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  • Friday, March 24, 2017 4:18 PM | Anonymous

    The World Affairs Council of NH was honored to host Senator Jeanne Shaheen on Friday, March 24. Coverage of the program by the Associated Press is below. Video of her remarks, via WMUR, is here.


    Shaheen: US needs strategy to counter Russian influence


    MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) — A bolder, more aggressive strategy is needed to counter Russia’s efforts to undermine democracy in the United States and western Europe, New Hampshire U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen said Friday.

    Shaheen, a member of Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services committees, addressed a foreign policy forum at the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire. The group met at Southern New Hampshire University.

    Shaheen, a Democrat, said the U.S. must recognize that the architecture of alliances that’s been at the heart of America’s national security for more than seven decades is at risk due to Vladimir Putin’s Russia.

    “Putin’s goal is to restore Russia as a dominant power and to recreate a Soviet-style sphere of influence along its border,” she said. “To that end, Putin’s strategy is to disrupt, divide, and weaken the Atlantic Alliance. We need to have a clear-eyed understanding of what Putin is doing. So we really need to work together with our allies to stop him.”

    Shaheen noted that Russia has been expanding its military and deploying forces to intimidate Europe and has been “stoking populist nationalism” from Hungary to the Netherlands.

    She said Putin dramatically raised the stakes by interfering in the 2016 U.S. election.

    “We should all be outraged by Putin’s interference in our election,” she said. “Frankly, if you’re not outraged, you haven’t been paying attention.”

    A declassified intelligence report released earlier this year said Putin ordered a hidden campaign to influence the election to favor Republican Donald Trump over Democrat Hillary Clinton. Trump and his supporters have staunchly resisted the findings.

    Shaheen said an independent, nonpartisan investigation of Russia’s intervention in the presidential election is needed. She said the U.S. needs a commission similar to the national one that investigated 9/11 “to investigate Russia’s attack on our democracy and to prevent future attacks.”

    “The American public needs to know what happened,” she added.

    Shaheen is part of a bipartisan group of senators that introduced legislation imposing tougher sanctions on Russia. It also would create an initiative that would support objective, Russian-language, independent media and watchdog groups working to combat corruption.


  • Friday, March 17, 2017 11:27 AM | Anonymous


    Milford High Takes Top Honors in 3rd Annual NH Academic WorldQuest competition; Team Will Represent State at National Academic WorldQuest Competition in Washington, D.C., on April 29

    MANCHESTER- The World Affairs Council of New Hampshire held its third annual NH Academic WorldQuest competition on Sunday, March 12 at Southern New Hampshire University and the “blue team” from Milford High School (pictured above) took home the title after a close race. The team won new iPads, provided by SNHU, to use for their studies, and a trip to Washington, D.C., to compete in the national Academic WorldQuest competition on April 29, held by the World Affairs Councils of America. Rounding out the top finishers were: St. Thomas Aquinas (2nd place- blue team); and Pinkerton Academy (grey team) and Oyster River High School (white team), which tied for third.

    The winning Milford High team included students Shannon Drew, Maya Flores, Todd Bieschke, and Andrew McNeil, and were coached by social studies teacher Anna Parker. The Carlos and Malu Alvarez 2017 Academic WorldQuest National Competition will be held on Saturday, April 29 at the National Press Club in Washington and will also feature a welcome reception at the U.S. Institute of Peace.

    Academic WorldQuest is a quiz-style team competition that tests high school students’ knowledge of international affairs.  This year, 15 teams from around the state competed. Participating schools were: The Derryfield School (Manchester), Milford High School, Oyster River High School (Durham), Pinkerton Academy (Derry), Portsmouth High School, Souhegan High School (Amherst), and St. Thomas Aquinas (Dover).

    This year’s competition also featured a keynote speech from Dylan Mahalingam, a remarkable philanthropist and social entrepreneur who hails from New Hampshire. Currently a student at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Dylan founded a global non-profit organization at 9 years old. Lil’ MDGs encouraged thousands of children from all over the world to support the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals. The organization raised more than $10 million for victims of natural disasters. Dylan currently serves as the Chief Strategist of Under the Acacia Foundation, a non-profit organization serving communities in Africa. Dylan is a recipient of numerous honors including a place on Youth Service America’s list of the 25 Most Powerful and Influential Young People in the World.

    Scott Spradling, of the Spradling Group, hosted the competition. Scott is an Emmy award-winning former reporter, anchor and political director for WMUR-TV.

    NH Academic WorldQuest is funded, in part, by the Saul O. Sidore Memorial Foundation and Billings Trust (FBO NH Charities, RSB Citizens, N.A. Trustee) . Presenting sponsors are Pax World and McLane Middleton and other supporters include Southern New Hampshire University and The Derryfield School.

    The World Affairs Council of New Hampshire is a non-profit, non-partisan organization fostering learning, discussion and citizen involvement in world affairs.  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. Learn more at www.wacnh.org.

  • Friday, March 03, 2017 1:42 PM | Anonymous

    Engage with the world- and your neighbors- at events galore across the state this month!

     

     

     

    WORLD AFFAIRS DISPATCH

    March 2017 E-NEWS
    CALENDAR- DONATE - MEMBERSHIP   

     

     


    CROSSROADS FILM SERIES STARTS MARCH 21 IN CONCORD
        
    Tuesday, March 21- Pray the Devil Back to Hell
    Tuesday, April 25- The Crossing
    Tuesday, May 16- Jim: The James Foley Story  

    The World Affairs Council of New Hampshire is excited to partner once again with Red River Theatres to bring you the 5th season of our Crossroads International Film & Discussion Series. The series is supported by the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights & Justice and SNHU. The three documentaries- beginning at 7 PM- will be followed by discussion with expert speakers on issues raised in the films including women's rights, the international refugee crisis, and freedom of the press.

    FREE (SUGGESTED $10 DONATION)- REGISTER HERE!

     NEXT WEEK: Celebrate International Women's Day & #BeBoldforChange! Wednesday, March 8


    Join us for a free screening of Salaam Dunk on International Women's Day, celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide. The film follows a female basketball team at American University in Iraq as they discover what it means to be students, athletes, and friends.
    Wednesday, March 8 at 5 PM
    Walker Auditorium, Frost Hall, SNHU, Manchester

    Post-film panel discussion includes Jamie Pendleton, co-founder of INTI Academy, a non-profit that empowers local children through soccer.

    FREE! REGISTER NOW through SNHU for this event and others celebrating International Women's Day on campus.

    .


    Upcoming Programs - See our full 2017 CALENDAR

     

     

     

     

    Tuesday, March 21
    Crossroads Film & Discussion Series

    Thursday,
    March 23
    Global Tipping Points

    Thursday,
    April 13
    Global Tipping Points

    Monday,
    April 17
    World Affairs @ the
    Library

    A screening of Pray the Devil Back to Hell and discussion on women's rights here and abroad.

    7 PM
    Red River Theatres
    Concord 
    REGISTER NOW!

    Dr. Lisbeth Gronlund will address nuclear security in the Trump age in part II of our speaker series.

    6 PM
    UNH Manchester
    REGISTER NOW!

    Find out why the U.S. too often reaches for the gun instead of the purse as Jennifer M. Harris looks at war by other means.

    6 PM
    UNH Manchester
    REGISTER NOW!

    Professor Luis Jiminez examines current and future U.S.-Mexico relations as well as Latin American politics.

    7 PM
    Portsmouth Public Library
    REGISTER NOW!

     

     

     

    Latest news:

     

    Cheer on your high school's Academic WorldQuest team on Sunday, March 12 at 10:30 AM!

      

    The Council will host 16 teams from 8 high schools for the 3rd annual NH Academic WorldQuest competition on Sunday, March 12 at SNHU as Souhegan High School (above) defends its title. Dylan Mahalingam - philanthropist, activist and social entrepreneur - will be the keynote speaker before the competition gets underway. Dylan is best known for founding Lil' MDG's, a global non-profit organization at the age of 9, and he's currently a student at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Scott Spradling, an Emmy award-winning former reporter, anchor and political director for WMUR-TV, will host the competition. Joining our mission partner, Southern New Hampshire University, this year's presenting sponsors - Pax World and McLane Middleton- are excited to show incredible support for this globally-minded program.

    Academic WorldQuest is a team competition that tests high school students' knowledge of global issues and foreign policy. Family, friends, and Council members are invited to attend the opening ceremonies at 10:30 AM or stay for the competition, play along, and cheer on these incredible young people! REGISTER HERE.

    High schools represented: Derryfield School (Manchester), Milford High School, Moultonborough Academy, Oyster River High School (Durham), Pinkerton Academy (Derry), Portsmouth High School, Souhegan High School (Amherst), and St. Thomas Aquinas (Dover).

    THANK YOU ACADEMIC WORLDQUEST SPONSORS!

         

    International Visitors Flock to New Hampshire

      

    More than 10 international delegations will visit New Hampshire over the next month as part of our International Visitors Program. Here's a sneak peek at a few of the groups, who have been selected as emerging leaders by their home embassies. LEARN MORE about how you can get involved!

    MARCH 5-8: BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA- How does the American government respond to social issues?

    MARCH 19-23: CHINA- How does the rule of law work in the U.S. for economic development?

    MARCH 26- 29: INDIA- What are strategies for global transparency and accountability?

    Attention Business Leaders: Help Plymouth State Chart NH's Globalization!

    Dr. Chen Wu and Dr. Roxana Wright of Plymouth State University, in collaboration with the New Hampshire Department of Resource and Economic Development, are launching the first-ever analysis of the impact and opportunities that globalization brings to our state and state’s counties. This research brings company information to the forefront of the study of globalization and recognizes the significant role that international companies and companies that are engaged in international trade play in the economic development and business climate in New Hampshire.
    We invite you to complete the SURVEY and engage your company in providing the first-hand data and perspectives on international markets, exported and imported products and contributions to the local economies. Responses will be confidential. For more information, please contact Dr. Wu or Dr. Wright.

    Global Tipping Points Speaker Leads Timely Discussion on Countering Xenophobia

    BY DAVID SANOK- What is the difference between a migrant and refugee? Those are two terms that have been used interchangeably when debating over what to do with the millions of people displaced worldwide. Fernando Fernandez-Arias, a Spanish diplomat and current fellow at Harvard’s Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, held a discussion at UNH Manchester on February 23 and the roots of reach of xenophobia in Europe and beyond.

    To illustrate the differences, Fernandez-Arias discussed how the new limits on immigration in the U.S set by the Trump administration have contributed to the growing xenophobia towards migrants and refugees worldwide. Fernandez-Arias makes the distinction that migrants are people who immigrate legally to another country while refugees such as those from Syria are people who were forced to flee their home due to the ongoing civil war. 

    Fernandez-Arias asserted that fear-mongering has lead to the election of many right-wing leaders in both Europe and America and emphasized the importance of learning from past genocides caused by xenophobia. He concluded by stating that taking in refugees is not only an obligation but also a responsibility. Part II of the spring Global Tipping Points series- Conflicted Future- will take place on Thursday, March 23 with Dr. Lisbeth Gronlund assessing the current state of nuclear security. REGISTER HERE

    Community Events Calendar

    Wednesday, March 8 at 9 AM

    International Women's Day Celebration with 

    Welcoming Manchester

    434 Lake Avenue, 4th Floor, Manchester

    SCREENING THIS MONTH:

    Kedi, a Turkish documentary about the stray cats of Istanbul

    Presented by the Turkish Cultural Center of NH

    Saturday, March 4- Hopkins Center for the Arts, Hanover

    Friday, March 17- Red River Theatres, Concord

    March 24-30- Music Hall, Portsmouth

    MONDAY, MARCH 13 at 6:45 PM

    "I am a Muslim woman" presentation

    Interfaith Women of NH

    St. Catherine School, Manchester

    MORE INFO

    THURSDAY, MARCH 23- SUNDAY APRIL 2

    NH JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

    MORE INFO

    * Events listed here and on our website are not necessarily endorsed or supported by WACNH but we like to share information that might be of interest from other community organizations! To see all upcoming events, visit our Community Events page online and follow us on Facebook! *

     

     

    ARE YOU A MEMBER? JOIN WITH US TO STAND IN SUPPORT OF GLOBAL EDUCATION & UNDERSTANDING!

    World Affairs Council of New Hampshire              
    SNHU - 2500 North River Road -  Manchester - NH - 01306

    www.wacnh.org - 603.314.7970 -  council@wacnh.org

    Copyright © 2017 WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL OF NH.  All rights reserved.

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  • Wednesday, February 22, 2017 3:15 PM | Anonymous

    Wednesday, February 22, 2017

    Munich Security Conference; U.S. Relations with the Middle East; Foreign Policy under Trump; Violence in Pakistan; Ecuador Presidential Elections; Politics of Military and Famine in Africa.

    Munich Security Conference

    "Muddling through European Defense" Judy Dempsey -- Carnegie Europe, February 18, 2017


    "A Call for Continuity from America's Middle East Allies" Bruce Jones -- Brookings Institution, February 20, 2017


    "Pence, Facing Skeptical Europe, Again Tries to Reassure EU and NATO" Gardiner Harris -- Boston Globe, February 21, 2017

    U.S. Relations with the Middle East

    "Setting the Terms for U.S.-Egypt Relations" Daniel Benaim, Mokhtar Awad, and Brian Katulis -- Center for American Progress, February 21, 2017


    "Has the U.S.-Saudi Relationship Outlived Its Usefulness?" Scott Monje -- Foreign Policy Association, February 20, 2017


    "Trump's New Stance on Palestine and Israel Reverses Two Decades of U.S. Policy" Kevin Lamarque -- Quartz, February 15, 2017


    "Lessons from a Regional Approach to Solving the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict" Richard Lebaron -- Atlantic Council, February 21, 2017

    Foreign Policy under Trump

    "Trump Has No Foreign Policy" Jon Finer -- POLITICO Europe, February 19, 2017


    "Logic, but No Guarantees for Trump's Foreign Policy" Michael Auslin -- National Review, February 21, 2017


    "President Trump's Terrible One-Month Report Card" Derek Chollet, Colin Kahl, Julie Smith -- Foreign Policy, February 19, 2017

    Violence in Pakistan

    "Let's Stop Being Manipulated by Pakistan" Christopher D. Kolenda -- THE HILL, February 21, 2017


    "Pakistan: Stoking the Fire in Karachi" International Crisis Group, February 15, 2017


    "What Lies Behind Uneasy Afghanistan-Pakistan Ties?" Video by Al Jazeera, February 18, 2017

    Ecuador Presidential Elections

    "Ecuador Vote Count Delayed Until Wednesday as Protests Mount" Stephan Kueffner -- Bloomberg, February 20, 2017


    "Leftist Candidate Lenin Moreno Leads Ecuador's Presidential Vote, but May Face a Runoff" Pablo Jaramillo and Chris Kraul -- Los Angeles Times, February 19, 2017

    Politics of Military and Famine in Africa

    "A Rough Guide to Foreign Military Bases in Africa" Obi Anyadike -- IRIN News, February 15, 2017


    "Famine Declared in South Sudan" Ben Quinn -- The Guardian, February 20, 2017


    "The Business Climate in Nigeria" Editorial -- This Day Live, February 17, 2017


    "Replacing South Africa's Finance Minister, or His Deputy, Would Carry a Heavy Cost" Co-Pierre Georg -- The Conversation, February 21, 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

    FOLLOW US

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    JOIN OUR MAILING LIST


  • Wednesday, February 15, 2017 11:59 AM | Anonymous

    Wednesday, February 15, 2017

    Government, Military, and Economic Outlook on Asia; NAFTA; U.S. Relations with the Middle East; Economics in Venezuela; Politics and Military in Africa.

    Government, Military, and Economic Outlook on Asia

    "Southeast Asia - Guidelines for the New Administration" Amy Searight, Murray Hiebert, and Geoffrey Hartman -- CSIS, February 10, 2017


    "By Testing a Missile, North Korea Was Probably Also Testing Trump, Experts Say" Matt Stiles -- Los Angeles Times, February 12, 2017


    "Nuclear Weapon States and the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone" Tong Zhao -- Carnegie-Tsinghua, February 10, 2017


    "Turkmenistan: Election Spectacle Hides Disturbing Economic Decline" Eurasianet.org, February 8, 2017


    "Markets Hit New Highs over Trump's Change of Tone on Japan and China" Nick Fletcher and Dominic Rushe -- The Guardian, February 13, 2017

    NAFTA

    "Canada's Trudeau Arrives in Washington to Meet with Trump" Catherine Lucey and Rob Gillies -- The Washington Post, February 13, 2017


    "The Pitfalls of Renegotiating NAFTA" The Economist, February 11, 2017


    "Is Trump's Plan to Revive U.S. Steel a Pipe Dream?" Annie Linskey -- The Boston Globe, February, 13, 2017


    "Trump and Trudeau Talk Trade, Working Women" Andrew Soergel -- U.S. News, February 13, 2017

    U.S. Relations with the Middle East

    "How America Could Stumble Into War With Iran" Karim Sadjadpour --  Carnegie Endowment, February 9, 2017


    "Why are U.S. Forces in Yemen at All?" Andrew J. Bacevich -- Defense One, February 8, 2017


    "Can Trump and Netanyahu Make Progress toward the "Ultimate Deal"?" Ofer Zalzberg -- International Crisis Group, February 13, 2017


    "EU Seeks to Preserve Iran Nuclear Deal" Ashish Kumar Sen -- Atlantic Council, February 10, 2017

    Economics in Venezuela

    "How to Solve the Riddle of Venezuela's Economy" Mac Margolis -- Bloomberg, February 13, 2017


    "Donald Trump Administration Imposes Sanctions on Venezuela's Vice President for 'Significant Role' in Illegal Drug Trade " Ben Kentish -- Independent, February 14, 2017

    Politics and Military in Africa

    "Can Barrow Deliver on the Promise of a 'New Gambia'?" Louise Hunt -- IRIN, February 8, 2017


    "South Sudan General Quits over 'Ethnic Cleansing' Regime" Philipp Sandner -- Deutsche Welle, February 13, 2017


    "'Blackwater Air' Is Back, and Flying for U.S. Special Forces" David Axe -- The Daily Beast, February 13, 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


  • Friday, February 10, 2017 10:55 AM | Anonymous

    Coming soon- Global Tipping Points and International Women's Day!


     
     

     
    WORLD AFFAIRS DISPATCH
    February 2017 E-NEWS
    CALENDAR- DONATE - MEMBERSHIP
        
     
     


     Celebrate International Women's Day & #BeBoldforChange! Wednesday, March 8


    Join us for a free screening of Salaam Dunk on International Women's Day, celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide. The film follows a female basketball team at American University in Iraq as they discover what it means to be students, athletes, and friends.

    5 PM in Walker Auditorium, Frost Hall, SNHU
    FREE! REGISTER NOW

    .


    Global Tipping Points Starts February 23



    CONFLICTED FUTURE

    February 23, March 23, & April 13

    Free; Advanced Registration Requested

     6 PM at UNH Manchester, Multipurpose Room (201) 

    88 Commercial Street, Manchester, NH 03101

        

    The World Affairs Council of New Hampshire is proud to bring you the latest edition of Global Tipping Points – Conflicted Future- in partnership with UNH Manchester’s homeland security, history, humanities and politics and society programs. As always, Global Tipping Points events are free and open to the public. Advance registration requested online, via email or by phone: 603.314.7970  

    The first event on Thursday, February 23 will examine Xenophobia.  “Xenophobia” – fear of the other – was named the 2016 Word of the Year. With millions of refugees displaced worldwide and new limits on immigration in the U.S., how will the international community protect human rights and promote tolerance in 2017? What is the role of the United Nations? Fernando Fernandez-Arias (pictured above, left), a Spanish diplomat and current fellow at Harvard’s Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, will examine these issues and more. 

    Next, on Thursday, March 23 , Dr. Lisbeth Gronlund (pictured above, center), co-director of the Global Security Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists, will address nuclear security in a world where Cold War policies have left the country's nuclear weapons on a hair-trigger alert. How can we reduce the risk of nuclear war in 2017?

    The series will wrap up on ThursdayApril 13 with a discussion on War by Other Means: Why the U.S. reaches for the gun instead of the purse.  Today, nations increasingly carry out geopolitical combat through economic means. Policies governing everything from trade and investment to energy and exchange rates are wielded as tools to win diplomatic allies, punish adversaries, and coerce those in between. But, as Jennifer M. Harris (pictured above, right), a fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, will assert, America still too often reaches for the gun over the purse to advance its interests abroad.

    Latest news:  

    High Schools: Last Chance To Register for 2017 NH Academic WorldQuest!

      

    We are just 5 weeks away from the 3rd Annual NH Academic WorldQuest Competition- but it's not too late to participate! The team registration deadline is on February 12th. To compete, all you need is a teacher, 4 high school students and enthusiasm to learn about world affairs! Head over to our website to learn more about this unique program and registration details. 

    This year we are happy to have Dylan Mahalingam - philanthropist, activist and social entrepreneur - as our keynote speaker. Dylan is best know for founding Lil' MDG's, a global non-profit organization at the age of 9. We are also excited to announce this year's emcee - Scott Spradling. Scott is an Emmy award winning former reporter, anchor and political director for WMUR-TV in Manchester. Joining our mission partner, Southern New Hampshire University, this year's presenting sponsors - Pax World and McLane Middleton- are excited to show incredible support for this globally-minded program. THANK YOU sponsors!

    Academic WorldQuest is a team competition that tests high school students' knowledge of global issues and foreign policy.  If you know any high school teachers or students, please let them know about this unique and exciting opportunity to expand their global knowledge in a fun yet competitive atmosphere. The competition will be held on Sunday, March 12, 2017, at Southern New Hampshire University. 

    THANK YOU ACADEMIC WORLDQUEST SPONSORS!

       

     MORE INFORMATION HERE!


    Special Day of Programming Engages Thousands Across State in U.S. Foreign Policy with Dr. Jessica Mathews


    Grant Bosse (left) moderates the discussion between Jessica T. Matthews, Wil Zemp, and Ambassador Jim Smith (left to right) during our Town Hall event at SNHU, which focused on the Middle East and the new administration.

    More than 200 people joined the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire's timely town hall on January 26 featuring Dr. Jessica Mathews, Ambassador Jim Smith, and Colonel Wil Zemp and discussion of the challenges facing President Donald Trump and his administration in the Middle East, moderated by Grant Bosse of the Union Leader. Thanks to a grant from the World Affairs Councils of America, the day of programming also included visits by Dr. Mathews to NHPR's The Exchange news hour and to more than 50 students at Pinkerton Academy, as well as an interfaith luncheon with local religious leaders.

    While topics discussed at the evening town hall, presented in partnership with SNHU, included ISIS and Trump's relationship with Russia, much of the discussion focused on the future of the Iran nuclear deal. Mathews, Smith, and Zemp shared their thoughts on how the Trump administration might handle these pressing issues and what it will mean for the United States as well as the rest of the world.

    When it came to the fate of the Iran Nuclear Deal, all three speakers were unanimous in their support of the deal's survival. They argued that deal has been successful thus far because Iran has held up its end in the bargain. Ever since the agreement, Iran has been slowly disarming its nuclear facilities under the close watch of inspectors.

    Ambassador Jim Smith brought up the complications of Trump's desire to pull out of the Iran Nuclear Deal by pointing out that the UK, France, Russia, and China were key negotiators in the deal. If the United States were to pull out of the deal, Iran would still be obligated to honor the agreement because of its multilateral nature. Colonel Zemp believes the United States and Russia are already in the midst of a second cold war, using Russia's intervention in Ukraine and the United States launching sanctions on Russia as examples of cold war behavior. In concurrence with Colonel Zemp, Dr. Mathews went even further by declaring this Cold War even more dangerous than the first. Mathews observed that the first Cold War had a clear set of rules and structure set in place after World War II, which successfully prevented a nuclear war. This time around there is no clear structure, so the world is in greater danger of nuclear war than ever before.

    MISS THE PROGRAM? WANT TO SEE IT AGAIN? WATCH HERE

     IN THE NEWS: DR. MATHEWS IN THE UNION LEADER; CONCORD NEWS RADIO'S NH NOW; & ON NHPR'S THE EXCHANGE


    Photo Gallery


    Dr Jessica T. Mathews visited Pinkerton Academy (Derry), where she spoke to 50 high school students about current events in the Middle East as well as pursing a career in international relations.


    For Educators

    2017 Great Decisions Teaching Training Institute for High School Teachers

    June 26- June 30 in New York City

    In order to promote the expansion of global affairs discussion in high school classrooms, the Teachers Training Institute provides teachers with the training and materials necessary to provide in-depth international studies discussion.  The Foreign Policy Association will also be able to provide accommodation and $300 towards travel expenses. 

    The application is due Friday, March 31. 


    Community Events Calendar

    \

    Great Decisions

    Foreign Policy Discussion Group

    FREE 8-week course  @ Portsmouth Public Library

    Tuesdays: January 10 - February 28;  10-11:15 AM or 7-8:15 PM

    More information:  Call  603-766-1720 to register 


    THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16 at 4:30 PM

    International Law in the Trump Administration

    Harold Hongju Koh, Sterling Professor of International Law at Yale Law School

    Filene Auditorium, Moore Hall, Dartmouth College, Hanover

    MORE INFO

    * Events listed here and on our website are not necessarily endorsed or supported by WACNH but we like to share information that might be of interest from other community organizations! To see all upcoming events, visit our Community Events page online and follow us on Facebook! *

  • Tuesday, January 17, 2017 9:48 AM | Anonymous


     

     

     

    WORLD AFFAIRS DISPATCH

    January 2017 E-NEWS
    CALENDAR- DONATE - MEMBERSHIP   

     

     

    Thursday, January 26

     TOWN HALL
    What Should the U.S. Do in the Middle East?


    Registration: 5 PM; Program: 5:30 PM;

    Reception to follow program

    FREE; ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUESTED

    Walker Auditorium, Frost Hall, Southern New Hampshire University, 2500 N. River Road, Manchester NH 03106

    A new year, a new administration, and a new look at critical issues facing the U.S. Join the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire for our first event of the year! Following the Presidential Inauguration, we will hold a Town Hall event, exploring the challenges facing President-Elect Trump and his administration in the Middle Ease, including ISIS, the conflict in Syria and the future of the Iran nuclear deal. On Thursday, January 26 at 5:30 PM at Southern New Hampshire University, special guests will examine what comes next for the U.S and its allies in the most turbulent region of the world. Panelists include Dr. Jessica T. Mathews, former President of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Ambassador Jim Smith, former Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Colonel Wil Zemp, former Senior Policy Advisor to the Commander, International Security Forces – Afghanistan, and current Chief of Staff at SNHU. Register now!

    A Program of the World Affairs Councils of America

    MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

    Make a Resolution to Connect with the World!

    Join a community of more than 300 globally-minded Granite Staters, receive unique benefits, and support our (mostly free) educational programs this year! Stand with us in solidarity as we continue to connect you and your community with the world.

    JOIN NOW!

    P.S. WE did it! With your generous contributions, we surpassed our fundraising goal by raising more than $6,000 for the 2016 Annual Fund! A sincere thank you to members and donors who invested in our mission last year.

     

     

     

    Latest news:

     

    Council Announces Academic WorldQuest Keynote Speaker & Presenting Sponsors

     Registration Now Open!

      

    The World Affairs Council of New Hampshire is proud to announce that Dylan Mahalingam - philanthropist, activist and social entrepreneur - will be the keynote speaker for this year's 3rd annual NH Academic WorldQuest competition. Dylan is best know for founding Lil' MDG's, a global non-profit organization at the age of 9.  We are also excited to announce our two presenting sponsors - Pax World and McLane Middleton- and thank these companies for their incredible support! Registration for Academic WorldQuest competition is now open! This team competition tests high school students' knowledge of global issues and foreign policy.  If you know any high school teachers or students, please let them know about this unique and exciting opportunity to expand their global knowledge in a fun yet competitive atmosphere. The competition will be held on Sunday, March 12, 2017, at Southern New Hampshire University. Team registration is due by February 12.

    THANK YOU ACADEMIC WORLDQUEST SPONSORS!

       

     MORE INFORMATION HERE!

    New Hampshire Volunteers Visit Estonia to Exchange Ideas with Former International Visitors

    When the topic of refugee resettlement comes up, Estonia isn't the first place that comes to mind. However, with the mass influx of refugees to the continent, Estonia, along with the European Union, has agreed to accept some international refugees into their region. With this in mind, a group of 10 Estonians visited New Hampshire last year through the US Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program to learn about integrating refugees into schools and communities.

    During their time in New Hampshire, the group found two of the meetings particularly useful and wanted to further the discussions on these programs back home. This past October, they invited Jodi Harper of the Granite State United Way's BRING IT program (above, right) and Anna-Marie DiPasquale (above, left), Concord High School’s Social Worker, to speak at a conference on refugee resettlement in Estonia. While both Jodi and Anna-Marie were extremely busy, they took this “opportunity of a lifetime” to visit another country and share their expertise in the field. Their schedule in Estonia provided several opportunities for them to engage with local people and explain how things are done in New Hampshire.

    Following their presentations, Jodi and Anna-Marie both noticed that some were resistant to implementing their suggested changes, but that conversations started to bring people around to the ideas. Also, they helped the Estonian participants to think things through on issues the US just takes for granted, such as multiple menu choices at school lunch to accommodate dietary restrictions, and using the term "New Estonians" rather than refugees.

    In the end, both Jodi and Anna-Marie loved this experience and hope to encounter more opportunities to be Citizen Diplomats. Not only did this trip benefit the people of Estonia, but both of them now have a wider world view, as well as many students at Concord High School who now feel more empowered than ever. Read the full recap on our blog or check out this article from the Concord Monitor.

     Former Council Team Members Recognized

        

    Aseeb Niazi (left), former Council Intern and Program Manager, was recently selected as a Rangel Fellow. The Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program is a unique program that promotes greater diversity and excellence in the U.S. Foreign Service. The program was named to honor Congressman Rangel for his longstanding and vocal support for showing the world the diversity that is the strength of America, as well as his example of global leadership.

    The Rangel Program offers thirty graduate fellowships to outstanding seniors and college graduates who want to join the Foreign Service. These fellowships help finance two-year graduate programs, provide paid internships and other professional development activities, and facilitate entry into the Foreign Service for individuals who are able to complete the Foreign Service entry requirements. Congratulations, Aseeb!

    Kristine Adams (right), our 2016 Spring intern and recent graduate of St. Anselm College, was selected to participate in the Emerging Leaders Program through Global Ties U.S.  Participants in this program are invited to participate in the 2017 Global Ties U.S. National Meeting (Washington D.C.) to be held in February, as well as take part in specially designed programs to advance their professional development and widen their network, including meetings with leaders in the field of public diplomacy and unprecedented networking opportunities.  Kristine will have a chance to reconnect with our Director, Anna Berry, and Associate Director, Tim Horgan, at the conference. Congratulations, Kristine!

    Book Review: The Long Game by Derek Chollet

      

    BY DAVID SANOK

    Editor's Note: Derek Chollet spoke to the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire last November about his recent book, "The Long Game," and our intern, David, reviewed the book for our January 2017 e-newsletter. His opinions do not represent an endorsement by the Council.

    Derek Chollet's book The Long Game examines the foreign policy legacy of President Barack Obama. Chollet makes the case that Obama's decisions in foreign policy were largely successful in keeping the United States out of another war. Having worked under the Obama administration as an insider, Chollet is able to provide a closer look at the foreign policy decisions made behind closed doors as well as an in-depth analysis of the situations Obama faced at the world stage such as Syria, Russia, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya. Chollet's book analyzes not just Obama's approach to foreign policy crisis’s, but also the circumstances that lead to America electing a president like Obama. Chollet examines how the Bush presidency conducted foreign policy prior to Obama and why the regime change philosophy of the Bush administration lead to many voters wanting a change. READ MORE ON OUR BLOG

    Photo Gallery:

    International Visitors from Sri Lanka studying Higher Education spent Thanksgiving day with Council Board Member Ginny Szymanowsky, and her husband, Joe (far right), an example of citizen diplomacy at its finest! Are you interested in hosting these emerging international leaders in your home for dinner and conversation? Become a citizen diplomat today!  Find out who will be visiting our state next here.

    Community Events Calendar

    Great Decisions

    Foreign Policy Discussion Group

    FREE 8-week course  @ Portsmouth Public Library

    Tuesdays: January 10 - February 28;  10-11:15 AM or 7-8:15 PM

    More information:  Call  603-766-1720 to register


    Adilei: An Evening of Traditional Georgian Music

    Friday, January 20 at 3S Artspace in Portsmouth 

    8PM - Tickets: $9/ $5 Students

    More information & tickets

    SAVE THE DATE: Wednesday, March 8

    International Women's Day

    Stay tuned for details on all of the festivities and educational programs to be offered at SNHU! Find out how you can join the movement to #BeBoldforChange in 2017.

    * Events listed here and on our website are not necessarily endorsed or supported by WACNH but we like to share information that might be of interest from other community organizations! To see all upcoming events, visit our Community Events page online and follow us on Facebook! *

     

     


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    www.wacnh.org - 603.314.7970 -  council@wacnh.org

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  • Wednesday, January 11, 2017 1:37 PM | Anonymous



    Anna Marie DiPasquale (left) and Jodi Harper (center) talk with Estonian news reporter.



    When the topic of refugee resettlement comes up, Estonia is not the first place that many people think of.  Indeed, since 1997 Estonia has only received 74 refugees prior to the crisis in Europe that started last year.  However, with the mass influx of refugees to the continent, Estonia, along with the EU, has agreed to accept these people into their country.  With this in mind, a group of 10 people from Estonia visited New Hampshire through the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to learn about integrating refugees into schools and communities.


    Acting as their host, the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire created an International Visitor Leadership Program for the group to meet with various refugee and school officials here in the state. The intent of the program was to introduce them to the different organizations that are helping to integrate refugees, so that when Estonia sees new refugees they are better prepared to welcome them.  During their time in New Hampshire, the group found two of the meetings particularly useful and wanted to further the discussions on these programs back home, the BRING IT program and a Concord High School’s Social Worker who focuses on New Americans.


    Anna-Marie DiPasquale, of Concord High School, and Jodi Harper of the Granite State United Way were invited by the group to Estonia this past October to speak at a conference on refugee resettlement.  While both were extremely busy with other obligations, they took this “opportunity of a lifetime” to visit another country and share their expertise in the field.  Their schedule, while there, was quite busy and provided several opportunities for them to engage with local people and explain how things are done in the state.  


    Their presentations were quite successful, with participants coming up to them afterwards to continue conversations, something they found out later was quite unusual in Estonian culture.  Anna-Marie was able to set up an opportunity for some of her students to Skype into the conference and talk directly with those in attendance about the experiences of refugee youth in transitioning to a new culture.  This was a highlight for both the youth and participants, allowing for the voices of those who have experienced this journey to inform those looking to make that transition as smooth as possible.


    A couple of concrete changes are already starting to occur in Estonia that will benefit the refugees as they begin to be settled there.  First off, Jodi and Anna-Marie both noticed there were some who were resistant to implementing changes, but that conversations started to bring people around to the idea.  Also, they helped the Estonian participants to think things through on issues the US just takes for granted.  An example of this is school lunches that need to accommodate new dietary restrictions.  In Estonia many schools serve one lunch to all students, in contrast to the multiple choices students have here.  This made the US more flexible in making the necessary changes, while Estonia is having more issues around that.  Also, what may seem small is actually indicative of a larger shift in mindset.  Many of the participants picked up on the idea of using the term New Americans, rather than refugees, dedicating themselves to using New Estonians instead.  Going into this work with the idea that refugees are now “one of us”, shifts the mental calculations made about who these people are, creating a more welcoming atmosphere.


    In the end, both Jodi and Anna-Marie loved this experience and hope to encounter more opportunities to be Citizen Diplomats.  Not only did this trip benefit the people of Estonia, but both of them now have a wider world view, as well as many students at Concord High School who now feel more empowered than ever.  It truly is amazing that only two people were picked from an entire three week long, country wide visit, to engage in this opportunity and that both of them work here in NH.  Without a doubt, anyone anywhere can create change in the world; you just have to be open to the opportunity.

  • Wednesday, January 11, 2017 11:53 AM | Anonymous

    Wednesday, January 11, 2017

    Syria's Road to Peace; Potential for Nuclear Destruction; The New Age of Populism; Containing Russia; 'One China' Policy; Soft or Hard Brexit; Issues in Latin America. 

    Syria's Road to Peace

    (Andrew Parasiliti, one of the co-authors of the first article was moderator of WACA's 2016 Conference panel on Countering Violent Extremism. The link to that video is here.) 

    "Preventing State Collapse in Syria: U.S. Options for Dealing with Assad, Islamic State, and Al-Qaeda" Andrew Parasiliti , Kathleen Reedy, and Becca Wasser -- RAND Corporation, January 2017


    "How Ceasefires in Syria Became Another Tool of Warfare" Lina Khatib -- Chatham House, January 5, 2017

    "Syria's Tangled Trilateral Road to Peace" Fritz Lodge -- The Cipher Brief, January 6, 2017

    "After ISIS: How to Win the Peace in Iraq and Libya" Hayder al-Khoei, Ellie Geranmayeh, and Mattia Toaldo -- European Council on Foreign Relations, January 4, 2017

    Potential for Nuclear Destruction

    "Bill Perry Is Terrified. Why Aren't You?" John F. Harris and Bryan Bender -- POLITICO Magazine, January 6, 2017

    The New Age of Populism 

    "Can the EU Survive in an Age of Populism?" Daniel Gros -- CEPS, January 9, 2017
     

    "Beware Clashes of Big-power Nationalisms in 2017 - with Europe Stuck in the middle" John Bruton -- Europe's World, January 9, 2017
     

    "How Putin Is Using Populist Movements against the West" Ronald Brownstein -- Defense One, January 6, 2017

    Containing Russia 

    "How We Fool Ourselves on Russia" William J. Burns -- The New York Times, January 7, 2017
     

    "Efforts to Contain Russia Are Failing" Lilia Shevtsova -- Chatham House, January 4, 2017

    'One China' Policy 

    "Taiwan's President and Pro-China Opposition Leader both Plan U.S. Visits" Mark C. Eades -- Foreign Policy Association, January 6, 2017

     

    "Trump and a Tricky Relationship" Daniel Fazio -- Policy Forum, January 9, 2017


    "Reinvigorating U.S. Economic Strategy in the Asia Pacific" Matthew P. Goodman, Schott Miller, and Amy Searight -- CSIS, January 5, 2017

    Soft or Hard Brexit 

    "Why a "Soft Brexit" Is in the Interest of Both London and Brussels" Simeon Djankov -- Peterson Institute for International Economics, January 4, 2017

    "Sturgeon Reiterates Hard Brexit Threat of Scottish Independence Vote" Severin Carrell -- The Guardian, January 8, 2017

    Issues in Latin America 

    "China's Investment in Latin America" David Dollar -- BROOKINGS Institution, January 2017


    "Brazil Worries the "China of South America" Is Eating Its Lunch" Bruce Douglas and Matthew Malinowski -- Bloomberg Markets, January 9, 2017


    "Venezuela Crisis: Minimum Wage Increased 50 Percent As Inflation Continues To Soar" Jason Le Miere -- International Business Times, January 9, 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

  • Monday, January 09, 2017 1:33 PM | Anonymous

      

    BY DAVID SANOK

    Editor's Note: Derek Chollet spoke to the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire last November about his recent book, "The Long Game," and our intern, David, reviewed the book for our January 2017 e-newsletter. His opinions do not represent an endorsement by the Council.

    Derek Chollet's book The Long Game examines the foreign policy legacy of President Barack Obama. Chollet makes the case that Obama's decisions in foreign policy were largely successful in keeping the United States out of another war. Having worked under the Obama administration as an insider, Chollet is able to provide a closer look at the foreign policy decisions made behind closed doors as well as an in-depth analysis of the situations Obama faced at the world stage such as Syria, Russia, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya. Chollet's book analyzes not just Obama's approach to foreign policy crisis’s, but also the circumstances that lead to America electing a president like Obama. Chollet examines how the Bush presidency conducted foreign policy prior to Obama and why the regime change philosophy of the Bush administration lead to many voters wanting a change.

    During the 2008 election, the Iraq War was one the major issues debated by the candidates as whether to withdraw or not. While Republicans were generally in favor of remaining, most Democrats favored leaving, Obama sought to stand out from the rest of the democratic field by taking a more balanced to foreign policy. To accomplish this, Chollet examines the two strategies Obama adopted that helped distinguish himself from candidates such as Hillary Clinton and John McCain.

    Firstly, Obama ran a campaign based on his better judgment because of his early opposition to the Iraq War from the start whereas Hillary, despite running on experience, voted for the war. Secondly, while Obama championed a withdrawal from Iraq, he also sought to escalate the war in Afghanistan. Obama's reasoning behind this was that America needed to focus on Afghanistan because Al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and Bin Laden were the ones who attacked America on 9/11. Obama was seeking a middle of the road position on foreign policy to maintain stability in the middle east. Obama continued to launch missiles and drone strikes on terrorist groups, but discontinued the ground troops strategy of the Bush administration.

    These two strategies served Obama well again when dealing with Russia and Egypt as Chollet again gives credit to Obama for being both tough and cautious with Russia over its interventions in Ukraine and Syria. According to Chollet, Obama's use of economic sanctions was a successful use of toughness on Russia because it put pressure on President Putin to pull out of Ukraine. At the same time, Obama resisted calls from war hawks on both the left and right of the political spectrum who wanted to install a no-fly zone in Syria in case Russia tried to intervene there. Obama, however, recognized the danger of a no-fly zone because of the risk it posed of igniting a nuclear war between the United States and Russia. By adopting sanctions, Chollet argues Obama achieved peace through strength for he succeeded in damaging Russia economically and slowing down their military expansion- all without having to fire a single shot.

    Throughout the Obama presidency, many governments in the Middle East were overthrown by military coups. One of the most notable was the Egyptian military coup that took place in 2011. Chollet argues Obama was right in resisting calls to intervene in the overthrow of the Egyptian government and instead work to build a relationship with the new regime. Although Egypt is now ruled by a military dictatorship, they have continued to honor existing treaties such as the 1978 peace accords with Israel and maintain a working relationship with the United States.

    When it came to the military coup in Libya, Chollet defended Obama's handling of the situation despite the widespread criticism his administration received over it's decision to intervene. Although Gaddafi's death has created instability in Libya and lead to an ongoing civil war between rival factions, he still praises Obama for successfully removing Libyan president Muammar Gaddafi from power. Chollet credits Obama's decision to reach to different countries across the world and rebel groups in Libya without sending in ground troops or going in alone without allies like Bush did with Iraq.

    Overall, I highly recommend “The Long Game” because it offer a unique inside view into why Obama did what he did in foreign affairs and why his policies were successful. Even if you as a reader think Obama's foreign policy was a failure and disagree with Derek Chollet's arguments, The Long Game is still worth a read because Chollet backs up his arguments based on his personal experience and includes detailed research of what Obama faced and the aftermath of his decisions. 



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