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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251115T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251115T160000
DTSTAMP:20260415T205719
CREATED:20251009T014327Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251009T014327Z
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SUMMARY:10th Annual Passport to the World Festival
DESCRIPTION: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. \nEnjoy an afternoon of FREE programming exploring Austin’s rich international community through live performances\, interactive games\, crafts\, and much more! Learn about all of Austin’s incredible Sister Cities with fun\, hands-on activities. \n \n 
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/10th-annual-passport-to-the-world-festival/
LOCATION:Austin Central Library\, 710 West Cesar Chavez Street\, Austin\, TX\, 78701\, United States
CATEGORIES:cultural
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2025-P2W-Festival-Flyer-scaled-e1759973995928.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251112T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251112T190000
DTSTAMP:20260415T205719
CREATED:20250812T162909Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250812T163209Z
UID:14614-1762970400-1762974000@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:WorldNow: The New Global Disorder with Ambassador Michael McFaul
DESCRIPTION: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. \nIn Autocrats vs. Democrats\, Ambassador McFaul makes the case for democsracy and defines the threats posed by China\, Russia\, and America’s shift to isolationism to the global international order as we know it. \nJoin us November 12th to hear exclusive insight from Ambassador McFaul\, the leading Russia and Eurasian affairs expert\, on his forthcoming book and his vision of American leadership on the world stage. \n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Book\nAutocrats vs. Democrats: China\, Russia\, America\, and the New Global Disorder by Michael McFaul \nA bold\, clear-eyed look at how the autocracies of China and Russia are challenging the current global order\, and how America’s future depends on successfully confronting this threat. \nThe rise of China\, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine\, and the reelection of President Donald Trump have reinforced a gloomy yet growing consensus: the old global order has ended\, and a new Cold War has begun. \nIn this sweeping account of great power competition between the United States\, China\, and Russia over the past three centuries\, Michael McFaul—former ambassador to Russia and international affairs analyst for NBC News—argues persuasively that today’s challenges require fresh thinking\, not constrained by distant memories of the Cold War or the nationalist dreams of MAGA. \nAcknowledging how Xi’s China\, Putin’s Russia\, and Trump’s America are upending the current international system\, Autocrats vs Democrats makes the case against America’s retreat from the world\, detailing why: \n\nRussia’s disruptive ambitions should not be underestimated.\nChina’s capabilities should not be overestimated.\nTrump’s shift toward isolationism and autocracy will weaken America’s place in the world.\n\nAt once a clarion call for American diplomacy and a forceful rebuttal of the Trump administration’s policies\, Autocrats vs Democrats provides a nuanced assessment of the China and Russia threats\, as well as a bold vision for renewing America’s leadership on the world stage. \nPre-order a copy of Autocrats vs. Democrats\, coming October 28th\, 2025
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/worldnow-the-new-global-disorder-with-ambassador-michael-mcfaul/
LOCATION:ONLINE
CATEGORIES:Ambassador,Geopolitics
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/WorldNow-November.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251111T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251111T190000
DTSTAMP:20260415T205719
CREATED:20251103T173801Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251103T200541Z
UID:14701-1762882200-1762887600@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:World Music as Soft Power
DESCRIPTION: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 societies to share their artistic manifestations\, such as concerts\, music festivals\, and cultural exchanges. \n\nWhat are some of the trends in musical genres that are impacting cultural perceptions and politics across the globe\, from K-Pop and J-Pop to Reggae-ton\, Hip-Hop\, and Afro-beat? \nPlease join Paul Klemperer for a “sampler” of regional musical trends and their influence around the globe. \n \nPaul Klemperer was born in Boston and discovered jazz at an early age\, sneaking into smoky clubs by age 13. Paul earned his master’s in Ethnomusicology at the University of Texas in 1991. He teaches private and group classes in clarinet & saxophone\, jazz history & theory\, and issues in music & culture.  He also writes fiction and essays on a wide range of topics. Paul has produced five CDs and has toured nationally and internationally for over 30 years. He continues to divide his time between Austin and the road\, bringing his soulful saxophone sound across the U.S.\, Latin America\, Europe\, and Asia.
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/world-music-as-soft-power/
LOCATION:Neill-Cochran House Museum\, 2310 San Gabriel Street\, Austin\, TX\, 78705\, United States
CATEGORIES:cultural,educational
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Globalist-logo.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251029T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251029T190000
DTSTAMP:20260415T205719
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251022T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251022T200000
DTSTAMP:20260415T205719
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:20251020T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251020T120000
DTSTAMP:20260415T205719
CREATED:20250924T160646Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250924T160646Z
UID:14655-1760958000-1760961600@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Global Security Forum 2025: Unraveling Order - The Threat of Nuclear Anarchy
DESCRIPTION:As the nuclear threat heats up\, we sit down with Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins\, former Undersecretary of State for Arms Control & International. \nAs 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 Political-Military Affairs. In May 2023\, Secretary of State Antony Blinken named Jenkins\, the first African American to serve as an under secretary of state\, as the department’s lead on implementation of AUKUS\, the trilateral security partnership between Australia\, the United Kingdom\, and the United States. \nJenkins served as special envoy for cooperative threat reduction programs in the ISN bureau from July 2009 until January 2017. She coordinated U.S. government efforts alongside international programs that prevent non-state actors from developing chemical\, biological\, or nuclear weapons. She was the State Department’s lead for the President’s Nuclear Security Summits and the U.S. representative to the G7 Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction\, and she led diplomatic efforts to promote the Global Health Security Agenda. She was the 2016 ISN nominee for the Secretary of State’s Award for Excellence. \nFrom its inception in 2017 until April 2021\, Jenkins was the founder\, executive director\, and board chair of Women of Color Advancing Peace and Security. From 2005 to 2009\, she was the program officer for U.S. foreign and security policy at the Ford Foundation. She also served as counsel on the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Commission). \nJenkins was a legal adviser to the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency. She has been an adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law School\, Georgetown University School of Foreign Service\, George Washington University\, the University of Virginia\, the University of Texas at Austin\, and the University of Minnesota. Jenkins designed and led arms control simulations at Stanford University. Jenkins is a retired U.S. Naval Reserve officer. \n \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-unraveling-order-the-threat-of-nuclear-anarchy/
LOCATION:ONLINE
CATEGORIES:Ambassador,Geopolitics,Security
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Ambassador-Bonnie-Jenkins.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="World Affairs Council of Connecticut":MAILTO:info@ctwac.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251007T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251007T190000
DTSTAMP:20260415T205719
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:20250924T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250924T200000
DTSTAMP:20260415T205719
CREATED:20250907T030648Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250908T231206Z
UID:14640-1758738600-1758744000@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Globalist Coffeehouse: Cultural Dimensions Around the World
DESCRIPTION: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 matter what part of the world one is in. \n\nDespite the common rhetoric\, we tend to have more similarities than differences\, but some cultures find support in a collective mindset instead of individualism. Even the same color can carry a different meaning around the world. For example\, the shade of white in the United States is considered to represent purity\, renewal and rebirth. Yet\, in Asian countries it is considered to be the symbol of death.\n\nIs it important to follow the same rules regardless of what the situation is\, or do they vary depending on the circumstances? And what about handling projects and resources? Are they finite to be closely managed or can they be flexible?\n\nPlease join us for what will be a very interesting discussion.
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/globalist-coffeehouse-cultural-dimensions-around-the-world/
LOCATION:Khon Thai Kitchen\, 5800 Burnet Road\, Austin\, 78756\, United States
CATEGORIES:Member Social
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Globalist-logo.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250920T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250920T180000
DTSTAMP:20260415T205719
CREATED:20250508T231219Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250705T161437Z
UID:14499-1758369600-1758391200@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Japan Business Seminar during Oita Festival
DESCRIPTION: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. \nTexas exports over $6 billion in goods and services to Japan.  Japan is also a top five export market for central Texas companies.  Be sure to attend this informative session to learn more from our friends at Q-Branch\, JETRO-Houston\, and the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce. \nThe business-focused session will include an overview of Japan’s industry sectors including a look at the Japanese corporate presence in the U.S.\, Japanese cultural characteristics\, promising sectors for U.S. goods and services\, and resources for American companies wishing to establish a corporate entity in Japan.
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/japan-business-seminar-during-oita-festival-2/
LOCATION:Long Center for the Performing Arts\, 701 W. Riverside Drive\, Austin\, TX\, 78704\, United States
CATEGORIES:Asia,Austin Center for Global Trade,Business,Global Trade
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Oita-JapanFest-2025.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250918T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250918T190000
DTSTAMP:20260415T205719
CREATED:20250829T201300Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250829T201423Z
UID:14619-1758216600-1758222000@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:A Conversation with Lawrence Wright
DESCRIPTION:Join your fellow World Affairs Council of Austin members for a conversation with Lawrence Wright\, author\, screenwriter\, and playwright. \nMr. 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 East. His latest book\, “The Human Scale\,” released in 2025\, set in Israel\, the West Bank\, and Gaza. Publisher’s Weekly calls it a “superb thriller from Pulitzer winner Wright…an uncomfortable and unforgettable plunge into the heart of a devastating conflict.” \nMr. Wright will discuss and provide insights on the current social\, economic\, and political scene in the Middle East. \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\nLawrence Wright is an author\, screenwriter\, playwright\, and staff writer for The New Yorker Magazine\, where he has published numerous prize-winning articles\, earning him three National Magazine Awards. He is a graduate of Tulane University in New Orleans and the American University in Cairo. \nHe is the author of eleven nonfiction works\, including “Going Clear: Scientology\, Hollywood\, and the Prison of Belief\,” which was made into a documentary for HBO\, winning six Emmys; and “The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11\,” which won the Pulitzer Prize and became a series for Hulu\, starring Jeff Daniels\, Alec Baldwin\, and Tahar Rahim. \n“The Human Scale” is Wright’s fourth novel. His previous works include “The End of October\,” and “Mr. Texas.” In 2006\, Wright premiered his first one-person play\, “My Trip to Al-Qaeda\,” at The New Yorker Festival. It was made into a documentary film of the same name\, directed by Alex Gibney\, for HBO. \nWright is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations\, the Society of American Historians\, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He also serves as the keyboard player in the Austin-based blues band\, WhoDo.
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/lawrence-wright/
CATEGORIES:author,Geopolitics
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Lawrence-W.-photo-e1756498327418.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250915T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250915T210000
DTSTAMP:20260415T205720
CREATED:20250509T003055Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250531T194008Z
UID:14501-1757959200-1757970000@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Fiesta de El Grito de Independencia Annual Celebration
DESCRIPTION: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. \nThis day marks the 215th anniversary of the declaration of independence from Spain by the Mexican priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. The event is free and open to the public. \nThe highlight of the evening will be when Consul General of Mexico Humberto Hernández Haddad reenacts the cry for independence.  The event will include music\, dance\, an artisan mercado with arts and crafts from México. \nNo RSVPs necessary. \n 
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/grito-2025/
LOCATION:Republic Square Park\, 422 Guadalupe Street\, Austin\, TX\, 78701\, United States
CATEGORIES:cultural,Cultural Heritage Series,Mexico
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/El-Grito-20240915-scaled-e1748720397553.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250909T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250909T190000
DTSTAMP:20260415T205720
CREATED:20250806T031800Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250806T031800Z
UID:14601-1757440800-1757444400@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:World Now: A Tale of Two Kings - Saudi Arabia\, Jordan\, and the Future of Power in the Middle East
DESCRIPTION: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. \nJordan’s King Abdullah II leads one of the region’s most economically challenged countries with a steady hand and traditional approach. His rule is characterized by alliance building and cautious political reform\, while also stifling political opposition. \nJoin us on WorldNow with Jim Falk for an inside look at two very different yet consequential leaders who are shaping the future of the Middle East – and redefining what it means to be king in the 21st century. With Pulitzer Prize-Winner Karen Elliot House\, author of The Man Who Would be King: Mohammad Bin Salman and the Transformation of Saudi Arabia and Aaron Magid\, author of The Most American King: Abdullah of Jordan. \n \nMeet the Authors\nKaren Elliott House is a Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist with nearly five decades of experience covering Saudi Arabia. She is also a former executive of Dow Jones & Company and former chair of the Rand Corp. Her deep expertise informs her latest book\, The Man Who Would Be King: Mohammed bin Salman and the Transformation of Saudi Arabia\, which draws on more than half a dozen in-depth interviews with the Crown Prince himself. House spent over 30 years at The Wall Street Journal\, serving as a reporter\, editor\, and ultimately publisher. She resides in Princeton\, New Jersey. \n\nAaron Magid is a former Amman-based journalist and the author of the recently published The Most American King: Abdullah of Jordan. His analysis on the Hashemite Kingdom has appeared in Foreign Affairs\, Foreign Policy\, Al-Monitor\, the Atlantic Council\, France 24\, Al-Jazeera\, and the Middle East Institute. He hosts the podcast On Jordan. He obtained a Master’s Degree in Middle Eastern Studies from Harvard University. \n\nMeet the Host\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\nAbout the Books\nThe Man Who Would Be King: Mohammed Bin Salman and the Transformation of Saudi Arabia by Karen Elliot House \nPulitzer Prize-winning reporter and former Wall Street Journal publisher\, Karen House has gained unprecedented insights into Saudi Arabia and its controversial leader\, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman through her more than forty years of experience covering the Arab kingdom. \nHouse reveals a leader who\, like Peter the Great\, is a reformer determined to modernize his kingdom but also an autocrat who jails political opponents and rival princes to assure his grip on power. Drawing on extensive interviews with the Crown Prince\, his royal relatives\, and his inner ring of advisors\, The Man Who Would Be King explains in full what shaped the man who is reshaping Saudi Arabia. It is an unprecedented and much needed in-depth portrait of the leader who\, at only thirty-nine\, will be a major player on the world stage for the next half century. \nGet a copy of The Man Who Would Be King on Bookshop.org to support your local bookstore. \n\nThe Most American King: Abdullah of Jordan by Aaron Magid \nThe first comprehensive biography on Jordan’s King Abdullah\, The Most American King details Abdullah’s rise to power\, survival amid protests from Jordanians\, and his efforts to cement an alliance with Washington. \nAaron Magid\, a former Amman-based journalist\, charts Abdullah’s path to power from a Massachusetts prep school to a British military academy to the throne\, and reveals how Abdullah has remained in power for over a quarter century. While leaders nearby were ousted during the 2011 Arab Spring protests\, Abdullah survived the wave of discontent. Drawing on interviews with over 100 of King Abdullah’s classmates\, former Jordanian ministers\, and CIA directors\, The Most American King offers a thorough account of this key Arab leader. \nGet a copy of The Most American King.
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/world-now-a-tale-of-two-kings-saudi-arabia-jordan-and-the-future-of-power-in-the-middle-east/
LOCATION:ONLINE
CATEGORIES:author,Geopolitics,Middle East
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/A-Tale-of-Two-Kings-e1754450146393.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250824T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250824T190000
DTSTAMP:20260415T205720
CREATED:20250808T152650Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250808T152650Z
UID:14609-1756058400-1756062000@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Greenland and the Geopolitics of the Arctic
DESCRIPTION: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. Melting ice is also opening new maritime routes that could significantly shorten global shipping times\, increasing the region’s economic and military importance. \nMajor powers\, including the United States\, Russia\, and China\, are expanding their presence in the Arctic\, viewing it as a key arena for influence\, resource competition\, and military positioning. The Arctic’s role in global security is further underscored by its proximity to the Greenland-Iceland-United Kingdom (GIUK) gap\, a vital chokepoint for NATO defense strategy. \nWithin this broader context\, the Trump Administration renewed U.S. focus on Greenland as a strategic asset. Greenland’s geographic location makes it a cornerstone of Arctic defense\, prompting the administration to place its military installations under U.S. Northern Command in 2025. The island’s vast reserves of rare earth minerals also attracted attention\, particularly as the U.S. sought to counter China’s dominance in critical supply chains. \nPresident Trump’s controversial proposal to purchase Greenland from Denmark\, while dismissed by both Danish and Greenlandic leaders\, reflected a broader ambition to assert U.S. dominance in the Arctic. However\, this approach drew criticism for marginalizing Greenlandic voices and treating the territory as a geopolitical commodity rather than recognizing its people as autonomous actors. As Greenland moves toward greater self-determination\, future U.S. engagement will need to balance strategic interests with respect for local governance and aspirations. \n \n 
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/greenland-and-the-geopolitics-of-the-arctic/
LOCATION:ONLINE
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Flyer-for-Aug-24-Greenland-program-scaled-e1754664034819.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250820T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250820T200000
DTSTAMP:20260415T205720
CREATED:20250805T190705Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250806T145406Z
UID:14449-1755714600-1755720000@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Globalist Coffeehouse: Economic Security is National Security
DESCRIPTION:The global threats to US national security increase day by day\, with our adversaries and competitors working together to create chaos and disruption\, not just on the military front\, but also economically\, and they are playing to win. Yet\, too often\, security and economic threats are addressed on separate tracks\, not recognizing the connection between our financial security and national security. The fact that over the last decade\, China has increased its investments in the developing world by 525% is just one excellent example. Simultaneously\, many would suggest that most recently\, we have actually retreated\, with Africa and USAID being just the latest policy reversal. \nWhile Americans certainly don’t want to be the “policeman of the world\,” we do need to protect our interests. In addition to strengthening supply chains\, bolstering infrastructure in emerging economies\, and leveraging technology\, some would suggest that using “soft power\,” through US economic/development aid\, is also a highly cost-effective tool. How should/will we use these tools at our disposal? What should our global role be\, both economically and militarily\, in future decades? \n \nFor more details contact: \nEllen Murry\, Co-chair\, of the Globalist Coffeehouse: ellen.murry@yahoo.com \nPolina Anastassieva\, Co-chair\, of the Globalist Coffeehouse: polina@wacaustin.org
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/globalist-coffeehouse-economic-security-is-national-security/
LOCATION:Khon Thai Kitchen\, 5800 Burnet Road\, Austin\, 78756\, United States
CATEGORIES:Geopolitics,Member Social
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Globalist-logo.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250729T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250729T190000
DTSTAMP:20260415T205720
CREATED:20250627T212016Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250627T212016Z
UID:14542-1753810200-1753815600@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Federal Foreign Policy Briefing
DESCRIPTION:Join the World Affairs Council of Austin and hear from our featured guest speaker\, Kiersten Kullenberg\, the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition’s Outreach Director for Texas\, New Mexico\, and Colorado. Ms. Kullenberg will share details of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition’s (USGLC) brand new report\, “Economic Security is National Security.” In addition to explaining USGLC’s work across the country and in Washington DC\, Ms. Kullenberg will address USGLC’s recommendations for Rebuilding America’s International Assistance Infrastructure. \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\nKiersten Kullenberg serves as The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition’s Outreach Director for Texas\, New Mexico\, and Colorado. The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) works in our nation’s capital and across the country to champion America’s civilian-led tools of development and diplomacy to advance our national security\, economic prosperity\, and leadership position in the world. By advocating for a strong International Affairs Budget\, the USGLC is working to make America’s international affairs programs a keystone of U.S. foreign policy. Prior to joining USGLC’s staff\, Kiersten served as Director of Programs for the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth. Kiersten earned her B.A. in political science and international relations from Louisiana State University\, studied abroad in Morocco\, and was a member of The Golden Band From Tigerland.
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/federal-foreign-policy-briefing/
CATEGORIES:Geopolitics,Law and regulations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Kiersten-Kullenberg-e1751059199702.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250723T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250723T200000
DTSTAMP:20260415T205720
CREATED:20250708T203247Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250708T203247Z
UID:14445-1753295400-1753300800@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Globalist Coffeehouse: Fly Me Everywhere - Current Commercial Aviation
DESCRIPTION:When Wilburn and Orville Wright built the world’s first airplane\, there was a lot of skepticism as to how reliable and worthwhile it was. Their first flight happened on December 17th\, 1903 in Kitty Hawk\, North Carolina. They are now considered to be inventors and pioneers\, ushering in the aviation industry.  \nToday\, the average number of commercial flights is about 100\,000 per day. That does not include military and private planes\, helicopters\, and large drones. Even with this statistic\, aviation is considered to be one of the safest means of transportation. However\, that doesn’t mean there aren’t questions raised in regards to safety\, thorough inspections\, as well as proper training. There are numerous examples that could be provided\, yet two crucial ones stand out the most.  \nIn 2014\, flight MH370 disappeared without a trace. Then\, just this past January\, an American Airlines flight collided mid-air with a United States Army Black Hawk over the Potomac River in Washington D.C. Such incidents raise many questions and concerns. It is a known fact that air traffic control is considered to be one of the most stressful jobs in the world. \nSo\, when accidents do occur\, do we fully understand the basic international regulations for search and rescue in such incidents? What factors determine which country takes responsibility for the accident? Is it the country of origin from which the flight departs\, or is it the country of destination? How can the pilot and co-pilot be better equipped to lower the risk of such catastrophes? What about the top three airline manufacturers that dominate production – who should bear the ultimate responsibility? And then climate change also plays a role\, with strong\, sometimes violent storms impacting the destination of landings\, causing delays and chaos at airports and frustration for passengers. \nPlease join us for what will be a very lively conversation with personal anecdotes about air travel experiences. \n\n \nFor more details contact: \nEllen Murry\, Co-chair\, of the Globalist Coffeehouse: ellen.murry@yahoo.com \nPolina Anastassieva\, Co-chair\, of the Globalist Coffeehouse: polina@wacaustin.org \n  \n 
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/globalist-coffeehouse-aviation/
LOCATION:Khon Thai Kitchen\, 5800 Burnet Road\, Austin\, 78756\, United States
CATEGORIES:Member Social
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Globalist-logo.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250715T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250715T190000
DTSTAMP:20260415T205720
CREATED:20250710T035038Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250710T035409Z
UID:14562-1752602400-1752606000@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Virtual Conversation with NY Times Supreme Court Reporter
DESCRIPTION:Join our friends at the World Affairs Council of Connecticut and their partners at the CT Mirror for a virtual conversation on the Supreme Court’s decisions this past term – from birthright citizenship and immigration rights to judicial oversight and healthcare. \nWith Adam Liptak\, New York Times Supreme Court reporter and moderator John Dankosky – hosted by CT Mirror.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Details \nWhen: Tuesday\, July 15 \nWhere: Zoom Webinar \nTickets: Free\, RSVP Required\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFeaturing\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdam Liptak \nLiptak\, a Pulitzer Prize finalist\, has covered the Supreme Court for The New York Times since 2008. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and has taught at Yale\, NYU\, and the University of Chicago.
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/virtual-conversation-with-ny-times-supreme-court-reporter/
LOCATION:ONLINE
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Court-Recap-2025.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="World Affairs Council of Connecticut":MAILTO:info@ctwac.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250625T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250625T200000
DTSTAMP:20260415T205720
CREATED:20250606T212254Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250611T165021Z
UID:14447-1750876200-1750881600@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Globalist Coffeehouse: Defining our Vital Interests in a New Century
DESCRIPTION:As a country and world power\, we are in a period of transition\, from how we approach both our allies and potential adversaries to the impact of technology\, from drone warfare to cybertechnology and even AI. We are in the process of redefining our role in the world. What are our vital interests? Is there a role for the US in promoting Democracy\, Human Rights\, and Development? How do we establish priorities and implement corresponding policies to serve our vital interests?\n\nWe hope you will join us for what will be a very timely and consequently “lively” conversation!\nREGISTER HERE\nFor more details contact: \nEllen Murry\, Co-chair\, of the Globalist Coffeehouse: ellen.murry@yahoo.com \nPolina Anastassieva\, Co-chair\, of the Globalist Coffeehouse: polina@wacaustin.org
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/globalist-coffeehouse-4/
CATEGORIES:Geopolitics,Member Social
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Globalist-logo.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250621T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250621T150000
DTSTAMP:20260415T205720
CREATED:20250508T224344Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250513T170623Z
UID:14488-1750510800-1750518000@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:World Affairs Councils of Austin and San Antonio Social
DESCRIPTION:It is time for our annual social with the World Affairs Councils of Austin and San Antonio.  Enjoy the afternoon and conversations with our friends from the Alamo City! \nThis event is invitation-only. Please notify us of your interest to receive an invitation by completing the form linked 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\n 
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/satx-social/
CATEGORIES:Member Social
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Social-June-2025-e1747155959100.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250611T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250611T130000
DTSTAMP:20260415T205720
CREATED:20250530T200659Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250530T200659Z
UID:14517-1749643200-1749646800@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Global Trade Recalibrated: Understanding Today's Tariff Approach
DESCRIPTION:The World Affairs Council of Austin and our partners at the Texas Camino Real District Export Council invite you to attend a webinar featuring Ricardo Carnevali\, Director of Capital Markets – Foreign Exchange at Comerica Bank.  Global Trade Recalibrated: Understanding Today’s Tariff Approach will provide a deeper look at the financial logic behind current U.S. trade policy and explore whether these strategies are moving the U.S. closer to achieving balanced trade.   \nREGISTER HERE\nRicardo Carnevali is the Capital Markets – Foreign Exchange Director at Comerica Bank in Dallas\, Texas. He brings over 20 years of experience in global markets\, derivatives\, and risk management. His leadership spans prominent institutions\, including Wells Fargo\, Citibank\, Toyota Financial Services\, and Ecobat\, where he specialized in advising multinational clients on navigating currency markets\, liquidity challenges\, and risk mitigation across North American and Latin American markets. Ricardo holds an MBA from Rice University\, a Master’s in Finance from the University of London\, and a BSc in Business Administration from the Universidad Metropolitana in Caracas\, Venezuela.
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/global-trade-recalibrated-understanding-todays-tariff-approach/
LOCATION:ONLINE
CATEGORIES:Austin Center for Global Trade,Business,Global Trade
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Ricardo-Carnevali-TARIFFS.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250529T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250529T190000
DTSTAMP:20260415T205720
CREATED:20250426T204907Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250510T230652Z
UID:14464-1748539800-1748545200@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Ranch to Runway
DESCRIPTION:Join the World Affairs Council of Austin and our guest speaker Nina Means of ACC Fashion Incubator for “Ranch to Runway”—an elegant evening exploring fashion\, trends\, and global influence. Experience lively conversation\, style inspiration\, and forward-thinking insights. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect\, learn\, and celebrate the future of fashion. \nThis event is invitation-only. Please notify us of your interest to receive an invitation by completing the form linked 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\n\n\n\nNina Means is the inaugural Director of the Austin Community College Fashion Incubator\, where she leads the development of industry-driven programs that empower students and emerging fashion businesses. Her work focuses on building strategic partnerships\, advancing digital transformation\, and bridging the gap between creativity and commerce in Austin’s growing fashion sector. \nNina first connected with Mortada Mohamed and the World Affairs Council of Austin through the ATX+EGYPT Global Fashion Technology Accelerator—an initiative funded by the U.S. State Department and the City of Austin Economic Development Department. This program exemplifies her commitment to fostering global exchange and innovation in fashion. \nWith a background that spans public health and international fashion design\, Nina has designed for brands such as Rebecca Taylor\, American Eagle Outfitters\, and H by Halston for QVC. She launched her own label in 2016 and has been recognized as a leader shaping Austin’s creative future in Austin Business Journal. Her accolades include features in WWD\, a cover story for Austin Woman Magazine\, being named one of 12 Women Shaping the Future of Austin by Austin Monthly\, and appearing in a documentary on building creative teams alongside leaders from Pixar and Google. \nCurrently pursuing her doctorate at the University of Texas at Austin\, Nina continues to champion equitable education and workforce development. She is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of fashion innovators and creating meaningful opportunities for Austin’s creative community. \n\n\n  \n  \nThis event is invitation-only. Please notify us of your interest to receive an invitation by completing the form linked 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
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/ranch-to-runway/
CATEGORIES:Business,cultural
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Nina-Means-Headshot-2.png
ORGANIZER;CN="ACC Fashion Incubator":MAILTO:fashion.incubator@austincc.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250521T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250521T190000
DTSTAMP:20260415T205720
CREATED:20250506T170551Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250506T173535Z
UID:14477-1747848600-1747854000@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:United States Foreign Policy in the New Century: Defining Vital Interests
DESCRIPTION:How will we define the vital interests of the U.S. related to our foreign policy in this new century? What should be our priorities\, and how will we assess tradeoffs from Geostrategy to Economics? Also\, what will be our role in promoting Human Rights\, Democracy\, and Development? Will we continue to lead America’s “Unfinished Fight for Democracy?” If so\, how? \nDr. Jeremi Suri\, the author of “Civil War By Other Means: America’s Long and Unfinished Fight for Democracy\,” will address these questions and issues in a very engaging program. \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 AN INVITATION HERE\nDr. Jeremi Suri holds the Mack Brown Distinguished Chair for Leadership in Global Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin. He is a professor in the University’s Department of History and the LBJ School of Public Affairs. Dr. Suri is the author and editor of eleven books on contemporary politics and foreign policy\, most recently Civil War By Other Means: America’s Long and Unfinished Fight for Democracy. His other books include The Impossible Presidency: The Rise and Fall of America’s Highest Office; Henry Kissinger and the American Century; Liberty’s Surest Guardian: American Nation-Building from the Founders to Obama; and Foreign Policy Breakthroughs: Cases in Successful Diplomacy (with Robert Hutchings). \nDr. Suri writes for major newspapers and magazines\, including the New York Times\, Washington Post\, Los Angeles Times\, New York Daily News\, Dallas Morning News\, Houston Chronicle\, Boston Globe\, The Atlantic\, Foreign Policy\, Foreign Affairs\, Fortune\, The American Prospect and Wired — as well as for various online sites and blogs. He is a popular public lecturer and appears frequently on radio and television. \nEducation:\nPh.D. in History\, Yale University\, 2001\nM.A. in History\, Ohio University\, 1996\nA.B. in History\, Stanford University\, 1994\n\n\nREQUEST AN INVITATION HERE
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/us-vital-interests/
CATEGORIES:Geopolitics
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Dr-Suri-e1746550626530.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250506T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250506T190000
DTSTAMP:20260415T205720
CREATED:20250502T034929Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250502T034929Z
UID:14470-1746554400-1746558000@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:World Now: Human Scale - A Conversation with Lawrence Wright
DESCRIPTION:In his new political thriller The Human Scale\, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Lawrence Wright tells the story of an Israeli cop and a Palestinian-American FBI agent who join forces to solve the murder of an Israeli police chief in the West Bank – set against the backdrop of the decades-long Israel-Palestine conflict. \nWright joins us on WorldNow to discuss how his novel\, which concludes on October 8th\, 2023\, underscores the human cost of this longstanding conflict. As he writes at the end of the book: “One cannot hope for an end to the strife without acknowledging the separate histories that each side claims.” \nA staff writer at The New Yorker\, Wright has spent decades reporting from the Middle East as a journalist\, playwright\, and novelist. He won the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11\, his acclaimed nonfiction account of the rise of Al-Qaeda. \n“The politics in this book are impossible to ignore; indeed\, they’re the point. Wright is thorough in his recounting of key elements of the conflict.” – The New York Times\nREGISTER HERE\nLawrence Wright is an author\, screenwriter\, playwright\, and staff writer for The New Yorker magazine. \nHe is the author of eleven nonfiction books. His book about the rise of al-Qaeda\, “The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11” (Knopf\, 2006)\, was published to immediate and widespread acclaim. It won numerous awards\, including the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction. It was made into a series for Hulu in 2018\, starring Jeff Daniels\, Alec Baldwin\, and Tahar Rahim. \nWright has published four novels\, “Noriega: God’s Favorite” (Simon and Schuster\, 2000) which was made into a Showtime movie starring Bob Hoskins; “The End of October” (Knopf\, 2020)\, a bestseller about a viral pandemic that came out right at the beginning of COVID; “Mr. Texas” (Knopf\, 2023)\, which has been optioned as a limited streaming series; and his most recent novel\, “The Human Scale\,” released in the spring of 2025. \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.
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/world-now-human-scale-a-conversation-with-lawrence-wright/
LOCATION:ONLINE
CATEGORIES:author,educational,Geopolitics
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lawrence-Wright.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="World Affairs Council of Connecticut":MAILTO:info@ctwac.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250430T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250430T200000
DTSTAMP:20260415T205720
CREATED:20250409T170158Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250410T222838Z
UID:14443-1746037800-1746043200@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Globalist Coffeehouse: The Role of Art as a Reflection of Cultural Values
DESCRIPTION:How does art reflect cultural values around the world? From Africa to the Asia Pacific to Europe or even to the Middle East\, we share one commonality—the existence of art. Whether it is architecture\, literature\, music\, sculpture\, or visual art\, everyone has their own beliefs and values. \n \nStarting from the Neanderthal cave paintings to the most avant garde architecture of the 21st-century\, art has motivated and inspired human beings. What drives each society to reflect on their values in such various ways? What do you think about how this  portrays each culture? \n \nI hope you will join us for what will be a very timely and consequently “lively” conversation! Please use the link below to register.\nREGISTER HERE\nFor more details contact: \nEllen Murry\, Co-chair\, of the Globalist Coffeehouse: ellen.murry@yahoo.com \nPolina Anastassieva\, Co-chair\, of the Globalist Coffeehouse: polina@wacaustin.org \n 
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/globalist-coffeehouse-the-role-of-art-as-a-reflection-of-cultural-values/
LOCATION:Khon Thai Kitchen\, 5800 Burnet Road\, Austin\, 78756\, United States
CATEGORIES:Member Social
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Globalist-logo.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250417T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250417T190000
DTSTAMP:20260415T205720
CREATED:20250402T205219Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250403T230428Z
UID:14434-1744911000-1744916400@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Africa: The Good\, the Bad\, and the Ugly
DESCRIPTION:Former Ambassador Larry Andre\, currently with the L.B.J. School\, previously presented a program on Africa to the World Affairs Council. He will return to discuss a continent that has seen radical change in the very recent past. The media tends to focus on a continent facing civil war\, militant Islam/terrorism\, famine\, and even genocide. Is it an accurate portrayal? No. Many African countries offer stability and opportunity to their citizens. Professor Andre will briefly discuss a few positive examples. \nAmerican influence in Africa has suffered a setback due to the abrupt cancellation of USAID. Given the importance of some forms of foreign aid in advancing U.S. goals\, influence\, and interests\, Professor Andre will discuss how vital foreign aid functions can operate “post-USAID.” What should the U.S. humanitarian response be for global health\, development aid\, technical aid\, and security assistance? \nREGISTER HERE
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/africa-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/
LOCATION:Neill-Cochran House Museum\, 2310 San Gabriel Street\, Austin\, TX\, 78705\, United States
CATEGORIES:Africa,educational,Geopolitics
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/LarryAndre-e1734203461203.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250410T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250410T093000
DTSTAMP:20260415T205720
CREATED:20250401T224933Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250405T213949Z
UID:14424-1744272000-1744277400@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Quebec Semiconductor Delegation Reception
DESCRIPTION:You’re invited to a networking breakfast welcoming a trade delegation of Québec semiconductor companies \nThe Québec Government\, the World Affairs Council of Austin\, the Global Affairs Society\, and St. Edwards University would like to invite you to connect with companies in the semiconductor sector. This event offers a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas\, build professional relationships\, and strengthen the connections that drive the Austin and Québec semiconductor industries forward. \nWe hope you will join us for a dynamic discussion as we continue collaborating to shape the future of global trade in this thriving industry. \n  \nPlease RSVP to: Eglantine Pauvarel Moss eglantine.pauvarelmoss@mri.gouv.qc.ca
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/quebec-semiconductor-reception/
LOCATION:St. Edwards University\, 3001 S Congress Avenue\, Austin\, TX\, 78704\, United States
CATEGORIES:Americas,Austin Center for Global Trade,Business,Global Trade
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Quebec-Networking-2025.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250331T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250331T120000
DTSTAMP:20260415T205720
CREATED:20250322T192423Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250322T192423Z
UID:14408-1743418800-1743422400@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Foreign Policy ONLINE Town Hall with Senator Chris Murphy
DESCRIPTION:Join fellow World Affairs Councilmembers from across the nation for a town hall on U.S. Foreign Policy. We’ll address the massive changes to the State Department\, the role of the U.S. in conflicts around the world\, and relationships with allies and adversaries alike. \nREGISTER HERE\nAbout Senator Murphy\n \nU.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT)\, is a member of the Foreign Relations Committee; the Health\, Education\, Labor\, and Pensions Committee; and the Appropriations Committee. He previously served three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives\, representing Connecticut’s fifth congressional district. Before being elected to Congress\, he served for eight years in the Connecticut state legislature.
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/foreign-policy-online-town-hall-with-senator-chris-murphy/
LOCATION:ONLINE
CATEGORIES:diplomatic,educational,Geopolitics
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Senator-Chris-Murphy-e1742671388682.png
ORGANIZER;CN="World Affairs Council of Connecticut":MAILTO:info@ctwac.org
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250326T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250326T193000
DTSTAMP:20260415T205720
CREATED:20250312T230819Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250312T230819Z
UID:14402-1743013800-1743017400@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Globalist Coffeehouse: The "World Order" and US National Security in Transition
DESCRIPTION:The “World Order” that has defined American “National Security” since the years after WWII is now in transition. What does this mean for the US and the rest of the world? US National Security was previously defined as containing the spread of Communism\, encouraging democracy\, creating a transnational economic system based on the dollar\, and promoting economic growth and stability for countries and our multinational corporations.  \nHow will “National Security” be determined in the future? What policies will result from this transition as it relates to US allies and adversaries? Some would use the term “pivot.” Others view it more ominously as the end of the post-World War II era and a new one that appears more transactional\, centered in national self-interest at the expense of alliances\, and less interested in shared responsibilities and democratic values.\nREGISTER HERE
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/globalist-coffeehouse-the-world-order-and-us-national-security-in-transition/
LOCATION:5280 Burger and Taphouse\, 7032 Wood Hollow Dr\, Austin\, TX\, 78731\, United States
CATEGORIES:Member Social
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Globalist-logo.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250319T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250319T190000
DTSTAMP:20260415T205720
CREATED:20250211T235959Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250212T000033Z
UID:14368-1742407200-1742410800@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:WorldNow: The Future of Borders with Edward Alden
DESCRIPTION:Join your fellow World Affairs Council of Austin members for this WorldNow virtual conversation.  In its first few weeks\, the Trump administration announced sweeping changes to immigration policy – from mass deportations and a migrant detention center at Guantanamo Bay to suspending asylum and trying to restrict birthright citizenship. What is the cost of these policies – to citizens and noncitizens alike? \nCFR’s Edward Alden joins us on WorldNow with Jim Falk to explain the economic\, social\, and international impact of the new administration’s border policies and mass deportations. \n \n\nMeet the Author\nEdward Alden is Bernard L. Schwartz Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. Alden’s career spans more than three decades in journalism\, think tanks\, and academia. He was the bureau chief for the Financial Times newspaper in Toronto\, Canada\, and Washington\, DC before joining the Council on Foreign Relations in 2007. \nIn addition to his own books and articles\, he has worked with senior US policymakers on in-depth investigations of issues such as US immigration policy\, US trade policy\, border security\, and the future of work. Since 2019 he has also been a visiting professor at Western Washington University\, and he currently writes a column for Foreign Policy. \nMeet the Host\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. Jim also hosts Perspectives Matter\, which airs weekly on KERA-Dallas (PBS). He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. \n\nWhen the World Closed Its Doors: The Covid-19 Tragedy and the Future of Borders by Edward Alden and Laurie Trautman \nA detailed exploration of the most sweeping government border closures in human history during the Covid-19 pandemic and the implications for the future of global mobility.\nIn When the World Closed Its Doors\, Edward Alden and Laurie Trautman tell the story of how nearly every country in the world shut its borders to respond to an external threat and explain how this global shock to the system ended up transforming state border policies around the world. \nThey detail the consequences of the COVID border restrictions – couples separated for years\, children blocked from reuniting with their parents\, container ship workers moving essential goods trapped at sea\, pregnant citizens barred from returning home – and explain why governments used their harshest containment measures on those coming from outside. \nThroughout\, Alden and Trautman focus on human stories to show the multiple impacts that states’ increasing restrictiveness has had – economic\, demographic\, social\, and political. And the fallout continues: governments left unchecked will continue to restrict borders with little regard to the collateral damage and disruption they cause. \nA sweeping overview of the re-bordering of the world\, both during and after 2020\, this synthetic\, wide-angle view of a singular shock to the international systems of travel and migration highlights why citizens need better protections and governments more robust guardrails. \nGet a copy of When the World Closed Its Doors
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/worldnow-the-future-of-borders-with-edward-alden/
LOCATION:ONLINE
CATEGORIES:educational,Geopolitics,Security
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Book-Cover-Closed.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="World Affairs Council of Connecticut":MAILTO:info@ctwac.org
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250311T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250311T210000
DTSTAMP:20260415T205720
CREATED:20241214T192310Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250308T174541Z
UID:14299-1741694400-1741726800@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Asia x Austin International Market Summit
DESCRIPTION:The Asia x Austin International Market Summit returns for 2025! \nIn “Asian Market Briefings” we’ll hear from international trade experts and country representatives about business and investment opportunities in some of Asia’s most dynamic and robust markets. Hong Kong\, Japan\, Malaysia and India. \nEvent Launch Agenda: \n12:00 | Registration\n12:30 | GAACC Welcome & Summit Sponsors\n12:45 | Regional Economic Ecosystem\n12:50 | Why Austin\n1:00 | Central Texas Cities\n1:30 | Asian Markets Briefings\n2:30 | Closing Remarks \n  \nDETAILS for Full Day AND RSVP HERE
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/asia-x-austin-international-market-summit-2/
LOCATION:Austin Central Library\, 710 West Cesar Chavez Street\, Austin\, TX\, 78701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Asia,Business,Global Trade
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/AsiaXAustin-2025-e1734204040619.png
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END:VCALENDAR