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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260121T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260121T190000
DTSTAMP:20260407T095445
CREATED:20251220T194953Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251220T204722Z
UID:14784-1769018400-1769022000@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:WorldNow: Trillion Dollar War Machine with Bill Hartung
DESCRIPTION:The U.S. spends nearly a trillion dollars on its military each year\, more than any other nation. Is it really keeping us safe?\n\n\n\nBill Hartung\, author and senior fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft\, argues that not only is America’s high military spending not keeping America safe\, but it is endangering both the U.S. and the world at large. \nOn January 21st\, Hartung joins WorldNow with Jim Falk to reveal how the American military industrial complex operates\, its key players – from Hollywood and Silicon Valley to lobbyists and the Pentagon’s top contractors – and how we can secure America’s future and prosperity by re-envisioning America’s trillion-dollar war machine. \n  \nREGISTER HERE\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Trillion Dollar War Machine: How Runaway Military Spending Drives America into Foreign Wars and Bankrupts Us at Home by William D. Hartung and Ben Freeman\nA hard-hitting investigation into how the Pentagon’s runaway spending embroils America in foreign wars\, squanders its wealth\, and enriches a privileged elite \n“A damning indictment of the conflicts of interest running rampant in the defense establishment.”―Publishers Weekly \nAmerica spends nearly a trillion dollars a year on its military. This extraordinary spending not only detracts from our ability to address pressing social problems but compels us into foreign wars to justify our vast arsenal. Sold to us in the name of “security\,” our military industrial complex actually makes us far less safe. \nTop policy experts William D. Hartung and Ben Freeman follow the profits of militarism from traditional Pentagon contractors\, which receive more than half of the Pentagon’s budget\, to the upstart high-tech firms that shamelessly promote unproven and destabilizing technologies. They unmask the enablers of the war machine—politicians\, lobbyists\, the media\, Hollywood\, think tanks\, and so many more—whose work enriches a wealthy elite at the expense of everybody else\, spreading conflict around the world and embroiling America in endless wars. \nA damning tour de force\, The Trillion Dollar War Machine shows who is pulling the strings and pushing for war\, and offers a blueprint for how we can shut down the war machine and restore American security and prosperity. \nGet yourself a copy of The Trillion Dollar War Machine on Bookshop.org and support your local bookstore.
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/the-worldnow-trillion-dollar-war-machine-with-bill-hartung/
LOCATION:ONLINE
CATEGORIES:Geopolitics,peace and conflict
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/WorldNow-WarMachine.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260114T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260114T190000
DTSTAMP:20260407T095445
CREATED:20251219T210328Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251220T203357Z
UID:14768-1768413600-1768417200@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:WorldNow: The Architect of Espionage - The Man Who Built Israel’s Mossad
DESCRIPTION:How did Mossad\, Israel’s intelligence service\, come to be one of the world’s most notorious and prominent players in global intelligence? Just look to Meir Dagan\, the Mossad’s former director who transformed the service into the leading force in counterterrorism and espionage it is today. \nSamuel Katz\, bestselling author of The Architect of Espionage: The Man Who Built Israel’s Mossad in to the World’s Boldest Intelligence Force\, joins WorldNow to introduce us to the former Mossad director. \nKatz will give us an inside look at Dagan’s leadership and the operations carried out during his tenure\, including counterterrorism efforts\, covert missions related to Iran’s nuclear program\, and expanded intelligence cooperation with international partners – and how he transformed modern espionage and the Middle East. \nREGISTER HERE\n  \n\nMeet the Author\n \nSamuel M. Katz is a New York Times bestselling author who has written over twenty books on the Arab Israeli conflict\, military and law enforcement special operations\, espionage\, and counterterrorism. He has written hundreds of articles for magazines and journals around the world\, as well as documentaries for television. He is also the former editor-in-chief of Special Operations Report\, a trade publication for the world’s commando and counterterrorist community. Katz lectures police agencies and military commands around the world on the history of terrorism\, and he is a frequent guest on television and radio networks. \n\nMeet the Host\n\nJim Falk is President Emeritus of the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth. Now residing in Santa Fe\, NM\, he is Vice Chairman of the Board of Global Santa Fe. In addition to hosting WorldNow with Jim Falk\, Jim produces and hosts The Forum\, a weekly talk show on KSFR-FM\, Santa Fe Public Radio. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. \n  \n  \n\nAbout the Book\nThe Architect of Espionage: The Man Who Built Israel’s Mossad into the World’s Boldest Intelligence Force by Samuel M. Katz \nFrom a New York Times bestselling author and an expert on Middle Eastern conflict comes a riveting biography of Meir Dagan\, the legendary Mossad director who transformed Israel’s intelligence service into a global powerhouse of espionage and counterterrorism.\nIn The Architect of Espionage\, Samuel M. Katz masterfully chronicles the life of Meir Dagan\, a visionary covert warfare veteran who revolutionized the art of intelligence and espionage. Born in the shadows of the Holocaust\, his life personified the modern history of the Jewish people and the State of Israel. Dagan’s journey embodies decisive action\, innovative thought\, and bold leadership under fire. His tenure as the head of the Mossad marked a transformative era in Israel’s history\, reshaping the agency into a formidable global force. \nDagan spent thirty-two years in uniform\, and under his eight-year leadership\, Mossad orchestrated a series of high-stakes missions\, including targeted assassinations\, clandestine attempts to stop Iran from becoming a nuclear power\, and the covert expansion of Israel’s strategic collaborations with members of the global intelligence fraternity\, notably with the CIA. These operations not only bolstered Israel’s security but also altered the geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East. \nKatz brings to life the portrait of a spymaster whose influence extended far beyond Israel’s borders\, shaping intelligence relationships across the Middle East and worldwide. \nFor anyone captivated by espionage thrillers or historical biographies\, this is an essential and timely read\, providing an insightful glimpse into the mind of one of the most influential spymasters of our era. \nGet yourself a copy of The Architect of Espionage on Bookshop.org and support your local bookstore.
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/worldnow-the-architect-of-espionage-the-man-who-built-israels-mossad/
LOCATION:ONLINE
CATEGORIES:author,Geopolitics,peace and conflict
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/WorldNow-Espionage.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251029T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251029T190000
DTSTAMP:20260407T095445
CREATED:20250913T010153Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250913T010153Z
UID:14621-1761759000-1761764400@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Ukraine and Innovation at the Edge
DESCRIPTION:Join your fellow World Affairs Council of Austin members for Ukraine and Innovation at the Edge featuring Ross Guieb\, Executive Director for the George H.W. Bush Combat Development Complex at the Texas A&M University System RELLIS Campus in Bryan. \nThis event is by invitation-only. Please notify us of your interest to receive an invitation by providing your contact information in the form below. Priority registration is available for World Affairs Council of Austin members. Bring your invitation to the event.  Invitations are non-transferable. \nREQUEST YOUR INVITATION HERE\nRoss Guieb is the Executive Director for the George H.W. Bush Combat Development Complex at the Texas A&M University System RELLIS Campus in Bryan\, Texas. He is a husband\, Aggie Dad\, and a “Soldier for Life.”\nAs Executive Director\, Ross provides oversight of a unique ecosystem of state-of-the-art facilities\, researchers\, staff and faculty\, organized and focused to accelerate priority Department of Defense technologies from the lab to the field. This includes developing strategic partnerships across DoD\, academia\, and the defense industrial base. BCDC represents a more than $200M combined investment from the Texas A&M University System\, State of Texas\, and Army Futures Command. \nA decorated combat Veteran\, Ross retired in 2020 as a Colonel with 29 years of service in the U.S. Army.\nAs a senior staff executive\, Ross played an instrumental role in the development of Army Futures Command and the reorganization of the Army’s modernization enterprise\, and brings to the Texas A&M\nUniversity System tremendous insight on how to best support national security research priorities. Ross holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the University of California\, a Masters of Arts in Business and Organizational Security Management from Websters University\, a Masters of Science in Adult Education from Kansas State University and a Masters of Science in National Security Policy and Resource Strategy from the Eisenhower School at the National War College. He is also a graduate of the FBI Academy\, and received professional certification from the University of St Andrews (Scotland) Centre for the Study of Terrorism. Ross was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal\, Legion of Merit (x3)\, and Bronze Star (x3). Ross was also awarded the Key to the City of London. \nRoss is married to Kathleen a lifelong public educator and is the proud father of three sons\, two are currently on ROTC scholarship with the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University. Ross’ oldest son is a proud graduate of the University of California\, Los Angeles.
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/ukraine-and-innovation-at-the-edge/
CATEGORIES:Europe,Geopolitics,peace and conflict
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ross-guieb.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251022T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251022T200000
DTSTAMP:20260407T095445
CREATED:20251009T011632Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251009T180118Z
UID:14661-1761157800-1761163200@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Globalist Coffeehouse: The Middle East - Where are We Now?
DESCRIPTION:What is the region’s future\, starting with Gaza and the West Bank? What will be the role of the US and countries like Qatar\, Saudi Arabia\,  the UAE\, and Egypt? \nThe US has announced a 20-point plan for the region\, and at this time\, some would say that a ceasefire and the return of the Israeli hostages is perhaps feasible. However\, the more critical issue is where the region moves forward from there. The details in the proposal are often rather vague\, even aspirational. A cease-fire and hostage exchange is not necessarily peace in the Middle East. \nPlease join us for a lively discussion on what is currently essentially a fluid process.
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/globalist-coffeehouse-the-middle-east-october/
LOCATION:Khon Thai Kitchen\, 5800 Burnet Road\, Austin\, 78756\, United States
CATEGORIES:Geopolitics,Middle East,peace and conflict
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Globalist-logo.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251007T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251007T190000
DTSTAMP:20260407T095445
CREATED:20250924T155329Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250924T155329Z
UID:14644-1759860000-1759863600@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Global Security Forum 2025: Fireside Chat with LTG Robert Ashley\, USA (Ret.)
DESCRIPTION:An online conversation with LTG Robert Ashley\, USA (Ret.)\, 21st Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency and MG Garrett Yee\, USA (Ret.) \nAbout the speakers: \nLieutenant General Robert P. Ashley\, Jr. retired from the U.S. Army November 2020 after over 36 years of activity duty service as an intelligence officer. He assumed his last duty position on 3 October 2017 when he became the 21st Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). \nHe formerly served as the Army Deputy Chief of Staff\, G-2\, where he was the senior advisor to the Secretary of the Army and Army Chief of Staff for all aspects of intelligence\, counterintelligence and security. He has commanded at the company\, battalion\, squadron\, and brigade levels with six combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan as a squadron\, brigade commander\, and Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence (J-2). Other key assignments include the Director of Intelligence\, United States Army Joint Special Operations Command; the Director of Intelligence\, United States Central Command; the Deputy Chief of Staff\, Intelligence\, International Security Assistance Force and Director of Intelligence\, United States Forces\, Afghanistan; and Commanding General and Commandant United States Army Intelligence Center and School Fort Huachuca\, AZ.  \nLieutenant General Ashley has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Appalachian State University\, a master’s degree in Strategic Intelligence from the National Intelligence University (formerly known as the Defense Intelligence College) and a master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College. Lieutenant General Ashley is the CEO of Ashley Global Leadership and Security (LLC).  \nGarrett Yee currently serves as a Vice President within the Defense Division at General Dynamics Information Technology. In this role\, he is responsible for the successful operation\, execution\, and management for GDIT’s Army mission programs. \nPrior to GDIT\, Garrett served in the U.S. Army retiring as Major General. In his final assignment with the Army\, Garrett served at the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) where he helped to lead a global organization of approximately 8\,000 military and civilian personnel who plan\, develop\, deliver\, and operate joint\, interoperable\, command and control capabilities and a global enterprise infrastructure in direct support of the president\, secretary of defense\, joint chiefs of staff\, combatant commanders\, Department of Defense components\, and other mission partners across the full spectrum of operations. \nPrior to his assignment at DISA\, Garrett served as the Military Deputy to the Army CIO/G-6 and Senior Information Security Officer in the Office of the Chief Information Officer (CIO)/G6\, Headquarters\, Department of the Army in the Pentagon. Garrett holds a bachelor’s degree from Santa Clara University\, a master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College\, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Golden Gate University. \nThis event is part of the Global Security Forum Series 2025 (GSF2025).   \nThe theme of GSF2025 is Unraveling Order. We will explore the edge of uncertainty – the threats that emerge when norms collapse and the opportunities that arise when power shifts. GSF2025 gathers the world’s top leaders and minds to ask: when certainty collapses\, what comes next? \nGSF2025 is evolving to reach a growing number of attendees and to host more international and national leaders than ever before. GSF has expanded from its traditional form of a one-day gathering into a series of over 10 in-person and virtual events held throughout Fall 2025. Learn more and find the full schedule here.
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/global-security-forum-2025-fireside-chat-with-ltg-robert-ashley-usa-ret/
LOCATION:ONLINE
CATEGORIES:Geopolitics,peace and conflict
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/LTG-Robert-Ashley-ret.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="World Affairs Council of Connecticut":MAILTO:info@ctwac.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241023T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241023T190000
DTSTAMP:20260407T095445
CREATED:20241007T000123Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241007T000347Z
UID:14208-1729706400-1729710000@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:WorldNow: America's Cold Warrior Paul Nitze and National Security
DESCRIPTION:Author James Graham Wilson joins us for another episode of WorldNow with Jim Falk on Paul Nitze\, America’s most influential national security strategist throughout the Cold War. \n“This book is not a stale history of an insignificant person. It is a well written\, fascinating story centered around a very influential man. It just happens that the man’s name is unknown to most\, even if his acts are not…America’s Cold Warrior is a book for the casual reader and policy wonk alike. If you enjoy history\, war\, or great biographies\, this book is for you.” – Global Security Review \nPurchase America’s Cold Warrior here | Buy on Barnes & Noble | Sundance Bookstore | Amazon \nThe details:\nWhen: Wednesday\, October 23 | 7:00PM ET \nWhere: Zoom Webinar \nTickets: No charge | Register for Zoom link \n \n\n\nAbout the Book\nAmerica’s Cold Warrior: Paul Nitze and National Security from Roosevelt to Reagan by James Graham Wilson \nIn America’s Cold Warrior\, James Graham Wilson traces Paul Nitze’s career path in national security after World War II\, a time when many of his mentors and peers returned to civilian life. Serving in eight presidential administrations\, Nitze commanded White House attention even when he was out of government\, especially with his withering criticism of Jimmy Carter during Carter’s presidency. While Nitze is perhaps best known for leading the formulation of NSC-68\, which Harry Truman signed in 1950\, Wilson contends that Nitze’s most significant contribution to American peace and security came in the painstaking work done in the 1980s to negotiate successful treaties with the Soviets to reduce nuclear weapons while simultaneously deflecting skeptics surrounding Ronald Reagan. America’s Cold Warrior connects Nitze’s career and concerns about strategic vulnerability to the post-9/11 era and the challenges of the 2020s\, where the United States finds itself locked in geopolitical competition with the People’s Republic of China and Russia. \nPurchase America’s Cold Warrior here | Buy on Barnes & Noble | Sundance Bookstore | Amazon \n\n\n\n\nAbout the Author\nJames Graham Wilson is a Historian at the US Department of State\, where he is currently responsible for editing volumes in the Foreign Relations of the United States series on arms control and national security during the Reagan Administration. In addition to America’s Cold Warrior\, he is also the author of The Triumph of Improvisation: Gorbachev’s Adaptability\, Reagan’s Engagement\, and the End of the Cold War. \nAbout the Moderator\nJim Falk is President Emeritus of the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth. Now residing in Santa Fe\, New Mexico he is member of the Board of Global Santa Fe where he chairs the program committee. Jim co-hosts Perspectives Matter\, a McCuistion Program\, that airs weekly on KERA-Dallas (PBS). He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/worldnow-americas-cold-warrior-paul-nitze-and-national-security/
LOCATION:ONLINE
CATEGORIES:Geopolitics,peace and conflict
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/WorldNow-10-24.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240920T073000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240920T140000
DTSTAMP:20260407T095445
CREATED:20240720T004055Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240720T004055Z
UID:14110-1726817400-1726840800@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Global Security Forum 2024
DESCRIPTION:The World Affairs Council of Austin in partnership with the World Affairs Council of Connecticut presents the Global Security Forum (GSF)\, which convenes the nation’s top leadership and experts to discuss security and strategy in the decisive decade to come. Panelists will explore areas in which acting now will be vital to advancing our national and global security interests. \nAgenda: \n7:30 am CT      Welcome and Opening Remarks \n2:00 pm CT         Forum Concludes \nThis is an ONLINE EVENT.  Purchase VIRTUAL TICKET via this link:
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/global-security-forum-2024/
LOCATION:ONLINE
CATEGORIES:peace and conflict,Security
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SecurityForum.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240402T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240402T190000
DTSTAMP:20260407T095445
CREATED:20240215T030402Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240319T222800Z
UID:13422-1712079000-1712084400@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Afghanistan: Where are we now and what’s next?
DESCRIPTION:In 2021\, the Taliban came to power in Afghanistan. What followed was a period of turmoil\, as they turned on those who were in the Administration of President Ashraf Ghani or supported it. Then\, there was the diaspora of those associated with the Americans in any capacity. Rangina Hamidi\, who served as the first female Minister of Education for the country in 30 years\, was among those who were forced to flee. Please join us as she provides an update on the status/situation in Afghanistan in 2024. Ms. Hamidi will also provide her insights as to what the future holds for the Taliban regime and Afghanistan. \n\n\n\n\nRangina Hamidi\nRangina Hamidi is an Afghan American writer\, educator\, social entrepreneur\, and politician who served as Afghanistan’s minister of education until August 2021. She was the first cabinet-level\, female minister of education to hold that position in thirty years. Ms. Hamidi works tirelessly to advocate for women’s rights by empowering girls and women through social entrepreneurship and other initiatives to build their lives. \nShe earned a BA with a double major in religious studies and gender studies at the University of Virginia. She later completed an MA in Global Affairs and Management at Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University. Ms. Hamidi is currently a professor at Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University\, Phoenix\, Arizona  \nShe has contributed to numerous publications and radio programs\, including TIMES Asia Magazine\, The Globe and Mail\, Der Spiegel\, Business Week\, The New York Times\, The Guardian\, The Telegraph\, NPR\, BBC\, and Voice of America. Ms. Hamidi has co-authored “Embroidering within Boundaries: Afghan Women Creating a Future\,” which takes the reader on a pictorial journey into her own life and tells the stories of the courageous Afghan women she serves.
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/afghanistan-where-are-we-now-and-whats-next/
LOCATION:Neill-Cochran House Museum\, 2310 San Gabriel Street\, Austin\, TX\, 78705\, United States
CATEGORIES:Asia,author,peace and conflict,Women Empowerment
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/IMG_1714.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20230315T123000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230315T140000
DTSTAMP:20260407T095445
CREATED:20230306T043718Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230306T044336Z
UID:13047-1678883400-1678888800@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Peacemaking and the Arts with Big Telly Theatre Company
DESCRIPTION:Artistic Director\, Zoe Seaton will deliver a talk on ‘Peacemaking and the Arts’ and present the virtual reality headset experience ‘The House’. \n‘The House’ was developed by Big Telly using research conducted by the Commission for Victims and Survivors in Northern Ireland. It addresses the legacy of the Conflict/Troubles in Northern Ireland within families and communities\, to stimulate discussion on the intergenerational impact of politically motivated violence. \nMinister Thomas Byrne T.D. from Ireland’s Department of Tourism\, Culture\, Arts Gaeltacht\, Sport and Media\, will deliver opening remarks at the event on the upcoming 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/peacemaking-and-the-arts-with-big-telly-theatre-company/
LOCATION:Ireland House\, 515 Congress Avenue - Suite 1720\, Austin\, TX\, 78701\, United States
CATEGORIES:peace and conflict
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/TheHouse-e1678077383483.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20221002T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20221002T193000
DTSTAMP:20260407T095445
CREATED:20220407T033303Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221029T213016Z
UID:12202-1664735400-1664739000@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Diana Negroponte\, author of Master Negotiator: James A. Baker\, III’s Role at the End of the Cold War
DESCRIPTION:*****EVENT CANCELLED *** \nWe are pleased to feature Diana Villiers Negroponte as our special guest speaker.   \nAuthor and professor\, Diana Negroponte has focused on the Cold War and how it ended. In between teaching at Fordham\, George Washington and Georgetown Universities\, she researches and writes. In 2015 the Woodrow Wilson Center for International Studies offered her a fellowship to write her book Master Negotiator: James A. Baker\, III’s Role at the End of the Cold War.  \n\n\n  \nWhile teaching at Fordham University she began Seeking Peace in El Salvador: The Struggle to Reconstruct a Nation at the End of the Cold War\, Palgrave Macmillan (212) and later translated into Spanish and published in El Salvador\, En Busca de La Paz en El Salvador\, Editorial Delgado (2016). She retained her focus on Latin America becoming a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution where she wrote reports on New Directions in Brazilian Foreign Relations (2007)\, The Merida Initiative and Central America: Challenges of Containing Public Insecurity and Criminal Violence\, (2009) and edited a book The End of Nostalgia: Mexico Confronts the Challenges of Global Competition (2013). \nShe has received numerous awards\, including Soroptimist International’s Advancing the Status of Women Award\, the Salvation Army of Mexico’s Award for Outstanding Community Service\, Rotary Club of Honduras’ Woman of the Year and the Belgium King’s Chevalier de l’Ordre de Leopold. \nHer current work is focused on Britain’s future after BREXIT and teaching a master’s seminar on international conflict management at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. \nA copy of her book can be purchased separately\, on websites such as Amazon. \n 
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/diana-negroponte-author-of-master-negotiator-james-a-baker-iiis-role-at-the-end-of-the-cold-war/
LOCATION:ONLINE
CATEGORIES:author,diplomatic,Geopolitics,peace and conflict,Security
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Diana-Villiers-Negroponte-photograph-scaled-e1644276434766.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20220926T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20220926T140000
DTSTAMP:20260407T095445
CREATED:20220818T184658Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220819T164634Z
UID:12542-1664193600-1664200800@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:World Order\, Challenges\, Transition\, Chaos?  Western and Global Perspectives on Conflict in Ukraine
DESCRIPTION:On February 24\, 2022 Russia invaded Ukraine resulting in major population displacement\, thousands of civilian and military casualties\, jeopardizing global energy and food supplies and threatening potential escalation of clashes involving a major world nuclear power.  Please join our partners at the Kozmetsky Center on Monday September 26\, 2022 at 12:00 noon for the forum entitled “World Order\, Challenges\, Transition\, Chaos?  Western and Global Perspectives on Conflict in Ukraine.”  This session will bring together a diversity of international experts representing Ukraine\, Russia\, Turkey\, China\, India and the United States to discuss the sources and consequences of the current conflict\, risks of further escalation of hostilities\, prospects for diplomatic settlement and the future of Ukraine and world order and global security architecture. \nATTEND THE PROGRAM ON ZOOM:  https://stedwards.zoom.us/s/99173603911
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/world-order-challenges-in-ukraine/
LOCATION:ONLINE
CATEGORIES:Europe,Geopolitics,peace and conflict,Security
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2UkraineKozmetsky.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20220923T075000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20220923T143000
DTSTAMP:20260407T095445
CREATED:20220830T154903Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220907T225630Z
UID:12554-1663919400-1663943400@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Global Security Forum 2022
DESCRIPTION:The Global Security Forum convenes the nation’s top military leaders\, experts and thought leaders to address the most critical global security issues of today as well as the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. \nThe World Affairs Council of Austin is pleased to partner with the World Affairs Council of Connecticut\, the Charter Oak Chapter of the Military Officers Association\, and the McCain Institute for International Leadership for an all-day seminar featuring experts from top military and civilian institutions. This event is not to be missed.  Purchase your ticket for this virtual event by clicking on the button below:\n \n \nThe Global Security Forum brings the world’s top leadership directly to the citizenry. Generals\, experts\, policymakers\, and foreign leaders convene to address the most critical global security issues of today and the opportunities of tomorrow. \nAnnounced Speakers: \n\nAdmiral Dennis Blair\, U.S. Navy (Ret.)\, Former Director of National Intelligence\nLieutenant General Mark Hertling\, U.S. Army (Ret.)\, Former Commanding General of U.S.Army\, Europe\nLieutenant General Jon Tyson Thomas\, U.S. Air Force (Ret.)\, Former Deputy Commander\, Pacific Air Forces\nDr. Carolyn Washington\, Col.\, U.S. Army (Ret.)\, Women\, Peace & Security Manager\, Dept. of Homeland Security\nCol. Bill Shelton\, U.S. Air Force (Ret.)\, RAND Corporation\nLieutenant Col. Luke Knittig\, U.S. Army (Ret.)\, Chief of External Relations for Power Africa\, USAID\nCadet Chiara Wurdack\, U.S. Military Academy\nDavid E. Sanger\, Chief Washington Correspondent\, New York Times\nJillair Kubish\, Executive Vice President of Business Operations\, Colt’s Manufacturing\nRozlyn Engel\, Chief Economic Strategist\, The MITRE Corporation\nAndre McMillian\, Vice President of Sustainment Operations\, Pratt & Whitney Military Engines\nDavid Sanger\, White House and National Security Correspondent\, The New York Times\nArthur House\, Former National Security and Intelligence Officer\, State of CT
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/global-security-forum-2022/
LOCATION:ONLINE
CATEGORIES:Geopolitics,peace and conflict,Security
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Global-Security-Forum-2022-e1661873865500.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20220831T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20220831T140000
DTSTAMP:20260407T095445
CREATED:20220816T224639Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220816T224639Z
UID:12536-1661950800-1661954400@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Cover to Cover - The Fifth Act: America's End in Afghanistan
DESCRIPTION:On the first anniversary of the U.S.-NATO withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Taliban’s takeover\, WACA presents Elliot Ackerman to talk about his experience in the war-ravaged country. Ackerman left the U.S. military ten years ago\, but his time in Afghanistan and Iraq with the Marines and later as a CIA paramilitary officer marked him indelibly. The Fifth Act is a recollection of his service in Afghanistan and an examination of America’s 20-year involvement in Afghanistan’s conflict. Ackerman weaves a personal history with the war’s long progression\, beginning with the initial invasion in the months after 9/11 through the fall of Kabul\, last August. The five acts serve as a prelude to Afghanistan’s dark future\, a recognition of the peace that Afghan people have rarely enjoyed\, and a look at the failings of U.S. intervention. The book also brings readers into close contact with a remarkable group of characters\, American and Afghan\, who fought the war with courage and dedication\, and at great personal cost. \n \nABOUT THE AUTHOR:\nElliot Ackerman is a writer\, journalist\, former White House Fellow\, and decorated veteran. His books have been nominated for the National Book Award\, the Andrew Carnegie Medal in both fiction and nonfiction\, and the Dayton Literary Peace Prize. A former Marine\, he served five tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan\, where he received the Silver Star\, the Bronze Star for Valor\, and the Purple Heart. As a prominent figure in the veteran community and a regular contributor to TIME and CNN\, Ackerman uses his platform to speak about his time serving in Iraq and Afghanistan\, his perspective on current international relations in the Middle East\, and how he turned to writing—both fiction and nonfiction—to chronicle America’s struggles
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/cover-to-cover-the-fifth-act-americas-end-in-afghanistan/
LOCATION:ONLINE
CATEGORIES:author,Geopolitics,peace and conflict,Security
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Afghanistan-Ackerman-e1660689844611.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20220728T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20220728T193000
DTSTAMP:20260407T095445
CREATED:20220706T194453Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220706T194453Z
UID:12492-1659033000-1659036600@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Globalist Coffeehouse - Drones: The Future of Warfare
DESCRIPTION:Please join like-minded “global thinkers” for a monthly discussion on the major political/economic issues that our world is currently experiencing. We will be meeting in person in the semi-private dining room at the Shoal Creek Saloon\, 909 N. Lamar. \nThe topic this month is:  Drones: The Future of Warfare? \n\n“The introduction of unmanned systems on the battlefield doesn’t change simply how we fight\, but for the first-time changes who fights at the most fundamental level.” – P.W. Singer \n\nThere are several major reasons why drones are seen as the future of warfare: they remove the risk to our soldiers\, make fewer mistakes than other weapons systems\, and as technology improves\, drones will become even more precise and efficient. \nDrones save lives\, are low risk\, and have pinpoint accuracy.  They are as lethal as airplanes\, but at a much lower cost and don’t risk the loss of a pilot. They are used in surveillance\, reconnaissance\, and general military intelligence. Drones save time\, as they are always ready to be deployed. \nYet\, there are negative points to consider: drone warfare causes collateral damage\, as they can’t communicate with civilians for more detailed intelligence. When civilians are killed\, they see drones as an invasion force. Also\, they can be shot down. Some would say that when drone warfare becomes like video games\, it makes combat “too easy” and diminishes ethical decisions.  And finally\, what about a fleet of drones being taken over by an enemy? \nPlease join us for what will be a very lively discussion. If you should have the time\, you may want to watch “Eye in the Sky” with Helen Mirren. It focuses on the very real ethical issues associated with deploying drones and is an interesting examination of the military chain of command in drone combat. \n \nFor more details contact:\nEllen Murry: ellen@wacaustin.org\nPolina Anastassieva: polina@wacaustin.org  \n 
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/globalist-coffeehouse-drones-the-future-of-warfare/
LOCATION:Shoal Creek Saloon\, 909 N. Lamar Blvd\, Austin\, TX\, 78703\, United States
CATEGORIES:Member Social,peace and conflict
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Globalist-logo.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20220519T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20220519T193000
DTSTAMP:20260407T095445
CREATED:20220502T223345Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220502T223345Z
UID:12277-1652985000-1652988600@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Globalist Coffeehouse - Ukraine: What Next?
DESCRIPTION:We will be meeting in person in the semi-private dining room at the Shoal Creek Saloon\, 909 N. Lamar.  \n\nThe topic for May will be: Ukraine: What next? \n“The Putin era is dead.” At least according to John Huntsman\, the former U.S. Ambassador to Russia\, 2017 — 2019. \nBut is it? Will Putin survive even once the “body bags” start coming home to small towns and villages across Russia or once the sanctions start impacting ordinary Russians? \nHow will the war impact both the EU and NATO? There is now the possibility of new members on Russia’s border. While our European allies are showing a strong united front for now\, with supplies and even ammunition\, what about in the future as winter approaches without access to Russian gas? \nWhat is the message to oligarchs in the former Soviet Republics? To counties around the world who have allied themselves with Putin and emulated his authoritarian style? And then there is China. How will Putin’s miscalculations\, and more importantly the Western response\, impact China’s future actions towards Taiwan? \nPleased join us for what will be a very lively discussion about a topic that is evolving daily. \n \nFor more details contact: \nEllen Murry\, WAC Advisory Board \nellen.murry@yahoo.com \nPolina Anastassieva\, WAC management team \npolina.ana@gmail.com
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/globalist-coffeehouse-ukraine-what-next/
LOCATION:Shoal Creek Saloon\, 909 N. Lamar Blvd\, Austin\, TX\, 78703\, United States
CATEGORIES:Member Social,migration,peace and conflict,Security
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Globalist-logo.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20220223T121500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20220223T133000
DTSTAMP:20260407T095445
CREATED:20220210T222458Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220210T222458Z
UID:12207-1645618500-1645623000@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:After Merkel: The Future of Transatlantic Security
DESCRIPTION:Since the end of World War II\, Germany and the United States have maintained strong political\, trade\, and security relations. As a NATO Ally and one of the largest and economically prosperous EU member states\, Germany has been a crucial partner for the United States in ensuring security on the European continent and fostering a global order based on liberal democracy and economic cooperation. Nevertheless\, in recent years the bilateral US-German relationship has experienced a number of turbulences that have impacted on broader questions of transatlantic and international security. During the presidency of Donald J. Trump\, bilateral tensions over security and military cooperation have become more visible. The end of Angela Merkel’s chancellorship in December 2021\, after more than 16 years in office\, has also raised questions over the future trajectory of German foreign and defense policy. \nWill the new German “traffic light” coalition of Social Democrats\, the Green Party\, and Free Democrats stay the course of a German foreign policy premised on transatlanticism\, military restraint\, and a strong economic model? And will the Biden administration be able to restore mutual friendship and trust between Washington\, DC and Berlin? \nThis World Affairs Council of Austin program in partnership with the Center for European Studies at the University of Texas (Austin) and the Kozmetsky Center for Excellence at St. Edward’s University will feature: \n\nDr. Sharyl N. Cross\, Director\, Kozmetsky Center for Excellence (St. Edward’s)\nDr. Sebastian Bruns\, McCain Fulbright Visiting Professor (US Naval Academy\, Annapolis)
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/after-merkel-the-future-of-transatlantic-security/
LOCATION:ONLINE
CATEGORIES:Europe,Geopolitics,peace and conflict,Security
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Merkel-e1644531877672.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="UT Center for European Studies":MAILTO:ces@austin.utexas.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20211002T075000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20211002T143000
DTSTAMP:20260407T095445
CREATED:20210724T001928Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210724T004040Z
UID:11820-1633161000-1633185000@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Global Security Forum 2021
DESCRIPTION:The World Affairs Council of Austin is a partnering with the World Affairs Council of Connecticut to present the annual Global Security Forum 2021.  From space to cyber\, the Forum will explore the changing currency of power and ask: how will decisions made today come to define the future? Are U.S. battle systems prepared to meet the threats and challenges of the future? With a new U.S. administration\, what role will the United States play on the global stage? Ultimately\, what transformations must occur today in national and global security in order to realize a stable and secure world in the future? \nFeatured speakers include:  General Charles W. Hooper\, former director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency; Admiral Kenneth Braithwaite\, the 77th Secretary of the Navy; Admiral Michelle Howard\, former commander of United States Naval Forces Europe\, United States Naval Forces Africa\, and Allied Joint Force Command Naples; General Lori Robinson\, former commander of United States Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command; Secretary Ryan McCarthy\, Former Secretary of the United States Army\, among others. \n  \n \n 
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/global-security-forum-2021/
LOCATION:ONLINE
CATEGORIES:Geopolitics,peace and conflict,Security
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/GSF2021-Cover-Image-Copy-e1627085886548.png
ORGANIZER;CN="World Affairs Council of Connecticut":MAILTO:info@ctwac.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20200928T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20200929T150000
DTSTAMP:20260407T095445
CREATED:20200826T210050Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200905T221338Z
UID:5893-1601285400-1601391600@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Exploring Private Sector Contributions to Sustainable Development Among Emerging Economies of European Union and Aspiring EU Nations in South Eastern Europe
DESCRIPTION:This will be the Kozmetsky Center for Excellence in Global Finance’s sixth annual collaborative multi-year conference series in transatlantic security held in cooperation with the Center for European Studies and Center for Russian\, East European and Eurasian Studies at the University of Texas\, Austin funded with support of a grant by the United States Department of Education Title VI National Resource Program. For this event\, we are also delighted to welcome our participating partners including the Atlantic Council of Montenegro and the World Affairs Council of Austin. \n \nThis international conference to be hosted via ZOOM webinar from St. Edward’s University will bring together academic experts on emerging economies\, representatives of the American and European policy communities with leaders of the local Austin and global private sector/investment worlds to share professional experience\, vision and research. Confirmed speakers include Dr. Bhaskar Chakravorti\, Dean of Global Business at The Fletcher School\, Tufts University and Executive Director of Fletcher’s Institute for Business in the Global Context; Dr. Lourdes Casanova\, Director of the Emerging Markets Institute at Cornell University; Dr. Milica Pejanovic-Djurisic\, Ambassador of Montenegro to the United Nations and former Minister of Defence of Montenegro; Vuk Jeremic\, President of the Center for International Relations and Sustainable Development in Serbia\, former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia and President of the United Nations General Assembly 67th Session; Mayor Erion Veliaj\, City of Tirana\, Albania; Dr. Phoebe Koundouri\, Co-Chair\, United Nations Sustainable Development Network and Professor\, Athens University of Economics and Business\, Department of International & European Economic Studies; Dr. Mirjana Matesic\, Director\, Croatian Business Council for Sustainable Development\, Zagreb\, Croatia\, and others. Representatives of the Office of the Governor of Texas (Michael Treyger\, Deputy Director of Economic Development)\, City of Austin (Lucia Athens\, Chief Sustainability Officer) and leaders of global divisions of major corporations (Tesla\, Dell\, Whole Foods) have been invited to offer insights based on sustainable development\, investment and operations experiences in Texas and throughout the world. We have extended an invitation to Prime Minister of Montenegro\, Dusko Markovic who has championed promotion of national and regional sustainable development and private sector investment to deliver the keynote address for the conference.
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/exploring-private-sector-contributions-to-sustainable-development-among-emerging-economies-of-european-union-and-aspiring-eu-nations-in-south-eastern-europe/
CATEGORIES:Europe,Geopolitics,Global Trade,peace and conflict
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20200903T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20200903T183000
DTSTAMP:20260407T095445
CREATED:20200728T022845Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200731T204243Z
UID:5808-1599154200-1599157800@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:State of the Middle East
DESCRIPTION:The World Affairs Council of Austin is pleased to welcome back distinguished author and professor of Government at Austin Community College\, Roy E. Casagranda\, PhD  for a discussion on the State of the Middle East. \nAttendees will obtain answers to these questions: \nWhat has three and of half years of Trump brought the Middle East?\nWhat does the Middle East look like post US-hegemony?\nHow do Trump’s NATO positions impact the Middle East?\nAfghanistan-Iraq-Syria-Yemen\, how has invasion and civil war permanently altered the future of those states?\n  \n  \n \n  \nRoy Casagranda in the News\n\n\n\nTODO: Procedure or Principles? The Egyptian Revolution Chose the Latter \n\n\n\nRoy Casagranda at Public Speaking events\n\n\n\n\n\nAustin School: A Reconsideration of Modernity\nTeach-in: Why Major Changes are Necessary\nTeach-in: Justice and Revolution\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRelated Links:\n\n\n\n\n\n Roy Casagranda’s CV \nBlood Throne of Caria\nAbout Roy Casagranda\nRoy Casagranda’s homepage
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/state-of-the-middle-east/
LOCATION:ONLINE
CATEGORIES:educational,Geopolitics,Middle East,migration,peace and conflict,World Spins Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Roy-Casagranda.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20200507T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20200508T210000
DTSTAMP:20260407T095445
CREATED:20200509T024138Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200509T032033Z
UID:5652-1588842000-1588971600@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:CxC Amplified Week of Global Issues Webinar Programming
DESCRIPTION:World Affairs Council of Austin members have access to several daily webinars during the week of May 4th including: \n4th Ambassador (ret.) Bill Taylor\, EVP\, U.S. Institute of Peace\, and Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine \n5th Global Leadership in Crisis featuring General (ret.) David Petraeus\, Chairman\, KKR Global Institute \n5th Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking featuring Lynn Sanchez\, The Life Link \n6th UN Women Global Champion for Innovation featuring Dr. Nina Ansary\,  Visiting Fellow\, The London School of Economics Center for Women\, Peace & Security \n6th Current and Future NATO featuring David Epstein\, U.S. Department of State \n6th Economic Dignity featuring Gene Sperling\, Former Director of the National Economic Council under Presidents Obama and Clinton \n6th India on the Edge featuring Dr. Manu Bhagavan\, Professor of History at Hunter College \n6th Our Future in Space – Developments\, Commercialization and Governance featuring Evelyn Miralles\, Former Chief Principal Engineer\, NASA \n6th Join a Salsa Lesson with staff from the Embassy of Colombia \n6th Balancing Public Health and Privacy Concerns During a Pandemic Response featuring Dr. Sarah Kessler and Michael Tabman \n6th Europe in the Age of Corona featuring Ron Granieri\, FPRI Templeton Fellow\, Executive Director of the Center for the Study of America and the West \n7th The U.S. and China Now – Should We Confront or Cooperate? featuring Dr. Yanzhong Huang\, Dr. Susan Shirk\, and U.S. Representative Ted Yoho \n7th The TransAtlantic Agenda During and After the Corona Crisis – What’s at Stake featuring H.E. Emily Haber\, Germany’s Ambassador to the U.S.A. and Ambassador (ret.) John B. Emerson\, Chairman of the American Council on Germany \n7th Coronavirus in Conflict Zones featuring Jarrett Blac\, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace \n7th Libya in Chaos: Origins\, Players and Outcomes featuring Ambassador (ret.) Deborah Jones\, Former U.S. Ambassador to Libya \n7th Eurasian Nightmares: China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the Politics of Pandemic featuring Dr. Ian Oxnevad\, Editorial Boardmember for the Association of the Middle East and Africa \n7th China: The World’s Next Premier Superpower? featuring Ambassador Kishore Mahbubani (Singapore) \n8th Putting the World Back Together featuring General (ret.) John Allen\, President\, Brookings Institution \n8th Ambassador (ret.) Ronald Neumann\, Former U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan \n  \nThe Opening Plenary session is available for viewing here: \n \n______________________________________________________________
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/cxc-amplified-week-of-global-issues-webinar-programming/
CATEGORIES:Africa,Ambassador,Americas,Asia,Business,cultural,Europe,Geopolitics,Global Trade,Middle East,peace and conflict
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/GenDavidPetraeus.png
ORGANIZER;CN="World Affairs Councils of America":MAILTO:waca@worldaffairscouncils.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20200327T114500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20200327T130000
DTSTAMP:20260407T095446
CREATED:20191204T030801Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200326T220643Z
UID:5253-1585309500-1585314000@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:America's Air Force: An Overview Featuring Lt. Gen. Marshall B. Webb
DESCRIPTION:THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED \n  \nThe World Affairs Council of Austin is honored to have Lt. Gen. Marshall B. “Brad” Webb provide an update on U.S. Air Force operations.   Lt. Gen. Webb is the Commander\, Air Education and Training Command\, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. He is responsible for the recruitment\, training and education of Air Force personnel.  This presentation will provide attendees with a review of U.S. Air Force efforts to meet current and emerging challenges on the global stage.  Lt. Gen. Webb will also discuss how the new focus of the National Defense Strategy is shaping our relationships with allies\, emerging partners\, and their militaries. \n  \n 
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/americas-air-force-an-overview-featuring-lt-gen-marshall-b-webb/
LOCATION:TX\, United States
CATEGORIES:Geopolitics,Luncheon Series,peace and conflict,World Spins Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/LtGenWebb-scaled-e1575430845176.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20190220T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20190220T203000
DTSTAMP:20260407T095446
CREATED:20190202T051140Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190315T204315Z
UID:4205-1550689200-1550694600@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Preventing Conflict - The Role of Diplomacy and Development in Reducing Insecurity
DESCRIPTION:The world is experiencing a 25-year peak in violent conflict\, trapping millions of innocent men\, women and children in cycles of poverty and displacement. More than 550\,000 people die from violence every year in places like Syria\, Yemen and South Sudan\, while the annual humanitarian need globally has increased from $3.5 billion to over $20 billion since 2004. In 2016\, only 2 percent of official development assistance to fragile countries was dedicated to conflict prevention. Yet\, we know these programs work: they enhance security and promote stability that can break devastating cycles of violence. \nCongress has introduced the Global Fragility and Violence Reduction Act of 2018 to help solve this problem. This landmark bipartisan legislation would create for the first time a U.S. government-wide strategy to prevent and reduce violent conflict in some of the world’s most fragile environments. \nThe panelists have spent their careers at the highest levels of the U.S. government and on the frontlines of conflict zones working to prevent and resolve deadly violence through diplomacy\, defense\, and humanitarian and development work. They will share reflections from their experiences working in complex environments and offer ideas for preventing violent conflict globally. \nABOUT OUR PANELISTS \nAmbassador Ryan Crocker served 37 distinguished years in the U.S. Foreign Service\, including as U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan\, Iraq\, Pakistan\, Syria\, Kuwait and Lebanon as well as Dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. Ambassador Crocker received the Presidential Medal of Freedom\, America’s highest civilian award\, in 2009\, and he was elected to the Mercy Corps Board of Directors in 2013. \nWilliam McRaven is a retired U.S. Navy four-star admiral\, who served as the commander of U.S. Special Operations Command where he led a force of 69\,000 men and women and was responsible for conducting counter-terrorism operations worldwide. He is a recognized national authority on U.S. foreign policy and has advised presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama and other U.S. leaders on defense issues. He also previously served as the University of Texas System chancellor. \nGhilda Chrabieh is the Middle East Deputy Regional Director for Mercy Corps. \nDafna H. Rand leads Mercy Corps’ policy and advocacy and research teams\, manages the organization’s research agenda\, and oversees Mercy Corps’ engagement with global institutions. Prior to joining Mercy Corps\, Dr. Rand held a number of leadership positions in government and academia\, most recently as the Deputy Assistant Secretary\, Bureau of Democracy\, Human Rights\, and Labor at the U.S. Department of State. \n**Refreshments will be provided** \nEntire event filmed and available for viewing here: \n \n 
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/preventing-conflict-the-role-of-diplomacy-and-development-in-reducing-insecurity/
LOCATION:ACC Eastview Campus MultiPurpose Room 8500\, 3401 Webberville Road\, Austin\, TX\, 78702\, United States
CATEGORIES:diplomatic,educational,migration,peace and conflict
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/PreventingConflict-logos.jpg
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