Former Board Member, Great Decisions teacher, and frequent Council speaker on 'Grand Strategy' William C. Martel passed away on Monday, January 12, 2015. Bill was an Associate Professor of International Security Studies at the Fletcher School at Tufts University and a graduate of St. Anselm College and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Read more about Bill in a remembrance published in The Daily Signal. His service to the World Affairs Council of NH will always be remembered.

The staff and board of the World Affairs Council have expressed our deepest condolences to Bill's family, including his wife, Diane, and his children William Martel, Jr. and Catherine Martel.

 

 

Best of the Best: The World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh's Top Books of the Year

Each week, the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh brings you the best analysis and opinion on current global issues. This week - as a special supplement to our Weekly World News Update - the Council has drawn on many of its regular sources to bring you a selection of the top books of 2014.

If you are tempted to buy any of these books this holiday season, please consider supporting the Weekly World News Update by doing so through AmazonSmile using the following link: http://smile.amazon.com/ch/25-1064871.

 

Global Hotspots

Why We Lost: A General's Inside Account of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, Daniel P. Bolger

China's Second Continent: How a Million Migrants are Building a New Empire in Africa, Howard W. French

No Good Men among the Living: America, the Taliban, and the War through Afghan Eyes, Anand Gopal

Without You, There is No Us: My Time with the Sons of North Korea's Elite, Suki Kim

The Underground Girls of Kabul: In Search of a Hidden Resistance in Afghanistan, Jenny Nordberg

Age of Ambition: Chasing Fortune, Truth, and Faith in the New China, Evan Osnos

Nothing is True and Everything is Possible: The Surreal Heart of the New Russia,Peter Pomerantsev

 

Geopolitics

The Myth of the Strong Leader: Political Leadership in the Modern Age, Archie Brown

The Contest of the Century: The New Era of Competition with China - and How America Can Win, Geoff Dyer

Political Order and Political Decay: From the Industrial Revolution to the Globalization of Democracy, Francis Fukuyama

World Order, Henry Kissinger

National Insecurity: American Leadership in an Age of Fear, David Rothkopf

 

Secrets and Betrayal

The Good Spy: The Life and Death of Robert Ames, Kai Bird

No Place to Hide: Edward Snowden, the NSA, and the U.S. Surveillance State, Glenn Greenwald

Dear Leader: Poet, Spy, Escapee - A Look Inside North Korea, Jang Jin-Sung

A Spy among Friends: Kim Philby and the Great Betrayal, Ben Macintyre

 

Historical Analysis

Fields of Blood: Religion and the History of Violence, Karen Armstrong

Gaza: A History, Jean-Pierre Filiu

Congo: The Epic History of a People, David Van Reybrouck

The Long Shadow: The Legacies of the Great War in the Twentieth Century, David Reynolds

The Collapse: The Accidental Opening of the Berlin Wall, Mary Elise Sarotte

The Deluge: The Great War, America and the Remaking of the Global Order, 1916-1931, Adam Tooze

Thirteen Days in September: Carter, Begin, and Sadat at Camp David, Lawrence Wright

 

Also Notable

Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War, Robert M. Gates

The Boom: How Fracking Ignited the American Energy Revolution and Changed the World, Russell Gold

Pay Any Price: Greed, Power, and Endless War, James Risen

The Tyranny of Silence, Flemming Rose

Countdown to Zero Day: Stuxnet and the Launch of the World's First Digital Weapon, Kim Zetter

You can watch our fall Global Tipping Points programs online, thanks to Manchester Community TV!

November 13- Sylvia Longmire on "Border Insecurity"

October 16- Daniel Drezner on the global economy ("The System Worked")

 

Charitable Gaming to Benefit the World Affairs Council of NH One of the many ways you can financially support WACNH is by taking your gaming skills to 1 Lafayette Road, Hampton Falls on December 12 through 18 between 11:00 AM and 1:00 AM.  For a description of the games, exact times and directions to the facility visit www.thepokerroomnh.com. The Council will benefit from Charitable Gaming in December in Hampton Falls, NH, because 30% of the proceeds of gaming at state-regulated facilities like this one is donated to qualifying charities that are assigned specific game dates.

TRAVEL THE WORLD 2015! More info: www.wacphila.org/travel

Take advantage of this special benefit for members of the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire; lifelong learning trips are arranged by the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia and cooperating Councils across the country.

January 10 – February 2, Around the World by Private Jet:  From safari and sundowns in Botswana, to discovering new cultures in the once-forbidden lands of Bhutan and Myanmar, this itinerary is an eclectic collection of a few classic travel experiences.  Along the way, local guides and experts take you behind the scenes and inside the culture of each destination.  $76,950 per person beginning in Kona Hawaii and ending in Orlando, FL. 

February 4 – 18, Ancient Cities & Colonial Splendors of Sri Lanka:  A land of mist-covered mountains, golden beaches, verdant valleys and lush jungles, and a unique culture with warm, hospitable people.  Maria Zammit, will accompany and arrange a briefing at the U.S. Embassy to learn more on contemporary issues. $4,395 plus airfare.  One Room Remains!  

February 22 – March 2, Island Life of Cuba:  In addition to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Old Havana, visit Matanzas, Santa Clara, Guanabacoa, Regla and Pinar del Río. Accompanied by experienced Cuban hosts, explore the political history, culture, art, language and cuisine of daily Cuban life.  From $5,295 including charter air round-trip Miami/Havana.  Wait List Only!  New date added - December 6 - 14!

March 6 - 14, 2015, Inside Tunisia:  Join Craig Snyder, President & CEO World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, to explore Tunisia's road to democracy post-Arab Spring through a series of substantive briefings.  Archaeological sightseeing including Carthage and Bardo Museum; El Jem’s Roman amphitheater; and Kairouan’s 7th century Great Mosque.  Dougga and Bulia Regia optional extension. $3,750 per person plus airfare. 

March 8 – 21, Bangkok to Bali:  Discover Bangkok and visit Wat Po. Cruise the Chao Phraya River. Then, travel for three nights aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express Train with a daily excursion off the train. Explore lively Singapore before flying to Bali. Join popular Council leader, Denise Bala, who will arrange a U.S. Embassy. From $6,545 per person plus airfare.  

April 6 - 20; May 18 - June 1, Inside Iran:  Begin in Tehran, fly to Kerman, continue to Yazd, Shiraz and end in Isfahan.  Throughout this program a highlight will be the Iranian people you will meet on your journey and a series of briefings conducted by your Council leader with experts on the contemporary issues of the day. Three departures quickly sold out in 2014!

April 8 – 26, China and Tibet and the Yangtze River:  On this distinctive journey start in Beijing and then travel to Xian and Lhasa.  Embark on a Yangtze River cruise before ending in Shanghai.  Many “meet the people” opportunities and a Council leader will coordinate a briefing at the U.S. Embassy. Optional 3-day/2-night post-tour extension in Shanghai.  

April 23 – May 1, European Coastal Civilizations with David Eisenhower: Cruise aboard the 200-guest M.S. LE BORÉAL along the coasts of Portugal, Spain, France and Guernsey. David Eisenhower, grandson of General and President Dwight D. Eisenhower, will share his personal insights during an onboard lecture and accompany you to the beaches of Normandy. Pre-Cruise Option in Lisbon and Post-Cruise Option in Paris and Giverny.  From $4,995 per person plus airfare.  Limited cabins remain!

May 3 – 14, Burgundy and Provence River cruise:  During this delightful 12-day journey, a pageant of wine country and picturesque villages entices you on a course through the heart of la belle France.  Begin in Monte Carlo before transferring to Arles to board the 138-guest Avalon Scenery. Sail to Avignon, Viviers, Lyon, and Beaune before transferring to your hotel in Paris.  Enjoy educational experiences at every stop with Council Leader, Anna Berry.  From $3,995 per person plus airfare.  Book by December 5 and receive a free expedition library and guarantee your space!

May 15 – 23, Bilbao and Madrid:  Northern Spain is a must-see destination with arguably the finest food in Spain and world class museums.  Start in Bilbao and then drive to the hills of Roja.  Spend three days in Madrid to explore not only its legendary museums, plazas, and palaces, but also to experience the city’s diplomatic world. Leading this tour will be Ambassador Heather Hodges.

May 19 – 29, Life Along the Elbe River:  Begin with two hotel nights in Berlin where special council briefings will be added.  Cruise for seven nights aboard the 88-guest M.S. SWISS RUBY. Explore the Elbe River Valley, from Germany’s “Saxon Switzerland” to Baroque palaces of Dresden and the historic Old Town of Prague. Meet local residents for a personal perspective of the region’s modern life. Dr. Pamela Zeiser will lecture on the cruise.  Post-Cruise Option in Prague.  Savings extended!  Limited cabins remain!

June 4 – 13, Baltic Sea Cruise:  Experience the Baltic States, on this six-country, eight-night cruise aboard the 200-guest M.S. LE BORÉAL. Hear a keynote presentation by former President of Poland Lech Walesa.  On board, and lecturing during the full cruise, will be Dr. Sergei N. Khrushchev, a professor at Brown University and son of Nikita Khrushchev and World Affairs Council of Philadelphia President & CEO, Craig Snyder, who will discuss current political issues of the Baltic states. Begin in Copenhagen and disembark in Stockholm.  Norway Pre- Cruise and Stockholm Post-Cruise Options.  From $5,995 per person plus airfare.  Book by December 15 and save $1,000 per person!  Space is going fast!

June 11 – 26, Norwegian Splendor:  From Copenhagen and Oslo to magnificent fjord country, encounter Scandinavia at its best, both on and off the beaten path. Dr. Gail Stevenson will accompany the group adding briefings on energy and the environment as well as political and economic issues.  4-day/3-night Stockholm extension offered.

June 15 - 23, Coastal Life from the Adriatic to the Aegean:  Visit five countries and up to eight UNESCO World Heritage sites aboard the 200-guestM.S. LE LYRIAL. Explore Split, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Montenegro, and Albania. Enjoy an exclusive forum with local residents. Maria Wulff will add political commentary on board.  Venice Pre-Cruise and Athens Post-Cruise Options.  From $3,995 per person plus airfare.  Early booking discount extended March 2 to save $1,000 per person!  Cabins are going fast!

 

EXPERIENCE CHINA

With the Vermont Council on World Affairs and the

Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce

   

Did you know China is considered the longest continuous civilization (beginning around 6000 B.C.)? It also claims the world's longest continuously used written language.

 

   

 

*  BEIJING   *  SHANGHAI  *  SUZHOU  * HANGZHOU  *

March 22-30, 2015

 

Hold your place today with a $300 deposit

 

$2499 inclusive:*

• Round-trip airfare
• Motor coach to/from JFK to Burlington
• 4-star and 5-star hotel
• Airport taxes
• 3 meals/day                                      
• English-speaking tour guides
• Intracity transportation

 

*Visa and single occupancy in addition. Optional trip to Xi'an for those who have already been to China (additional fees apply).

 

For more information, see here or...

Contact Gail Stevenson at the VCWA: gail@vermont.org