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
Each year, The Economist publishes The World Ahead series: an informed prediction of the major themes that will dominate the coming year. Spanning topics from politics to technology to sociology and more, this series edited by Tom Standage is as ambitious as it is awe-inspiring. On December 8, Standage rejoins the Council to discuss his publication’s analysis for 2026. In conversation […]
Gunboat diplomacy, armed conflict, or all-out regime change? As tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela continue to rachet up, all outcomes and more seem to be on the table. The U.S. has declared an armed conflict with Venezuela, increased military pressure in the Caribbean, and accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of heading Cartel de los […]
In his talk, David Firestein will examine how key U.S. assumptions about China and strategic aspirations and intentions have changed over the last ten to fifteen years and analyze and assess the impact of these shifts on U.S. policy choices and policy performance. This event is by invitation-only. Please notify us of your interest to receive an invitation by […]
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. Samuel Katz, bestselling author of The Architect of Espionage: The […]
The U.S. spends nearly a trillion dollars on its military each year, more than any other nation. Is it really keeping us safe? Bill 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 […]
NEW DATE: February 4th In the decades to come, what will China's role be in the global world order? The relationship with the U.S. has been one of competition but also cooperation on certain global issues, such as climate change. Still, it is said that the “Belt and Road Initiative” might become the “Belt and […]
Journalist Yi-Ling Liu takes us behind the Great Firewall to the reality of 30 years of surveillance and censorship on the Chinese Internet. Thirty years ago, the world began to discover the power of the Internet: a digital world and resource to connect, share ideas, learn, and earn. While the rest of the world connected, […]
Join the World Affairs Council of Austin as we welcome Kristie Bryant, Chair of the Austin Sister Cities International. Ms. Bryant is also Chair of the Austin Oita Sister Cities Committee. Attendees will learn more about the difference between Friendship Cities and Sister Cities, how many of these types of relationships are active with Austin, […]
The Asia x Austin International Summit returns in 2026! Attendees will hear from international trade experts and country representatives about business and investment opportunities in some of Asia’s most dynamic and robust markets. Agenda At-A-Glance Explore expanded session details below. VENUE: KODOSKY DONOR LOUNGE (12 - 9 pm) 12:00 - 1:45 pm Why Asia?: The […]
In its 14th year, the Texas-Europe Business Summit is the premier event for Texas businesses, entrepreneurs and economic development professionals seeking to expand their footprint in Europe. Texas is already the largest exporting state to the European Union. The Summit builds on that foundation, focusing on promoting the international trade capacity of Texas businesses while […]
Competition on critical rare earth minerals has moved to the forefront of the global geopolitical landscape with many policy leaders and industry experts contending that this issue could be the defining feature of the international security and economic system for decades ahead. In April 2026, the World Affairs Council of Austin in collaboration with the […]
Join the World Affairs Council of Austin along with others interested in geopolitics, political risk, and critical rare earth mineral issues to hear from St. Edwards University students as they present conclusions from their semester-long major projects on geopolitical risk. Given the turbulence in today’s world, governments & businesses are increasingly prioritizing assessing geopolitical risks […]
Members, please check your newsletter for registration details. Non-members may join by visiting our Membership page. February -- 4th at 6:30 pm Globalist Coffeehouse: China in the First Decades of the 21st Century // 10th at 6:00 pm ONLINE WorldNow: The Great Firewall with Yi-Ling Liu // 25th at 5:30 pm Austin Sister Cities […]