairs." Details

    World Affairs Council of Sonoma County hosts Wei Liang, Program Co-Chair of the International Trade and Economic Diplomacy Department at Middlebury Institute of International Studies, for "Dragon in the Room: Is China Good or Bad for Africa?" Details

    World Affairs Council of Atlanta hosts Kathy Walters, Executive Vice President for Consumer Products Group at Georgia Pacific LLC, for "Choices That Matter in Your Life and Career." Details

    Alaska World Affairs Council hosts a panel of storytellers for "Foreign Faux Pas - Stories of Navigating Cultural Differences." Details

    Sarasota World Affairs Council hosts Jonathan Reiber, Senior Fellow at the Berkeley Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity, for "The Future of Cybersecurity and Trends in Technological Risk: Impacts for U.S Foreign Policy and Politics." Details

    Colorado Springs World Affairs Council hosts David Hendrickson, Chair of the Political Science Department at Colorado College, for "The Fate of an Empire: America's Russia Problem." Details



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