Councils: Please note that the World Affairs Councils of America 2018 membership renewal deadline is this Friday, March 16. 

Please find the renewal form here,

and contact Chelsea Beaulieu if you have any questions. 

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 calling855-596-3387 and referring to 

the World Affairs Councils of America group.

World Affairs Council of San Antonio seeks aDevelopment Director.

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

Univ. Students/Grads: Call for Applications

Turkish Heritage Organization Summer Program 

As the Syrian civil war enters its eigth year, Turkey continues to host growing numbers of refugees. In 2016, Turkey was host to 2.7 million registered Syrian refugees. In 2017, that number grew to 3.4 million Syrian refugees. In addition, Turkey remains host to more than 350,000 Iraqi, Afghan, and Iranian asylum-seekers.
The Turkish Heritage Organization Summer Research Program in Turkey is an annual, all-expenses-paid, month-long research trip in Turkey, during which selected young researchers will participate in meetings, excursions, 

and fieldwork on a chosen subject. 

The 2018 theme is "Refugees and Asylum- Seekers in Turkey: Challenges, Opportunities, and Approaches," which will give students and recent graduates the unique opportunity to learn firsthand about refugees, humanitarian aid, and how Turkey manages the humanitarian crisis.

See details and apply by April 2!

Registration for the Carlos and Malú Alvarez 2018 Academic WorldQuest National Competition is open! 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 no later than 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:

Thursday rooms are sold out! 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:

	Business roundtable at WorldOregon.

Sasakawa USA visited Portland, Oregon in the first week of March with a group of foreign policy and trade experts to conduct its The Alliance Working in America (TAWA) program. Over two days, the delegation participated in a number of events in partnership with WorldOregon and other local organizations, including the Japan America Society of Oregon, the Japanese Portland Garden, Willamette University, Portland State University, and the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Alumni Association of Portland.

The Sasakawa USA delegation included: Ambassador James Zumwalt, Sasakawa USA CEO; Dr. Satu Limaye, Director of the East-West Center in Washington; Stephanie Segal, Senior Fellow and Deputy Director, Simon Chair in Political Economy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies; and Bill Clifford, President and CEO of the World Affairs Councils of America. Read the full report. 

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

Wednesday, March 14

World Affairs Council of Greater Reading hosts Joseph Braude, Senior Fellow in the Program on the Middle East at Foreign Policy Research Institute, for "Broadcasting Change: Arabic Media as a Catalyst for Change." Details

WorldBoston hosts Major General (Ret.) William Rapp, Director of the National Security Fellows Program at Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center for International Affairs, for "Great Decisions: U.S. Global Engagement and the Military." Details

Thursday, March 15

World Affairs Council of Charlotte hosts Nancy Lindborg, President of the United States Institute of Peace, for "Building Peace in a Dangerous World." Details

Cleveland Council on World Affairs hosts Ronald Neumann, President of the American Academy of Diplomacy, for "The New Afghanistan Policy: How New and What's It Worth?" Details

World Affairs Council of Philadelphia hosts a panel of experts for "Exploring the Influence of Classical Languages on the Modern World."Details

World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh hosts a panel of experts for a film screening and a panel discussion of Salam Neighbor. Details

World Affairs Council of Rhode Island hosts a panel of experts for "2018 Middle East Forum." Details

World Affairs Council of Seattle hosts Jurgen Salay, EU Fellow at the Center for West European Studies and the European Union Center at the University of Washington, for "Taking Action on Climate - Responses, Challenges, and Opportunities." Details

Columbia World Affairs Council hosts Adrien Ratsimbaharison, Professor of Political Science at Benedict College, to discuss his book,The Political Crisis of March 2009 in Madagascar: A Case Study of Conflict and Conflict Meditation. Details

International Affairs Forum (Traverse City) hosts Sara Curran, Professor of International Studies and Sociology at the University of Washington, for "Rohingya Refugees: A Crisis Long in the Making." Details

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

World Affairs Council Upstate hosts Buket Oztas, Professor of Government at Franklin and Marshall College, for "The United States and the Middle East." Details

Worcester World Affairs Council hosts Amir Idris, Professor of African History and Politics at Fordham University, for "Rethinking South Sudan's Civil War: History, Identity, and Citizenship." Details

World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth hosts Steve Coll, Dean of the Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University, to discuss his book, Directorate S: The CIA and America's Secret Wars in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Details

Friday, March 16

Richmond World Affairs Council hosts H.E. Aizaz Chaudhry, Ambassador of Pakistan to the U.S., for "The Future of U.S.-Pakistan Relations." Details

President's Letter

Dear Council Leaders, Supporters, and Friends:

Last month's massacre at Marjorie Stoneham Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, makes this much plain:

1. America is first in the world, by a longshot and for far too long, when it comes to mass shootings in "civil" society.

2. America is not focusing enough on our kids - in general or in this gruesome particular. Fortunately, however, we have the surviving Parkland teens to teach us all a thing or two about poise and common sense.

It's all about the kids. And as I consider not only guns but these chaotic times - in which dictators like China's Xi win praise from a U.S. administration, populism is rampant and fraying Western democracies, trade protectionism is on the rise, and the risk of great power conflict is increasing - the kids are on my mind.

This is why this month's Council of the Month is Montana World Affairs Council:  for today, MWAC opened its two-day Academic WorldQuest 2018 program - the most robust in the country - and the attention to these students' futures is affirming. 

Held at the University of Montana campus, the statewide program and competition goes far beyond the 10 AWQ categories. The United States Institute of Peace, WACA's national AWQ partner, will present a student workshop on "Conflict Management in Global Affairs" as well as a for-credit teacher workshop on "Teaching Peacebuilding for Active Global Citizens." High school students will also enjoy a UM international student panel.

Keynote speakers are superlative: Helana Mayor Wilmot Collins, a Liberian-born American politician who is the first black person to be elected mayor of any Montana city in the state's history; Ambassador Max Baucus will deliver the State of the World Address at MWAC's Global Educator of the Year Banquet; Lt. Governor Mike Cooney will emcee the AWQ competition; and former State Senate Majority Leader Carol Williams will conclude the AWQ Awards Ceremony.

Kudos to MWAC's Board, particularly Charlie Oliver and Shelley Geiszler, and former Executive Director Aubrie Lyons for laying the groundwork over many years to refine their Academic WorldQuest program recipe. Aubrie's successor, Janet Rose, is well-positioned to build on this legacy of excellence. 

The Montana kids will get to show what they know and likely will teach the adults a thing or two about world and national affairs. It's all about the kids.

Yours,

 
Bill Clifford, President and CEO

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. Please stay tuned for the Meeting agendas. 

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.

Scholarships Available for Educators Travel Tour

The World Affairs Council of Greater Houston is offering $1000 scholarships to the first six applicants for its Educators Travel Tour to Montreal and Quebec City, June 16-22. 

See the program itinerary and program application. Please send completed applications to Amanda Rico at arico@wachouston.org by March 26.

Register for AWQ National Competition!

Registration for the Carlos and Malú Alvarez 2018 Academic WorldQuest National Competition is now open! 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 no later than 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:

Thursday rooms are sold out! 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.

Thank you to our generous sponsors:

Great Decisions Teacher Training Institute

The Great Decisions Teachers Institute is a once in a lifetime opportunity for high school educators to immerse themselves in some of America's biggest foreign policy challenges and build their skills in teaching international affairs. For four days, teachers from across the United States, Mexico, and Canada will attend lectures presented by experts and policy makers, interact with teaching colleagues, and acquire new teaching resources and curriculum ideas. See the flyer.

To apply, all applicants are required to complete the application questionnaire.  The questionnaire can be accessed here, or by visiting www.fpa.org/institute/. 

High school educators nationwide are invited to apply by March 30, 2018. All applicants will be notified by April 13, 2018.

If you have any questions in regards to the application or the Great Decisions Teachers Institute, please email teachers@fpa.org, or call the Foreign Policy Association at 212-481-8100 x250.

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 emphasized 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. See more details.

Listen to WACA Podcasts!

Chuck Freilich joined WACA's March Cover to Cover conference call program last week to discuss his forthcoming book, Israeli National Security: A New Strategy for an Era of Change. Listen to the podcast.  

Global I.Q. Minute with Jim Falk

In this episode of World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth's Global I.Q. Minute, Alyssa Ayres, Senior Fellow for India, Pakistan, and South Asia at the Council on Foreign Relations, discusses "How India Is Making Its Place in the World" with WAC Dallas/Fort Worth President and CEO, Jim Falk. Listen now.

The Cleveland Council Is Hiring!

Cleveland Council on World Affairs is hiring a Manager of Student Education Programs. See the job announcement.

Councils in the News

World Affairs Council of Atlanta

Former Liberian President: Despite Challenges, African Democracy Gaining Steam -- Global Atlanta

World Affairs Council of St. Louis

Foster to Lead World Affairs Council -- STLtoday

World Affairs Council of Connecticut

Taking a Global Outlook -- Newington Live

Tennessee World Affairs Council

Iran Nuclear Deal Matters for America's Credibility and Security -- Tennessean

Sarasota World Affairs Council

Lecturer: Policymakers Must Be Pushed to Address Climate Change -- Herald Tribune

World Affairs Council of Kentucky and Southern Indiana

Foreign Policy Expert Talks Potential Global Conflicts, Challenges for 2018 -- WFPL

World Affairs Council of Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky

Iran, Saudi Arabia, and U.S. Relations in the Middle East -- WVXU

World Affairs Council Upstate

A Collection of Cuban Art that Has Traveled to 14 Cities Lands in Greenville to Kick Off Upstate International Month -- Greenville Journal

World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh

Pak-U.S. Need to Work Together for Regional Peace: Aizaz -- Pakistan Observer

Military Officers Provide Insight During Peters Township Program -- The Almanac

World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth

Former Mexican President Fox Endorses Legalization of All Drugs, Endorses Dreamers -- Dallas News

Les Femmes du Monde Honors Carmaleta Whitely Felton -- ParkCitiesPeople

Plano West Repeats as Regional Winner of Academic WorldQuest -- Dallas News

Northern Nevada International Center

The Davidson Academy Wins Academic WorldQuest Competition -- Nevada Today 

   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.

Note: Council leaders who send their 2018 dues by Wednesday, February 28 will receive a complimentary registration for the Spring Leadership Meetings.

Future of Korea Applications Due Feb. 28

We are pleased to announce continued collaboration with the  Korea Economic Institute of America  on the  Future of Korea  program series. The speaker program focuses on the economic and political situation on the Korean Peninsula as well as U.S.-Korea relations.

All Councils may submit applications; six to eight Councils will be selected to participate. 

About the Program

The centerpiece of the program is a panel discussion consisting of one representative each from the U.S. Department of State, the Korean Embassy, KEI, or other relevant institutions. The panel participants typically offer a general overview presentation (approximately 45-60 minutes in length), followed by a Q&A period. The speakers address political, security, economic and financial issues pertaining to the Korean Peninsula and U.S.-Korea relations. See more details.

To Apply

Councils interested in hosting need to send a completed Application form to Drew Lorelli at dlorelli@worldaffairscouncils.org by February 28, 2018.

March Cover to Cover: Israeli National Security

National security has been at the forefront of the Israeli experience for seven decades, with threats ranging from terrorism, to vast rocket and missile arsenals, and even existential nuclear dangers. Yet, despite its overwhelming preoccupation with foreign and defense affairs, Israel does not have a formal national defense strategy.

In Israeli National Security, Chuck Freilich presents an authoritative analysis of the military, diplomatic, demographic, and societal challenges Israel faces today, to propose a comprehensive and long-term Israeli national security strategy.

Register for the call.

Read Freilich's recent article on the two-state solution and join the March Cover to Cover conference call to discuss his forthcoming book, Israeli National Security: A New Strategy for an Era of Change, on Thursday, March 1, at 2:00-2:30 PM ET.

Register for AWQ National Competition!

Registration for the Carlos and Malú Alvarez 2018 Academic WorldQuest National Competition is now open! 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 no later than 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, book your room now 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:

U.S.-Japan Alliance Working in Oregon

WorldOregon will present a public panel that explores the depth and breadth of the U.S.-Japan relationship and the benefits to both countries at the national and regional levels. 

The March 1 event will feature Ambassador (Ret.) James P. Zumwalt, CEO of Sasakawa USA, and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia Affairs; Stephanie Segal, Senior Fellow and Deputy Director, Simon Chair in Political Economy, CSIS; Dr. Satu Limaye, Director of East-West Center in Washington; and Paul Taylor, Vice President & General Counsel of Ajinomoto North America Division, based in Portland.

Co-presented with generous support from Sasakawa USA and East-West Center, and in partnership with the Japan-America Society of Oregon, this panel is one of a series of events on which Sasakawa USA has partnered with local organizations as part of "The Alliance Working in America" (TAWA) program. WACA President and CEO Bill Clifford will participate in this program, including as a speaker at a March 2 dinner sponsored by the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program Alumni Association of Portland.

Listen to WACA Podcasts!

 Last week, Derrick Olsen, President of WorldOregon, hosted Ambassador (Ret.) Mary Carlin Yates on our February KNOW NOW conference call to discuss a new U.S. strategy for Sudan. Listen to the podcast.

Councils and WACA Are Hiring! 

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

World Affairs Council of Hampshire is conducting a search for its new executive director. See the job announcement.

WACA is seeking two Program and Outreach Interns for Summer 2018! See details and application requirements.

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 emphasized 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. See more details.

WAC St. Louis Celebrates Chinese New Year 

On Friday, March 2, the World Affairs Council of St. Louis will hold its 27th annual Chinese New Year Celebration fundraiser. This year's event is dedicated to Bob Fischer, who recently stepped down after 16 years of service as WAC St. Louis's Executive Director. He has been named Executive Director Emeritus and has been succeeded by Bob Foster.

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: 

• Dr. Carla Thorson, Senior Vice President, Programs, World Affairs Council Northern California, Southern Africa: Feb. 10-Mar. 5
• 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.

Welcome: Montana WAC New Executive Director

Please join WACA in wishing a warm welcome to Janet Rose, the new Executive Director of Montana World Affairs Council. Janet has had a 30-year career in nonprofit management, specializing in international affairs, youth leadership, and wildlife conservation.

"Advancing our understanding and awareness of the international arena enriches our lives, our communities, and our understanding of the world around us. The future however, lies in the hands of youth and it is important to help them understand global affairs and the ways in which current issues impact our lives here at home," says Janet of the importance of her new role.

World Affairs Council of San Antonio Holds

International Citizen of the Year Award Dinner

On Thursday, February 22, the World Affairs Council of San Antonio will honor Joe Strauss, a small business owner and Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives at its 2018 International Citizen of the Year Award Dinner.  

The keynote speaker for this distinguished dinner will be Jon Meacham, Executive Vice President and Executive Editor at Random House Publishing Group.

*Reminder to Councils:

Send your 2018 Council Dues by February 28 and we will waive fees for the May 17-18 Spring Leadership Meeting, hosted by WAC San Antonio! (WACA National Board Meeting follows on May 19.)

March Cover to Cover: Israeli National Security

National security has been at the forefront of the Israeli experience for seven decades, with threats ranging from terrorism, to vast rocket and missile arsenals, and even existential nuclear dangers. Yet, despite its overwhelming preoccupation with foreign and defense affairs, Israel does not have a formal national defense strategy.

In Israeli National Security, Chuck Freilich presents an authoritative analysis of the military, diplomatic, demographic, and societal challenges Israel faces today, to propose a comprehensive and long-term Israeli national security strategy.

Register for the call.

Join next month's Cover to Cover to discuss Chuck Freilich's new book, Israeli National Security: A New Strategy for an Era of Change, on Thursday, March 1, at 2:00-2:30 PM ET.

Listen to WACA Podcasts!

 Last week, WACA hosted Dr. Jonathan Quick on our February Cover to Cover conference call to discuss his new book, The End of Epidemics: The Looming Threat to Humanity and How to Stop It. 

Listen to the podcast.

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 emphasized 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. See more details.

Councils and WACA Are Hiring! 

World Affairs Council of Hampshire is conducting a search for its new executive director. See the job announcement.

Global Minnesota is also hiring. See the posting for their new Corporate and Foundation Giving Officer.

WACA is seeking two Program and Outreach Interns for Summer 2018! See details and application requirements.

Wednesday, February 21

Santa Fe Council on International Relations hosts H.E. David O'Sullivan, Ambassador of the European Union to the U.S., for "Transatlantic Ties and Tensions: Outlook for EU-U.S. Relations in 2018." Details

World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh hosts H.E. Aizaz Chaudhry, Ambassador of Pakistan to the U.S., for "The Future of U.S.-Pakistan Relations." Details

World Affairs (Northern California) hosts Dennis Ross, William Davidson Distinguished Fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, for "Closing Conflicts: Prospects for Negotiations in the Middle East." Details

World Affairs Council of Rhode Island hosts Dan Stretchay, U.S. Representative of the Roundtable On Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), for "Socio-Economic Effects Of Palm Oil." Details

World Affairs Council of Western Massachusetts hosts WACA Cover to Cover author Haroon Ullah, Chief Strategy Officer at the Broadcasting Board of Governors, for "How Do We Stop the Next World War? The Weaponization of Information and the Fight For Cyber Supremacy." Details

Global Minnesota hosts Ross Wilson, Distinguished Senior Fellow in the Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center at the Atlantic Council, for "Turkey - A Partner in Crisis." Details

World Affairs Council of Kentucky and Southern Indiana hosts Trita Parsi, President of the Iranian American Council, and Haleh Karimi, Executive Director of Interfaith Paths to Peace, for "Can Iran Be Trusted? The Evolution of the Iran Nuclear Deal." Details

San Diego World Affairs Council hosts Emily Edmonds-Poli, Chair of the Department of Political Science and International Relations at University of San Diego, for "Mexico's Upcoming Elections and What They Mean for the U.S." Details

World Affairs Council of South Texas hosts Peter Gross, specialist in post-Communist Europe and media studies, for "Romania's Re-emerging Role as Strategic Partner in the U.S. and European Affairs." Details

World Affairs Council of Greater Reading hosts Solomon Lausch, Executive Director of Berks Business Education Coalition, for "The Peace Corps: JFK to Today." Details

World Affairs Council of Inland Southern California hosts James Coyle, Nonresident Senior Fellow in the Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center at the Atlantic Council, for "The Power of Intervention: How Russia is Recapturing Its Empire." Details

World Affairs Council of Connecticut hosts a panel of religious experts for "The Meaning of Jerusalem." Details

Indiana Council on World Affairs hosts Robert Einterz, Associate Dean for Global Health at Indiana University, for "Great Decisions: Global Health and Progress." Details

Thursday, February 22

World Affairs (Northern California) hosts Philip Yun, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of Ploughshares Fund, for "Escalating Tensions on the Korean Peninsula." Details

World Affairs Council of Charlotte hosts Klaus Zellmer, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America, for "Porsche: Embracing Change." Details

Institute of World Affairs (Milwaukee) hosts Hannah Hetzer, Senior International Policy Manager at the Drug Policy Alliance, for "Winning the Opioid War: Enforcement, Treatment, and Prevention." Details

World Affairs Council of Connecticut hosts Mark Hehl, Consultant at Kairos Consulting Worldwide, for a discussion of his book, Amusing Confessions of an International Consultant. Details

World Affairs (Northern California) hosts Abbas Millani, Co-Director of the Iran Democracy Project at the Hoover Institution, for "Why Is Iran Protesting?" Details

World Affairs Council of Austin hosts Daniel Jaffee, Vice President of Research and Professor of Astronomy at the University of Texas Austin, for "How Technology, Serendipity, and the Weirdness of Nature Have Changed What We Know About the Universe." Details

Friday, February 23

WorldOregon hosts David Kohl, Statewide International Trade Liaison at the Oregon Small Business Development Center Network, for "Great Decisions: China & America - The New Geopolitical Equation." Details

Council of the Month for February:

WAC Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky

Having recently navigated the challenge of launching a new and improved website, WACA is keeping an eye out for member Councils that are taking on such a big challenge. We  recognize World Affairs Council of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky as our Council of the Month to highlight their world-class website and re-branding.

In partnership with one of the Council's vital sponsors, Dover Corporation, and its global marketing firm, DeanHouston, the Council came up with a winning formula. WAC Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky's blog posts celebrate inclusive branding and the launch of their new name and logo reveals a deliberate process worth noting.

"DeanHouston stepped up with an investment of time and expertise to advise the Council leadership through a name change, new logo, messaging, marketing tools, and website. As a small nonprofit organization leading global education efforts, connecting local business and family to world leaders, and creating a culturally aware and informed community, our online and outward presence has shifted to meet the needs of today's society," said Michelle Harpenau, Executive Director. "What you see today came out of this process to better share our story." And what a story it is!

Congratulations, SQCC Grant Recipients!

The World Affairs Councils of America congratulates the eight Councils that will participate in the WACA Engage America Series: Oman 2018. Following a very competitive application process, the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center (SQCC), selected the following organizations for grant funding:

• Columbia World Affairs Council
• Savannah Council on World Affairs
• South Dakota World Affairs Council
• World Affairs Council of Albuquerque
• World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth
• World Affairs Council of New Hampshire
• World Affairs Council of San Antonio
• World Affairs Council of Western Michigan

The Oman 2018 program series will feature SQCC experts on U.S.-Oman relations, and a presentation of the country's contributions to business, trade, investment, culture, and education. 

*Council Leaders: The application process for WACA grant funding for the Future of Korea 2018 program will open later this week. Stay tuned!

February Cover to Cover: The End of Epidemics

Somewhere in nature, a killer virus is boiling up in the bloodstream of a wild animal, preparing to jump to a human being. This not-yet-detected germ has the potential to wipe out millions of lives over a matter of weeks or months. That risk makes the threat posed by ISIS, a ground war, a massive climate event, or even the dropping of a nuclear bomb on a major city pale in comparison. 

In The End of Epidemics, Dr. Jonathan Quick, Harvard Medical School faculty member and Chair of the Global Heath Council, examines the eradication of smallpox and devastating effects of influenza, AIDS SARS, and Ebola. Analyzing efforts to contain these diseases and citing firsthand accounts of failure and success, Dr. Quick proposes a new set of actions which he has coined, "The Power of Seven," to end epidemics before they begin.  

Register for the call

Join us for February's Cover to Cover on Tuesday, February 13, at 2:00-2:30 PM ET.

March

Chuck Freilich will discuss his book, Israeli National Security: A New Strategy for an Era of Change, on the day of its release, March 1, at 2:00-2:30 PM ET.

April

Madiha Afzal will discuss her book, Pakistan Under Siege: Extremism, Society, and the State on Wednesday, April 18, at 2:00-2:30 PM ET.

February KNOW NOW - Amb. Yates on Sudan

Ambassador Mary Carlin Yates recently traveled to Sudan, where she had served as U.S. Interim Chargé d'Affaires (2011-2012). Previously, she served as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Ghana (2002-2005). While US Ambassador to the Republic of Burundi (1999-2002), Yates worked to bring stability with the Burundian peace process, led by former South African President Nelson Mandela. She also served in Kinshasa, Zaïre (now Democratic Republic of the Congo), as a political officer and then public affairs counselor in the early '90s during the genocide in neighboring Rwanda.

Register for the call

Join Derrick Olsen, President of WorldOregon, for a discussion with Ambassador Yates about the state of Sudan on Tuesday, February 20, at 2:00-2:30 PM ET.

FPA Student Essay/Video Competition

What is America's biggest challenge in the world? 

If you're a high school student, you're invited to submit either an essay or a video on this question.

Deadline for submissions: 

March 1, 2018. See more details.

Great Decisions Teacher Training Institute

The Great Decisions Teachers Institute is a once in a lifetime opportunity for high school educators to immerse themselves in some of America's biggest foreign policy challenges and build their skills in teaching international affairs. For four days, teachers from across the United States, Mexico, and Canada will attend lectures presented by experts and policy makers, interact with teaching colleagues, and acquire new teaching resources and curriculum ideas. See the flyer.

To apply, all applicants are required to complete the application questionnaire.  The questionnaire can be accessed here, or by visiting www.fpa.org/institute/. 

High school educators nationwide are invited to apply by March 16, 2018. All applicants will be notified by April 13, 2018.

If you have any questions in regards to the application or the Great Decisions Teachers Institute, please email teachers@fpa.org, or call the Foreign Policy Association at 212-481-8100 x250.

Academic WorldQuest 2018

Information for the 2017-2018 Academic WorldQuest program is now available!

This year's AWQ Study Guide is now available, along with more information about The Carlos and Malu Alvarez 2018 Academic WorldQuest National Competition, to be held Saturday, April 28, 2018.

This year's AWQ National Competition will feature a welcome reception at the United States Institute of Peace on 

Friday, April 27. For topics, Study Guide, 

and more, click here.

Sponsored by: United States Institute of Peace

Councils Are Hiring!

World Affairs Council of New Hampshire is conducting a search for its new executive director. See the job announcement.

Global Minnesota is also hiring. See the posting for their new Corporate and Foundation Giving Officer.

Global I.Q. Minute with Jim Falk

In this episode of World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth's Global I.Q. Minute, Graham Allison, respected naitonal security analyst and defense guru, discusses his book, Destined for War: Can America and China Escape Thucydides's Trap?, with WAC Dallas/Fort Worth President and CEO, Jim Falk. Listen now.