World Affairs Council of New Hampshire

WACA Weekly: Future of Korea; RiskMap 2018 Webinar; FPA Essay Contest, and more

Thursday, January 18, 2018 10:22 AM | Deleted user

WAC Pittsburgh Hosts Future of Korea Program

The World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh will host a Future of Korea program today, January 16, and Wednesday, January 17. This program, presented in partnership with the World Affairs Councils of America and the Korea Economic Institute (KEI), will feature a panel of experts selected by KEI:

Jaepil Moon, First Secretary, Embassy of Korea
Juli S. Kim, North Korea Desk Officer, U.S. Dept. of State
Juni Kim, Program Manager, Korea Economic Institute

Global Minn. Cited for Great Decisions Program

Global Minnesota was recognized by the Star Tribune for its timely focus on China in 2018 through its Great Decisions program. Read the article: "Rash Report: China Rises, Including to Top of 2018 'Risk List'."

Special KNOW NOW: Control Risks Webinar

The year 2017 saw a host of new challenges for global organizations, and continued economic and political volatility heightened by competing leadership styles on the world stage. What should organizational decision-makers expect in 2018?

Join us for special webinar KNOW NOW featuring highlights from Control Risks' RiskMap, an annual forecast for political and security risk around the world.

Control Risks is a specialist global risk consultancy that helps to create secure, compliant and resilient organizations in an age of ever-changing risk.

Register for the call

Join us for this month's KNOW NOW on Tuesday, January 30, at 2:00-2:45 PM ET.

WACA Seeks Chief Operations Officer

The World Affairs Councils of America is pleased to announce the open position of Chief Operating Officer. The COO will provide internal management of the WACA national office staff and oversee a variety of organizational priorities and projects. See the full posting and send complete applications to apply@worldaffairscouncils.org. Apply by Monday, January 22

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.

Maximum essay length: 750 words; maximum video length: 5 minutes

Winners in each medium will be judged by an expert panel of educators and designers of student outreach programs. See more details here.

Criteria for judging:

Creative engagement with the Centennial Challenge topic
Compelling demonstration of the position you take
Breadth and depth of the vision you present

Prizes:

1st prize: $1500 and expenses paid for a trip to attend the 2018 Foreign Policy Centennial Spring Dinner in New York City
2nd prize: $500
3rd prize: $500

Deadline for submissions: January 31, 2018

WACA - Global Ties U.S. Breakfast

The World Affairs Councils of America is pleased to sponsor the Global Ties U.S. National Meeting once again this year as part of a reciprocal arrangement to strengthen collaboration between our organizations.

For those Council leaders, staff, and board members who plan to attend the Global Ties "Change Through Exchange" Conference in Washington, DC, we cordially invite you to participate in the WACA breakfast on Thursday, February 8, at the Omni Shoreham Hotel.

Cover to Cover: February

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.

Listen to WACA Podcasts!

On Wednesday, January 10, the World Affairs Councils of America hosted Richard N. Haass for a special Cover to Cover conference call on our world in disarray. Listen now.

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.

Please note: the links in this block for the AWQ Study Guide are up to date. Links from previous emails may no longer be active due to the launch of the new WACA website.

Sponsored by: United States Institute of Peace

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!

Tuesday, January 16

Cleveland Council on World Affairs hosts its Academic WorldQuest Competition. Details

Colorado Foothills World Affairs Council hosts David Firestein, Founding Executive Director of the China Public Policy Center, for "China's 19th People's Congress." Details

World Affairs Council of Maine holds a discussion group, "Effects of Pulling Out of the Paris Climate Accord." Details

Wednesday, January 17

Colorado Springs World Affairs Council hosts David Firestein, Founding Executive Director of the China Public Policy Center, for "China - After the 19th Party Congress." Details

WorldDenver hosts David Firestein, Founding Executive Director of the China Public Policy Center, for "China's Global Aspirations." Details

World Affairs Forum (Stamford) hosts Michael Hanna, Senior Fellow at The Century Foundation, for "The Trump Administration and the Future of a Fractured Middle East." Details

World Affairs Council of Upstate hosts Dr. Cleve Fraser, Professor of Politics and International Affairs at Furman University, for "The U.S. Relationship with Latin America." Details

World Affairs Council of Seattle hosts Kemal Kirisci, Director of the Turkey Project at the Brookings Insittution, for "Turkey and the West: Navigating a Troubled Relationship." Details

Thursday, January 18

World Affairs (Northern California) hosts Sarrah Buageila, Project Manager at the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding, for "Celebrating the American Muslim." Details

World Affairs Council of Greater Houston hosts Daniel Yergen, Vice Chairman of IHS Markit, for "Global Perspectives." Details

World Affairs Council of San Antonio hosts a panel of experts for "Dream Week: World Topics, Personal Voices." Details

San Diego World Affairs Council hosts Dr. Khaleel Mohammed, Professor at San Diego State University, for "Understanding Islam and Its Role in Global Affairs." Details

Indiana Council on World Affairs hosts Jorge Sanchez Catano, Deputy Consul of Mexico, for "Mexico: U.S. Neighbor and Friend." Details

Worcester World Affairs Council hosts Graham Allison, former Director of the Harvard University Belfer Center Science and International Affairs, for "Destined for War: Can America and China Escape Thucidides' Trap?" Details

Olympia World Affairs Council hosts Tom Rainey, Faculty Emeritus at The Evergreen State College, for "Russia and China's Strategic Alliance: Implications for the U.S." Details

World Affairs Council of Las Vegas hosts Dr. Bruce Bennett, Senior International Defense Researcher at the RAND Corporation, for "Is Military Conflict a Prospect for the U.S. in East Asia?" Details

Foreign Policy Association hosts Leon Botstein, President of Bard College, for "Elites, Education, and the Future." Details

Friday, January 19

World Affairs Council of Austin hosts a panel of experts for, "Driving Innovation: 2018 Business Forecast." Details

World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth hosts Graham Allison, former Director of the Harvard University Belfer Center Science and International Affairs, for "Destined for War: The Future of the American and Chinese Relationship." Details

Weekly World News Update

Wednesday, January 17, 2018 12:42 PM | Deleted user

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Democracy in Danger; Managing North Korea; Asia Rising; Turkey-U.S. Relations Suffer; Political Turmoil in Prague

Quote of the Week:

"Democracy is facing its most serious crisis in decades. Democracy's basic tenets - including guarantees of free and fair elections, the rights ofminorities, freedom of the press, and rule of law - are under siege around the world."

-- Michael Abramowitz, President of Freedom House, in a press releaseabout the Freedom in the World 2018 report, released Tuesday.

Is Democracy in Danger?

"Freedom in the World 2018: Democracy in Crisis" Michael Abramowitz -- Freedom House, January 16, 2018 [Report]

"Democracy Is Far from Dead" Bruce Jones and Michael O'Hanlon -- Brookings, January 10, 2018

"Time to Renew the Democracy Playbook" Lauren Mooney and Shannon Green -- CSIS, January 12, 2018

"How's Democracy Holding Up After Trump's First Year?" Uri Friedman -- The Atlantic, January 13, 2018

Asia Rising

"America's Economic Future Rests on Its Partnership with Asia" Richard Fontaine and Daniel Kliman -- The National Interest, January 13, 2018

"How China Infiltrated U.S. Classrooms" Ethan Epstein -- Politico, January 16, 2018

Managing North Korea

"Japan, Canada Vow to 'Maximize Pressure' on North Korea Through Vancouver Talks" Editorial Board -- Nikkei Asian Review, January 16, 2018

"North Korea's Unlikely Strategic Opening" George Friedman -- RealClear World, January 16, 2018

"The Olympics Will Only Make the Korea Crisis Worse" David Clay Large -- Foreign Policy, January 16, 2018

"Rethinking North Korean Sanctions: Lessons and Strategies for Long-Term Planning" Kate Hewitt -- 38 North, January 16, 2018

"The Consequences of War with North Korea" Abigail Stowe-Thurston and Erin Connolly -- Teen Vogue, January 4, 2018

Turkey-U.S. Relations Devolve Over Syria

"U.S.-Backed Force Could Cement a Kurdish Enclave in Syria" Anne Barnard -- The New York Times, January 16, 2018

"Twilight of the Kurds" Joost Hiltermann and Maria Fantappie -- Foreign Policy, January 16, 2018

"Syria War: Turkey Denounces U.S. 'Terror Army' Plan for Border" Editorial Board -- BBC, January 15, 2018

No Confidence for the Czech Republic

"Czech Government Quits After Confidence Vote, Uncertain Talks Ahead" Robert Muller and Jason Hovet -- Reuters, January 17, 2018

"Czech Republic Faces Political Turmoil After No-Confidence Vote" Hana de Goeij -- The New York Times, January 16, 2018

"The Czech Republic's Pro-Russian President Is In Trouble" Editorial Board -- The Economist, January 16, 2018

PRESS RELEASE: World Affairs Council Announces Executive Director's Departure & Seeks New Leader

Tuesday, January 09, 2018 12:13 PM | Anonymous

PRESS RELEASE: WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL ANNOUNCES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S DEPARTURE, SEEKS NEW LEADER

After nearly eight years as Executive Director of the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire, Anna Haigh Berry has announced that she will leave the position in February.

“I’ve been honored to work with such a dedicated board and staff to advance the Council’s mission since 2010,” Berry said. “Together, we’ve greatly expanded the organization’s resources and reach: we’ve hosted over 2,000 international visitors and more than 200 events over the past eight years, creating respectful, informative dialogue in local schools and communities about global issues that matter.

“While my departure is bittersweet, I’m excited about the momentum we’ve created and the opportunity for a new leader with a fresh vision to take the organization to an even higher level.”

Berry will begin a new position as editor of publications at the New Hampshire Bar Association in February. The World Affairs Council’s Board of Directors has appointed a search committee to find a successor and Tim Horgan, currently Associate Director, will serve as Interim Executive Director during the search process. Candidates interested in applying for the position can learn more here: www.wacnh.org/employment

“On behalf of the Council’s Board of Directors, I want to thank Anna for her leadership and vision as we worked collaboratively to modernize the Council’s operations and prepare the Granite State for a global future,” said Steve Solomon, President of the World Affairs Council. “The Council has become one of the state’s leading non-profits providing global education programs and international exchange services. “

“We’re confident that Interim Director Tim Horgan and our next leader will continue to help the Council grow and thrive and we appreciate the support of our members and partners for our critical mission as we carry out this transition.”

The World Affairs Council of New Hampshire is a non-profit, non-partisan organization fostering learning, discussion and citizen involvement in world affairs since 1954. The Council is preparing the Granite State for a global future by creating and sustaining international connections that enhance our state's cultural, economic and civic life; building global knowledge and understanding through educational programs for communities and schools on foreign policy; and furthering the development of international leaders in partnership with the U.S. State Department.

The Council is a member of the World Affairs Councils of America and Global Ties U.S. The Council is supported financially by memberships, program fees, donations from individuals and businesses, grants, a small endowment, and Southern New Hampshire University, which provides office space and other services.

WACA Weekly Jan 8, 2018

Tuesday, January 09, 2018 9:22 AM | Deleted user

WEDNESDAY: Haass on A World in Disarray

"These are no ordinary times. It will not be business as usual in a world of disarray; as a result, it cannot be foreign policy as usual," writes Richard N. Haass, President of the Council on Foreign Relations, in his book, A World in Disarray: American Foreign Policy and the Crisis of the Old Order.

Haass argues for "World Order 2.0" - an updated global operating system that reflects the reality that power is widely distributed and that borders count for less. Dial in to next month's Cover to Cover to hear Haass's take on the need for an updated definition of sovereignty and how the U.S. should interact with the rest of the world.

Register for the call

Join us for January's Cover to Cover this Wednesday, January 10, at 2:00-2:30 PM ET.

Special KNOW NOW: Control Risks Webinar

The year 2017 saw a host of new challenges for global organizations, and continued economic and political volatility heightened by competing leadership styles on the world stage. What should organizational decision-makers expect in 2018?

Join us for special webinar KNOW NOW featuring highlights from Control Risks' RiskMap, an annual forecast for political and security risk around the world.

Control Risks is a specialist global risk consultancy that helps to create secure, compliant and resilient organizations in an age of ever-changing risk.

Register for the call

Join us for this month's KNOW NOW on Tuesday, January 30, at 2:00-2:45 PM ET.

WACA Seeks Chief Operations Officer

The World Affairs Councils of America is pleased to announce the open position of Chief Operating Officer. The COO will provide internal management of the WACA national office staff and oversee a variety of organizational priorities and projects. See the full posting and send complete applications to apply@worldaffairscouncils.org. Apply by Monday, January 22

Tennessee WAC Is Hiring!

The Tennessee World Affairs Council is hiring! Apply for the position of Manager, Programming and Development. More details.

American Diplomat Podcast

American Diplomat goes behind the scenes to hear real stories from diplomats who lived newsworthy events overseas. Experience the Cuban revolution, Central American insurgencies, the end of apartheid, the attack on our consulate in Jeddah, the anguished debate inside our embassy on de-Ba'athification and more through the eyes of those who were there.

Peter Romero, retired career U.S. Ambassador, and Laura Bennett, writer and videographer, host active-duty and retired career diplomats for intimate, informed conversations on the very human dimensions of those serving on the front lines of war, crises, and conflict around the world. Listen to new episodes every Tuesday.

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.

Maximum essay length: 750 words; maximum video length: 5 minutes

Winners in each medium will be judged by an expert panel of educators and designers of student outreach programs. See more details here.

Criteria for judging:

Creative engagement with the Centennial Challenge topic
Compelling demonstration of the position you take
Breadth and depth of the vision you present

Prizes:

1st prize: $1500 and expenses paid for a trip to attend the 2018 Foreign Policy Centennial Spring Dinner in New York City
2nd prize: $500
3rd prize: $500

Deadline for submissions: January 31, 2018

WACA - Global Ties U.S. Breakfast

The World Affairs Councils of America is pleased to sponsor the Global Ties U.S. National Meeting once again this year as part of a reciprocal arrangement to strengthen collaboration between our organizations.

For those Council leaders, staff, and board members who plan to attend the Global Ties "Change Through Exchange" Conference in Washington, DC, we cordially invite you to participate in the WACA breakfast on Thursday, February 8, at the Omni Shoreham Hotel.

Academic WorldQuest 2017-2018

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.

Please note: the links in this block for the AWQ Study Guide are up to date. Links from previous emails may no longer be active due to the launch of the new WACA website.

Sponsored by: United States Institute of Peace

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, January 8

World Affairs (Northern California) hosts Scott Tong, Correspondent at Marketplace, for "Stories from a Changing China." Details

WorldDenver hosts Jason Pack, Executive Director of the U.S.-Libya Business Association, for "From Qadhafi to Chaos: Libya's Centrality in Western Geostrategy and the Fight Against Jihadism." Details

Tuesday, January 9

World Affairs Council of Jacksonville hosts Dr. Mihir Desai, Mizuho Financial Group Professor of Finance at Harvard Business School, for "Tax Reform and U.S. Competitiveness." Details

World Affairs Council of Palm Beach hosts Dr. Theodore Roosevelt Malloch, Chairman and CEO of The Global Fiduciary Governance LLC, for "The U.S. and Europe in an Age of Uncertainty." Details

Wednesday, January 10

World Affairs Council of Greater Houston hosts Patrick Cronin, Senior Advisor and Senior Director at the Center for a New American Security, for "North Korea's Nuclear Threat and the Options for China, the Region, and President Trump." Details

World Affairs (Northern California) hosts Rosemand Naylor, Director of the Center on Food Security and the Environment at Stanford University, for "Food, Conflict, and Climate: Feeding the World in an Era of Rising Instability." Details

World Affairs (Northern California) hosts Aisha Ahmad, Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Toronto, for "Jihad and Company: The Black Market Funding Terrorism." Details

World Affairs Council of Greater Reading hosts Dr. Shreeash Palishikar, Assistant Professor of History at Albright College, for "Dangerous Neighborhood: A Historical Background of the India-Pakistan Tensions." Details

World Affairs Council of San Antonio hosts Julie Kavanagh, Diplomat in Residence at the University of Texas, for "Diplomat Salon." Details

Thursday, January 11

Southeast Connecticut World Affairs Council hosts James Schoff, Senior Fellow in the Carnegie Asia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, for "U.S.-Japan Relations in a Changing Asia." Details

San Diego World Affairs Council hosts Dr. David Moseley, Director of Global Education at Bishop's School in La Jolla, CA, for "Understanding Christianity and Its Role in Global Affairs." Details

Cleveland Council on World Affairs hosts Evans Revere, Senior Advisor at Albright Stonebridge Group and Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution's Center for East Asia Policy Studies, for "The North Korean Nuclear Crisis: How does this End?" Details

Friday, January 12

Alaska World Affairs Council hosts a panel of members of the Alaskan Consular Corps for, "Around the World in 60 Minutes: Travel Tales and Advice from the Alaskan Consular Corps." Details

World Affairs Council of Sonoma County hosts Scott Kilner, retired U.S. Foreign Service Officer, for "The Changing Role of the U.S. Foreign Service." Details

World Affairs Council of Hilton Head hosts Benjamin Buchanan, Postdoctoral Fellow in the Belfer Center Cyber Security Project at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, for "Cyber Security." 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:

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
Jim Falk, President and CEO, World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth, Cruise the Rhine, July 11-29
Anna Berry, Executive Director, World Affairs Council of New Hampshire, Cambridge, Oxford, and the Cotswolds: July 20-28
Derrick Olsen, President, WorldOregon, Treasures of Ecuador: Aug. 27-31
Megan Torrey, Executive Director, World Affairs Council of Hartford, Himalayan Kingdoms, Sept. 11-25
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

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

Weekly World News Update, January 3, 2018

Wednesday, January 03, 2018 2:18 PM | Deleted user

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Looking Ahed in 2018 Iran Erupts in Protest; Path to Korean Dialogue?; U.S. Speaks Out Against Pakistan Terrorists; Unrest in Congo

Quote of the Week:

"Trump is the first post-World War II American president to view the burdens of world leadership as outweighing the benefits. As a result, the United States has changed from the principal preserver of order to the principal disrupter. This change has major implications."

-- Richard Haass, President of the Council on Foreign Relations, in an essay, "America and the Great Abdication," for The Atlantic -- December 28, 2017.

WACA will feature Haass on Wednesday, Jan. 10 for our Cover to Cover conference call program.

Looking Ahead in 2018

"10 Conflicts to Watch in 2018" Robert Malley -- Foreign Policy, January 2, 2018

"Countering Entropy in the New Year" Jerry Hendrix -- National Review, January 1, 2018

"Making China Great Again" Evan Osnos -- The New Yorker, January 3, 2018

"America Is on the Brink of a Historic Break with Europe, Thanks to Trump" Nicholas Burns -- USA Today, December 26, 2017

Iran Erupts in Protest

"The Battle for Iran" Karim Sadjadpour -- The Atlantic, December 31, 2017

"The Crisis in Iran" Anthony Cordesman -- CSIS, January 2, 2018

"Hard-Liners and Reformers Trapped Iranians' Ire. Now, Both Are Protest Targets" Thomas Erdbrink -- The New York Times, January 2, 2018

"What's Driving the Protests in Iran?" Farah Najjar -- Al Jazeera, January 3, 2018

"Why There Won't Be a Revolution in Iran" Pepe Escobar -- Asia Times, January 3, 2018

Olympics 2018: A Path to Korean Dialogue?

"North and South Korea Reopen Cross-Border Hotline, Paving the Way for Formal Talks" Simon Denyer -- The Washington Post, January 3, 2018

"Will North Korea Compete in the Winter Olympics?" -- BBC, January 3, 2018

"How to Guarantee a War with North Korea" Ted Galen Carpenter -- The National Interest, January 1, 2018

U.S. Takes Stand on Pakistan's Support of Terrorism

"U.S. Puts Pakistan on Notice: Do More to Stop Terrorism" Steve Holland and Drazen Jorgic -- Reuters, January 2, 2018

"If Pakistan Won't Go After Terrorists, America Itself Will Take on That Job" Michael Kugelman -- The Print, December 22, 2017

Unrest in the Congo

"Congo's Slide Into Chaos" Stuart Reid -- Foreign Affairs, January/February, 2018

12/19 World Affairs Council Weekly Newsletter

Tuesday, December 19, 2017 9:19 AM | Deleted user

Season's Greetings from the WACA Team!

Happy Holidays!

The World Affairs Councils of America wishes all of you and your families a merry holiday season and a happy, peaceful new year. We look forward to working with you again in 2018!

Bill Clifford

President & CEO

Chelsea Beaulieu

Communications Officer

Drew Lorelli

Program Assistant

Please note that the national office will be closed from December 22

through January 1.

KNOW NOW on Yemen: TOMORROW, Dec. 19

The assassination on December 4 of Yemen's former president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, has intensified international focus on the war-torn Gulf country. "No politician has left a greater mark on Yemen's modern history than President Saleh. He was known as a master of establishing and disbanding political coalitions, knowing correctly that no single political power can rule Yemen," Gamal Gasim, Ph.D., professor of Middle East Studies at Grand Valley State University, wrote for Al Jazeera.

Please join Dr. Gamal Gasim for a conversation with Michael Van Denend, Executive Director of the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan, about Yemen's political future, the deteriorating humanitarian crisis amid the country's civil war, and the prospects for an internationally brokered ceasefire.

Register for the call

Join us for this month's KNOW NOW on Tuesday, December 19, at 2:00-2:30 PM ET.

A World in Disarray - January Cover to Cover

"These are no ordinary times. It will not be business as usual in a world of disarray; as a result, it cannot be foreign policy as usual," writes Richard N. Haass, President of the Council on Foreign Relations, in his book, A World in Disarray: American Foreign Policy and the Crisis of the Old Order.

Haass argues for "World Order 2.0" - an updated global operating system that reflects the reality that power is widely distributed and that borders count for less. Dial in to next month's Cover to Cover to hear Haass's take on the need for an updated definition of sovereignty and how the U.S. should interact with the rest of the world.

Register for the call

Join us for January's Cover to Cover on Wednesday, January 10, at 2:00-2:30 PM ET.

Scholarship to Study Arabic through SQCC

The Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center (SQCC) is delighted to announce its 2018 Summer Arabic Language and Media (SALAM) program, a fully-funded intensive Arabic language scholarship program. SALAM 2018 will be held at the Sultan Qaboos College for Teaching Arabic Language to Non-Native Speakers in Manah, Oman. This intensive Arabic language program will allow students to gain a deeper knowledge of Arabic, while becoming familiar with Omani history and culture. Deadline: December 31, 2017

Please see here for eligibility requirements and further details.

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.

Maximum essay length: 750 words; maximum video length: 5 minutes

Winners in each medium will be judged by an expert panel of educators and designers of student outreach programs. See more details here.

Criteria for judging:

Creative engagement with the Centennial Challenge topic
Compelling demonstration of the position you take
Breadth and depth of the vision you present

Prizes:

1st prize: $1500 and expenses paid for a trip to attend the 2018 Foreign Policy Centennial Spring Dinner in New York City
2nd prize: $500
3rd prize: $500

Deadline for submissions: January 31, 2018

Travel with WAC Greater Houston

Join WAC Greater Houston's Executive Director, Maryanne Maldonado, on an exciting 18-day journey to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Visit Ho Chi Minh City, Luang Prabang, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and more!

Travel dates: February 28 - March 17, 2018

See details here.

Listen to WACA Podcasts!

On Thursday, December 14, Haroon K. Ullah joined Jim Falk, President and CEO of the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth, for a Cover to Cover call on Ullah's new book, Digital World War: Islamists, Extremists, and the Fight for Cyber Supremacy. Listen to the podcast.

Academic WorldQuest 2017-2018

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.

Please note: the links in this block for the AWQ Study Guide are up to date. Links from previous emails may no longer be active due to the launch of the new WACA website.

Sponsored by: United States Institute of Peace

World Affairs Councils Highlights

Tuesday, December 19

World Affairs Council of Delaware hosts General (Ret.) Michael Hayden, former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency, for a distinguished event. Details

World Affairs Council of Kentucky and Southern Indiana hosts a panel of religious leaders for "The Meaning of Jerusalem." Details

World Affairs Council of Palm Beach hosts Stephen Moore, Distinguished Visiting Fellow for the Project for Economic Growth at The Heritage Foundation, for "The U.S. Economy and the Trump Agenda." Details

Juneau World Affairs Council hosts Dr. Quratul Ain Bakhteari, Founding Director of the Institute for Development Studies and Practices, for "Young Rural Women Lead Social Transformation in Traditional, Tribal Baluchistan." Details

World Affairs Council of Orange County hosts Dr. Nubar Hovsepian, Political Science Chair at Chapman University, for "Global Challenges for the U.S. and the World in the Coming Year." Details

World Affiars Council of Maine holds a discussion group, "President Trump's Visit to China." Details

World Affairs Council of Greater Houston hosts Elliott Abrams, former Deputy National Security Advisor, for "Realism and Democracy: American Foreign Policy After the Arab Spring." Details

Thursday, December 14

World Affairs Council of Monterey Bay hosts Dr. Jim Hansen, SES Superintendent at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, for "Meteorology, Oceanography, and National Security." 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:

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
Jim Falk, President and CEO, World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth, Cruise the Rhine, July 11-29
Anna Berry, Executive Director, World Affairs Council of New Hampshire, Cambridge, Oxford, and the Cotswolds: July 20-28
Derrick Olsen, President, WorldOregon, Treasures of Ecuador: Aug. 27-31
Megan Torrey, Executive Director, World Affairs Council of Hartford, Himalayan Kingdoms, Sept. 11-25
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

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

PRESS RELEASE: World Affairs Council Celebrates Kitchen Table Diplomacy

Tuesday, December 05, 2017 11:32 AM | Anonymous

World Affairs Council Celebrates Kitchen Table Diplomacy

In honor of the 15^th anniversary of the International Visitors Program in NH, Council launches cookbook featuring recipes from around the world; NH Food Bank chefs will demonstrate recipes at special event on Tuesday, December 12 in Manchester

MANCHESTER- After 15 years as part of the U.S. State Department’s premiere professional exchange program, the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire has hosted more than 2,200 emerging international leaders from 175 different countries. Now, the Council is launching an international cookbook to celebrate the volunteers who host the visitors for dinner in the Granite State and encourage new citizen diplomats to join the cross-cultural dialogue.

“’Food Diplomacy’ is one of the best ways for people to learn about other cultures,” said Tim Horgan, World Affairs Council Associate Director, who has managed the International Visitors Leadership Program in Manchester for the past 8 years. “From the spicy chilies of Central America to the flavorful Masalas of Southern Asia, food can provide an entryway to experience new countries and cultures.”

“Sharing a meal provides even more opportunities to connect with people from around the world and opens the door to true cultural exchanges. The World Affairs Council of New Hampshire, through this cookbook, hopes to continue to open these pathways for local families to learn about the diversity of the world, from the comfort of their own home.”

The Council will hold a launch party for the “Kitchen Table Diplomacy” cookbook on Tuesday, December 12 at the NH Food Bank. Chefs from the food bank’s culinary job training program will demonstrate a few of the international recipes and tickets include a copy of the cookbook. For more information, visit www.wacnh.org/eventcalendar or call 603.314.79070.

“The support of our many volunteer dinner hosts is changing minds from around the world and has a direct impact on building relationships between countries,” Horgan said. “Without a doubt, their efforts are helping make the world smaller and friendlier and we look forward to bringing new volunteers into the program!”

The World Affairs Council of New Hampshire is one of more than 90 community organizations around the country that host visitors through the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs International Visitors Leadership Program- the department's premier professional exchange program.

This program brings approximately 4,000 foreign leaders and specialists to the United States for short-term (one to three week) professional programs. Participants in the national program, who are leaders and decision-makers in their home countries; travel as individuals or as part of pre-arranged groups.

Some of the groups are fully funded by the U.S. Congress through its appropriation to the U.S. Department of State, while others receive little or no financial support from U.S. government. The national program constitutes a major component of this country's public diplomacy efforts to foster mutual understanding and cooperation between the United States and other countries.

Through a long-standing public-private sector partnership, the U.S. Government works with national private, nonprofit organizations and a network of volunteer-based organizations that are members of Global Ties U.S., a nonprofit organization established in 1961. Together, these organizations design and implement quality, experiential programs for distinguished International Visitors. Through its grassroots network, the National program involves over 80,000 volunteers each year as citizen diplomats who develop enduring international linkages.

PRESS RELEASE: Global Business Summit to address New Hampshire's role in international business

Thursday, October 26, 2017 10:14 AM | Anonymous

PRESS RELEASE: OCTOBER 26

Global Business Summit to address New Hampshire's role in International Trade

International trade is a critical piece of New Hampshire's economic success: exports of New Hampshire products topped $4 billion last year and trade supports nearly 25% of the state's jobs. How will the current political climate impact free and fair trade? At the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire’s Global Business Summit on November 8 at Southern New Hampshire University, Ambassador Rufus Yerxa will outline the benefits of an open, rules-based world economy and the impact of international trade on businesses, government and communities.

Yerxa is President of the National Foreign Trade Council, and has more than three decades of experience as a lawyer, diplomat, U.S. trade negotiator and international official. He has been in key policymaking and management roles in Congress, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the World Trade Organization (WTO), and also spent several years in private law practice and the corporate world. As Deputy Director General of the WTO from 2002 to 2013 he helped to broaden its membership and strengthen its role as the principal rules-based institution governing world trade.

The program will also include a panel discussion with local business experts discussing New Hampshire’s role in the global economy. Panelists include Kedar Gupta, CEO and Founder of ARC Energy; Dr. Charlotte Broaden, a professor of international business and organizational leadership at SNHU; and Fred Kocher, host of NH Business with Fred Kocher on WMUR, will serve as moderator.

The program will take place in the Dining Center at Southern New Hampshire University on Wednesday, November 8 at 5:30 PM. The Global Business Summit is presented by the World Affairs Council and SNHU and is sponsored by CCA Global Partners, Granite State District Export Council, NH College & University Council, British American Business Council of New England, and Hypersoft.

For more information and tickets, visit www.wacnh.org or call 603.314.7970.

Weekly World News- Sept 27

Wednesday, September 27, 2017 2:25 PM | Anonymous

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Next Up for North Korea; Destitution in Puerto Rico; Reflection on the Gen. Assembly; Kurdish Referendum; Japan's Call for Snap Elections; Catalonia Goes to the Polls; Kenya's Election Turmoil

Quote of the Week:

"None other than Trump is on a suicide mission," said Ri Hong Yo, Foreign Minister of North Korea, in a statement to the UN General Assembly. Later, to journalists outside the UN, Ri added: "Last weekend Trump claimed that our leadership won't be around much longer, and hence at last he declared war on our country."

What's Next, North Korea?

"What Are the Chances the War of the Words with North Korea Escalates?" David French -- National Review, September 26, 2017

"How to Achieve Peace on the Korean Peninsula" Rand Paul -- The National Interest, September 26, 2017

"Could North Korea's Example Inspire Iran and Pakistan?" Akhilesh Pillalamarri -- The Diplomat, September 21, 2017

Destitution in Puerto Rico

"For Puerto Rico, Maria Was Bad, the Aftermath Worse, but the Future Is the Biggest Challenge" Scott Martelle -- Los Angeles Times, September 26, 2017

"Where Is the Urgency in Puerto Rico Response?" Editorial Board -- The Boston Globe, September 26, 2017

"Scope of Puerto Rico Damage So Wide that U.S. Aid Hard to See" Ben Fox and Danika Coto -- Chicago Tribune, September 27, 2017

Reflection and Contention on the General Assembly

"Our Respect for Sovereignty Is Also a Call to Action" Peter Scaturro -- Foreign Policy Association, September 22, 2017

"The United Nations Needs Reform, Not Criticism of Its Purpose" Claudia Flores -- Fortune, September 25, 2017

"Trump's UN Speech: What Makes America First" Gary J. Schmitt -- American Enterprise Institute, September 20, 2017

Repercussions of the Kurdish Referendum

"Iran and the Kurds" Ariane M. Tabatabai -- Foreign Affairs, September 26, 2017

"As Kurds Celebrate Independence Vote, Neighbors Threaten Military Action" David Zucchino -- The New York Times, September 25, 2017

"Iraqi Kurds Vote for Independence Over U.S. Objections" Rhys Dubin and Emily Tamkin -- Foreign Policy, September 20, 2017

Japan's Abe Calls for Snap Elections

"Shinzo Abe's Calculated Risk in Quest for a Third Term" Tobias Harris -- The Wall Street Journal via The Australian Business Review, September 27, 2017

"Shinzo Abe's Selfish Japan Election Gamble" William Pesek -- Nikkei Asian Review, September 25, 2017

"Japan's Most Powerful Woman Is Messing Up Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's Script" Isabella Steger -- Quartz, September 26, 2017

Catalonia Goes to the Polls

"Spain Is Flirting with Another Civil War" James Badcock -- Foreign Policy, September 27, 2017

"Catalonia's Unconstitutional Means to an Undesirable End" -- The Economist, September 23, 2017

Kenya's Election Turmoil Continues

"Kenya May Face Constitutional Crisis Over Election Impasse" Felix Njini and Samuel Gebre-- Bloomberg Politics, September 25, 2017

For previous Weekly World News Update, please visit our website

The World Affairs Councils of America

1200 18th St., NW, Suite 902, Washington, DC 20036

Phone (202) 833-4557

Fax (202) 833-4555

waca@worldaffairscouncils.org

worldaffairscouncils.org

Council names new board members: Evelyn Aissa and Norman Turcotte

Monday, September 25, 2017 5:04 PM | Anonymous

World Affairs Council of NH Names New Board Members

The World Affairs Council of NH is excited to announce two new members joining the Board of Directors: Evelyn Aissa and Norman Turcotte.

Evelyn Aissa, of Concord, is the Executive Director of Reaching Higher NH, an nonprofit organization that fosters support for high quality education in New Hampshire by serving as a public education resource for parents, educators and elected officials. Evelyn has a strong background in policy, advocacy, and management, having spent three years in health policy advocacy in Concord, ten years working in policy research in the US and overseas, and over three years as a successful business owner in New Hampshire. She is a graduate of The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, studying Human Security, and Southwest Asia & Islamic Civilization, and Skidmore College.

Norman Turcotte, of Bedford, is the former CEO and President of Associated Grocers of New England, where he worked for 36 years before retiring in 2004. In the course of his career, he served on the board of numerous organizations, including the Manchester Boys and Girls Club, Granite United Way, and more recently, Child Health Services.

The World Affairs Council of New Hampshire is a non-profit, non-partisan organization fostering learning, discussion and citizen involvement in world affairs since 1954. The Council is preparing the Granite State for a global future by creating and sustaining international connections that enhance our state's cultural, economic and civic life; building global knowledge and understanding through educational programs for communities and schools on foreign policy; and furthering the development of international leaders in partnership with the U.S. State Department.