As climate change accelerates the melting of Arctic ice, the region is rapidly emerging as a new geopolitical frontier. The Arctic holds immense strategic value due to its untapped natural resources—estimated to include 13% of the world’s undiscovered oil and 30% of its natural gas—as well as critical rare earth minerals essential for modern technologies. […]
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman – de facto ruler of one of the wealthiest states in the Middle East – has positioned himself as a transformative leader. His rule is defined by economic and social change, a close relationship with President Trump, and concerns about human rights abuses and power consolidation. Jordan’s King […]
The World Affairs Council of Austin, in collaboration with the Consulate General of Mexico, the Austin-Saltillo Sister Cities Association, the City of Austin Econonic Development Department, and Downtown Austin Alliance Foundation host the annual Fiesta de El Grito de Independencia. This day marks the 215th anniversary of the declaration of independence from Spain by the Mexican […]
Join your fellow World Affairs Council of Austin members for a conversation with Lawrence Wright, author, screenwriter, and playwright. Mr. Wright received the Pulitzer Prize for this book, "The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11." With a degree from American University in Cairo, he has spent time living and reporting on the Middle […]
The World Affairs Council of Austin is once again a partner organization for the annual Oita Japan Festival! You won't want to miss the "Doing Business in Japan" seminar from 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm in Gallery 701. Texas exports over $6 billion in goods and services to Japan. Japan is also a top five […]
How each country views emotion, conflict, universalism, achievement, or even their environment can vary from one part of the world to another. In the United States and Western Europe countries tend to be more expressive and lean towards confrontation. Meanwhile, in Asia and South Asia countries tend to avoid conflict. Of course, there are always exceptions no […]
An online conversation with LTG Robert Ashley, USA (Ret.), 21st Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency and MG Garrett Yee, USA (Ret.) About the speakers: Lieutenant 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 […]
As the nuclear threat heats up, we sit down with Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins, former Undersecretary of State for Arms Control & International. As the under secretary of state for arms control and international security from 2021 to 2024, Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins oversaw three bureaus: Arms Control, Deterrence and Stability; International Security and Nonproliferation (ISN); and […]
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? The 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 […]
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. This event is by invitation-only. Please notify us of your interest to receive an invitation by […]
Music is a versatile and significant tool in diplomacy, serving as a universal language that crosses cultural and linguistic boundaries. Music also serves as a soft power instrument, enhancing a country’s image and fostering a positive perception worldwide, while also acting as a voice for social change. Mutual appreciation is fostered by platforms that allow different […]
Former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul joins us on WorldNow with Jim Falk to explore the global rise of autocracy, new challenges posed by an assertive Russia and China, and an increasingly insular America – and what it all means for democracy and security in a changing world. In Autocrats vs. Democrats, Ambassador McFaul […]
Join members of the World Affairs Council of Austin and Austin Sister Cities International on Saturday, November 15 from 12:00pm - 4pm at the Austin Central Library (710 W Cesar Chavez) for the Annual Passport to the World family-friendly festival. Enjoy an afternoon of FREE programming exploring Austin's rich international community through live performances, interactive […]
In 1785, the US adopted the dollar sign as its official currency. Just three years later, in 1789, the very first dollar bill was issued. By 1791, Alexander Hamilton established the Bank of the United States. For over the last century, the dollar has been a dominant force in international trade. An interesting fact is that […]
Join us at the World Affairs Council of Austin Member Holiday Party! Invitations have been sent to our members. If you would like to renew your membership, visit: www.wacaustin.org/membership