Kozmetsky Forum featuring Rodger Baker, Senior VP for Strategic Analysis at Stratfor
2020-10-06 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | ONLINE
The World Affairs Council of Austin has partnered with the Kozmetsky Center of Excellence in Global Finance at St. Edward’s University to offer a series of Forums on Global Investment, Finance, Emerging Markets and Geopolitical Risk. Our next Forum will feature Rodger Baker. Rodger Baker leads Stratfor’s strategic thinking on global issues and future trends. As Stratfor’s senior analyst, Mr. Baker guides the company’s analytical process, to include the development of international analyst teams to refine their understanding and application of Stratfor’s proprietary methodology grounded in the study of applied geopolitics and intelligence analysis. Read more about Mr. Baker here.
Mr. Baker will discuss security/economic developments in the Indo-Pacific region (India, China, and other nations).

Conversation with Jordan Price, Honorary Consul General of Malawi
2020-11-12 13:00 - 13:30
Malawi’s Honorary Consul General Jordan Price will provide attendees with an opportunity to learn about events and opportunities in Malawi, as well initiatives in Austin and Texas. This program will be moderated by Abdallah Mahmoud, the City of Austin’s Emerging Markets Program Specialist.

America and the World: U.S. Ambassadors' Perspectives on Diplomacy in Foreign Policy
2020-11-23 12:00 - 14:00
On November 23, 12:00-2:00 PM, the World Affairs Council of Austin and the Kozmetsky Center will offer a panel discussion with U.S. Ambassadors assessing the importance of the diplomatic tool in American foreign policy with reference to professional experience and U.S. global interests.
The session will be moderated by Kozmetsky Center Director, Dr. Sharyl Cross and will feature Mary Ann Peters, U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh 2000-2003; Ken Yalowitz U.S. Ambassador to Belarus 1994-1997 and Georgia 1998-2001; and Roger Harrison U.S. Ambassador to Jordan 1990-1993.

Kozmetsky Forum featuring Melissa Sanderson on Global Business Operations and Investment in Africa
2020-12-01 12:00 - 13:00 | ONLINE
The World Affairs Council of Austin has partnered with the Kozmetsky Center of Excellence in Global Finance at St. Edward’s University to offer a series of Forums on Global Investment, Finance, Emerging Markets and Geopolitical Risk. Our next Forum will feature Melissa Sanderson, former U.S. Foreign Service Officer serving in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Vice-President of Global Affairs at Freeport McMoRan, Inc; Chair of the Arizona District Export Council; Chair of the Mining Committee, Arizona Mexico Commission; and President of Mel Sanderson Consulting. Ms. Sanderson will discuss her extensive work in the Congo and throughout the world on the topic “Perspective on Global Business Operations and Investment in Africa: Importance of Empathy and Values.”

The Globalist Coffeehouse
2021-01-21 18:30 - 19:30 | ONLINE
Please join like-minded “global thinkers” for a monthly discussion on the major political/economic issues that our world is currently experiencing.
Initially this event will be a virtual zoom discussion with break out groups.
This month’s topic will be:
The Middle East – Challenges and Opportunities.
We now have a new administration which will face opportunities but also challenges in the Middle East almost immediately upon taking office. With Turkey, we have a NATO member often aligning itself with Russia. In Israel, we have territorial expansionism with domestic uncertainty.
And then there is Iran, where provocations abound – from seizing a Korean tanker in the Strait of Hormuz to increasing their uranium enrichment quota – in a response to US sanctions. While in Saudi Arabia and some of the Gulf States, there is a rapprochement with Israel over the perceived Iranian/Shia threat.
What should our priorities be in addressing these issues? Dr. Roy Casagranda, with Austin Community College, and an expert on the Middle East, will join us initially and provide a brief context to begin what will be a very lively discussion.
To register and receive the zoom invitation, please click here.
For more details contact:
Ellen Murry, WAC Advisory Board
ellen.murry@yahoo.com
Polina Anastassieva, WAC Management Team
polina@wac.org

Kozmetsky Forum on U.S.-China Relations: What are the near- and mid-term prospects for 2021 and beyond?
2021-02-02 12:00 - 13:00 | ONLINE
The World Affairs Council of Austin has partnered with the Kozmetsky Center of Excellence in Global Finance at St. Edward’s University to offer a series of Forums on Global Investment, Finance, Emerging Markets and Geopolitical Risk. Our next Forum will focus on U.S.-China Relations.
How will the transition from the Trump Administration to the Biden Administration affect U.S. policy toward China? In what policy areas will we see continuity and in what areas will we see change? What are the near- and mid-term prospects for the U.S.-China relationship in 2021 and beyond? George H. W. Bush Foundation for U.S.-China Relations president and CEO David Firestein, a former U.S. diplomat and prominent expert on U.S.-China relations, will share his assessments and predictions.

Globalist Coffeehouse
2021-02-25 18:30 - 19:30 | ONLINE
Please join like-minded “global thinkers” for a monthly discussion on the major political/economic issues that our world is currently experiencing.
Thursday, February 25th, 6:30 -7:30 p.m.
This month’s topic will be:
“US” in the 21st Century
The retrenchment from global leadership over the last few years has caused many to question and possibly reassess U.S. global leadership. With a new administration, what actions can we take to reassert our leadership in the world? Or, has the country and the world changed too much to let this happen? Will we be driving the train or just listening and partnering in multi-polar world?
On the other hand, official policies do not necessarily reflect personal relationships. What are some of your own experiences living and traveling abroad? What did you learn from the people you met and befriended about their attitude towards our country? Do you think that they still feel the same way today? Please join us for what will be a very interesting and lively discussion.
Initially this event will be a virtual zoom discussion.
To register and receive the zoom invitation, please click below:

For more details contact:

Ellen Murry, WAC Advisory Board
ellen.murry@yahoo.com
Polina Anastassieva, WAC management team
polina@wacaustin.org

Stavros Lambrinidis, European Union Ambassador to the United States, among Featured Speakers in March
2021-03-26 16:00 - 17:00
March programs:
2nd at 12:00pm Kozmetsky Forum on Developing a Diverse Internship Portfolio //
3rd at 9:00am UK Fireside Chat with Kunal Khatri, UK’s Deputy HM Trade Commissioner for the USA and Geoffrey Camp, Aerospace and Defense State Director at the Oklahoma Department of Commerce //
3rd at 1:45pm Case Study on Social Entrepreneurship in Latin America use promo code VIP01 //
3rd at 5:00pm Global Perspectives with Richard N. Haass, President of the Council on Foreign Relations //
6th at 4:00pm Promoting US-Japan Exchange during COVID and Beyond //
16th – 20th EU@SXSW Programming with European Union Ambassador to the United States Stavros Lambrinidis among featured speakers //
18th at 6:30pm Globalist Coffeehouse on the Future of Currencies //
24th at 5:00pm Walter Isaacson: The Code Breaker – Gene Editing and the Future of the Human Race, Professor of History at Tulane, former CEO of the Aspen Institute //

Globalist Coffeehouse on the Quad and its Role in the Indo-Pacific
2021-04-15 18:30 - 19:30 | ONLINE
The Austin World Affairs Council, in association with the San Antonio WAC Young Professionals, will host the Globalist Coffeehouse on Thursday, April 15th, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. The topic is:

The “Quad” and its role in the Indo-Pacific as a counterbalance to China.
Recently, the Quad has been in the news. Since 2004 the “Quadrilateral Security Dialogue,” composed of Australia, India, Japan, and the US, has been meeting informally and conducting joint regional military exercises.
Now China’s politically motived sanctions of Australian commodities, Japan’s alarm over incursions by the Chinese Navy into disputed waters in the East China Sea, and a deadly clash between India and China in the Himalayas have all caused relations between the Quad countries and China to plummet.
President Biden recently hosted a summit of the Quad to address China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region. What are the next steps in the process? Will the Quad evolve into an organization along the line of NATO as a counterbalance to China? Will the Quad be able to demonstrate that they can address and even solve the economic, transnational, and environmental challenges in the Indo-Pacific region?
Please join us, along with the San Antonio WAC Young Professionals, in what will be a very interesting discussion on the future of everyone’s relationship to China.
Jeffery Tunis will provide an introduction to this topic. He is a retired foreign service officer who had numerous postings throughout Asia and will bring a very insightful focus to the conversation.

Ellen Murry, WAC Advisory Board

ellen.murry@yahoo.com

Polina Anastassieva, WAC management team
polina@wacaustin.org

Ambassador Hyoeun Jenny Kim among Featured Speakers in April
2021-04-26 18:00 - 19:30 | ONLINE
April events:
6th at 12:00pm Kozmetsky Forum featuring Donovan Blaylock, Research Principal at Sailpoint, on Cybersecurity Threats and Challenges//
15th at 10:00am Europe Webinar Series: Doing Business in Germany //
15th at 6:30pm Globalist Coffeehouse on the Quad and its Role in the Indo-Pacific //
16th at 9:00am UK Fireside Chat on Smart Cities with British Consul General Richard Hyde //
19th-25th Climate Week 2021 featuring Ambassador Hyoeun Jenny Kim, Deputy Director-General of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) //

NATO 2030: Strengthening the Alliance to Address New Security Threats
2021-05-17 12:00 - 2021-05-27 17:00 | ONLINE
With the next Summit of Allied Leaders set to take place at NATO headquarters in Brussels on June 14, the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA) will host a forward-looking online speaker series from May 17th-27th. High-level NATO officials and ambassadors from Allied countries will discuss the following critical topics:
May 17th: “NATO as Strategic Anchor – Arms Control and Russia”
May 19th: “21st Century Dilemmas of a Nuclear Alliance”
May 20th: “Climate, Security, and Green Defense”
May 24th: “Outer Space as a Domain”
May 25th: “Energy Security and Resilient Trade”
May 27th: “Emerging and Disruptive Technology (EDT) and Cybersecurity”

Visit the NATO2030 Series Website!

NOTE: Separate registration is required for each and every program in this special series.

Globalist Coffeehouse: Food Diplomacy
2021-05-20 18:30 - 19:30 | ONLINE
Please join like-minded “global thinkers” for a monthly discussion on the major political/economic issues that our world is currently experiencing. Depending on COVID-19 numbers, we hope to host an in-person series of the Globalist in June or July!
This month’s topic is:
Food Diplomacy
“Food Diplomacy” can be described as an interesting international business strategy that can bring countries together or even divide them. Think back to the days when kings would host banquets and lure their enemies to share secrets. At the same time, food has also brought us closer. Think about all the varying restaurants and neighborhoods in our country – Thai, Persian, Indian, even Italian.
What about cultural and religious food taboos in business and diplomacy? What is the role of food as “soft power” or food scarcity as a source of conflict, especially as we face the impact of climate change? Let’s discuss some of your own business and personal culinary experiences abroad. Food always has and will be a common denominator amidst all our differences.

For more details contact:

Ellen Murry, WAC Advisory Board
ellen.murry@yahoo.com
Polina Anastassieva, WAC management team
polina@wacaustin.org

Iran: Upcoming Elections & U.S. Diplomacy
2021-06-09 11:30 - 12:30 | ONLINE
Learn more about Iran’s elections and the impact on U.S. diplomacy.
Panelists include:
-Ambassador Thomas Shannon Jr.
Senior International Policy Advisor, Arnold & Porter
-Dr. Roxanne Farmanfarmaian
University of Cambridge, Department of Politics & International Studies
-Dr. Ben Radd
UCLA Center for Middle East Development

Speakers:

Ambassador Thomas Shannon Jr.
Senior International Policy Advisor @Arnold & Porter
Ambassador Thomas A. Shannon, Jr. brings more than three decades of government service and diplomatic experience to his practice, providing strategic counsel to clients across a range of legislative, foreign policy, and national security issues. Most recently, Ambassador Shannon served as Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, the third highest ranking position at the State Department. Holding the personal rank of Career Ambassador, he was the highest ranking member of the United States Foreign Service, the country’s professional diplomatic corps. During his tenure as Under Secretary, Ambassador Shannon was in charge of bilateral and multilateral foreign policymaking and implementation, and oversaw diplomatic activity globally and in our missions to international organizations. He managed the State Department during the presidential transition, led bilateral and strategic stability talks with the Russian Federation, worked with our allies to oversee Iranian compliance.

Dr. Ben Radd (MODERATOR)
@UCLA Center for Middle East Development
Dr. Benjamin Radd is a Political Scientist at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he teaches global studies, international relations, public diplomacy, and comparative law. Dr. Radd is an expert on the government and politics of the Middle East, with an emphasis on Iran and US-Iranian foreign policy. He is also a teaching fellow at the UCLA Center for Middle East Development and a member of the UCLA International Institute. Dr. Radd holds a PhD in Political Science from UCLA and a JD from Stanford Law School.

Dr. Roxanne Farmanfarmaian
@University of Cambridge, Department of Politics & International Studies
Dr Roxane Farmanfarmaian is a University of Cambridge academic, specialist in Iranian and Gulf politics, media commentator and public speaker. She is Director of International Studies and Global Politics at the University of Cambridge Institute for Continuing Education and a Senior Associate Fellow at the European Leadership Network. Her publications include Blood and Oil: A Prince’s Memoir of Iran From the Shah to the Ayatollah, and recently, articles in The Hill, Foreign Policy and Responsible Statecraft. She has a PhD and MPhil from the University Cambridge and a BA from Princeton. She lives in London and has a son attending the University of Southern California.

Conversation with Todd Chapman, U.S. Ambassador to Brazil
2021-06-15 12:00 - 13:00 | ONLINE
Join the World Affairs Council of Austin for a special conversation with Todd C. Chapman, U.S. Ambassador to Brazil. Ambassador Chapman will discuss current events in Brazil as well as the Texas-Brazil relationship with Political Officer Ian Brown at the U.S. Embassy in Brazil.

Todd C. Chapman is the U.S. Ambassador to Brazil. He was nominated by President Donald Trump on October 30, 2019, confirmed by the U.S. Senate on February 20, 2020 and arrived in Brazil on March 29, 2020. A career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Ambassador Chapman earlier served as U.S. Ambassador to Ecuador from 2016 – 2019.
Ambassador Chapman’s career has focused on promoting economic development and security partnerships around the world. He previously served as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Political Military Affairs at the Department of State (2014-2016); Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy Brasilia, Brazil (2011-2014); Senior Deputy Coordinator for Economic Affairs, U.S. Embassy Kabul, Afghanistan (2010-2011); and Chargé d’Affaires at U.S. Embassy Maputo, Mozambique (2007-2010). Earlier assignments included Bolivia, Costa Rica, Nigeria, Taiwan, and several tours at the Department of State in Washington D.C.
Ambassador Chapman first came to Brazil in 1974 when his father’s U.S. company transferred the family to Sao Paulo. He attended Escola Maria Imaculada (Chapel School) where he graduated in 1980. Before joining the Foreign Service, he worked as a commercial banker in New York and Saudi Arabia, and later as a business consultant in Brazil and his hometown of Houston, Texas. Altogether, he has lived in Brazil for 11 years.
Ambassador Chapman earned an A.B. in History from Duke University in 1983, and a M.S. in Strategic Intelligence from the Joint Military Intelligence College in 2000.
He is joined in Brazil by his wife of 34 years Janetta Chapman and they are the proud parents of two sons, Joshua and Jason, and daughter-in-law Brooke, all who reside in Denver, Colorado.

Event hosted by:

The Globalist Coffeehouse: The Global Rise of Populism - What Does it Mean for the World’s Democracies?
2021-06-17 18:30 - 19:30 | ONLINE
Over the last decade, there has been a rise in populist and authoritarian regimes around the world. From the increasing influence of authoritarian countries like China to the retreat of democracy across Eurasia and the former Soviet Bloc countries. You have Marine Le Pen and xenophobia in France and Modi in India where the rise of Hindu nationalism threatens Muslims and other minorities. The same trend is found in the Americas and Africa.
Right-wing populism is not a monolith, yet there are some common elements: nationalistic traits, xenophobia, a tendency towards authoritarianism, opposition to immigration, discontent with multi-culturalism/social liberalism and an anti-elitist message.
So what is the solution? How do democracies address this trend? While the focus of our discussion will be mostly global, some would also suggest that recently even the U.S. has been experiencing a similar process.
Please join us for what will certainly be a lively conversation.

For more details contact:
Ellen Murry, WAC Advisory Board
ellen.murry@yahoo.com
Polina Anastassieva, WAC Management Team
polina@wacaustin.org

Kozmetsky Forum on Global Investment, Finance, Emerging Markets and Geopolitical Risk
2021-09-07 12:00 - 13:00 | ONLINE
The World Affairs Council of Austin and the Kozmetsky Center of Excellence in Global Finance at St. Edward’s University host a series of Forums on Global Investment, Finance, Emerging Markets and Geopolitical Risk. Our next Forum focusing on political risk will feature Joseph Sadek.
Joseph was the 2016 co-Chair of the Conference on Management Political Risk at The Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy at Tufts University, and is currently a Research Manager in Financial Services. He holds a Master’s Degree in International Relations from The Fletcher School, and a Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies from The Ohio State University.
The Kozmetsky Forums will be held on Zoom during the fall of 2021.

Globalist Coffeehouse: Afghanistan - What’s Next?
2021-09-16 18:30 - 19:30 | ONLINE
Please join like-minded “global thinkers” for a monthly discussion on the major political/economic issues that our world is currently experiencing. Due to the Delta-Variant, this will be an online zoom discussion. Hopefully, in the future, we will be able to return to an in-person discussion at the Shoal Creek Saloon. The topic will be Afghanistan.

Over the course of the last month, we have seen the immense changes that have occurred in Afghanistan. To say that the withdrawal was not well managed would be an understatement. However, there are a variety of complex issues that arise from this. Can the Taliban even be trusted? What role do countries such as Iran, Russia, China, Pakistan, and even India have in filling in the vacuum our departure has created? How has this impacted the credibility of the United States? The President of France has asked the question: Can the U.S. be trusted? What about our ongoing commitments elsewhere in the world – from the Middle East to Asia? Finally, there are the allies and comrades that we left behind. What is their future?
From the state department perspective, some have suggested that the lack of tours of duty sufficient to master the problems and the confusion of policy and implementation are both ongoing issues, and not just for Afghanistan. For a more historical perspective, others have cited an “imperial aversion to instability,” from the British in 19th century Sudan, to our own years in Vietnam. And now perhaps Afghanistan?
How will our Afghanistan experience impact our actions and foreign policy decisions in the future?
Please join us for what will be a very lively discussion.

For further information please contact:
Ellen Murry, WAC Advisory Board

ellen.murry@yahoo.com

Polina Anastassieva, WAC management team
polina@wacaustin.org
We have also included some suggested articles for further reading on this topic.
https://foreignpolicy.com/projects/leaving-afghanistan/
China, Russia Look to Outflank U.S. in Afghanistan
Intervention: Unlearned Lessons, or the Gripes of a Professional

Global Security Forum 2021
2021-10-02 07:50 - 14:30 | ONLINE
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?
Featured 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.

10th Annual Texas-EU Business Summit
2021-11-09 08:00 - 19:00 | San Jacinto Meeting Rooms, 309 E 21st St, Austin, TX, 78712, United States
In its 10th year, the Texas-EU 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 footprint, focusing on promoting the international trade capacity of Texas businesses and economic development organizations while creating greater awareness regarding the benefits of exporting.
The Texas-EU Business Summit sessions are led by business leaders, trade and investment officials from EU countries, trade policy experts and political officials.
Event hosts include:
The Center for European Studies, the University of Texas at Austin,
Austin Community College,
The Consulate General of Ireland in Austin,
The Kozmetsky Center of Excellence at St. Edwards University,
The Texas-Central & Eastern Europe Tech Summit
and
Pendas International

Transatlantic Security Forum - "NATO, Russia, China: World Order and 21st Century Global Security Challenges”
2021-11-15 09:00 - 2021-11-17 12:00 | ONLINE
The Kozmetsky Center of Excellence at St. Edward’s University and the Center for European Studies and Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies at the University of Texas at Austin will co-sponsor our seventh annual “Transatlantic Security Forum” entitled “NATO, Russia, China: World Order and 21st Century Global Security Challenges” on November 15-17, 2021 with support of the United States Department of Education Title VI National Resource Program. The seventh session will be held in cooperation with the Public Diplomacy Engagement Division of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization NATO, Research Committee on Geopolitics of the International Political Science Association (IPSA) and World Affairs Council Austin. Featured speakers include Ambassador Baiba Braže, NATO Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy; Dr. Andrew A. Michta, Dean, George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies; Dr. Su Hao Distinguished Professor, Department of Diplomacy and founding Director of Center for Strategic and Peace Studies, China Foreign Affairs University; Dr. Igor A. Zevelev, Global Policy Scholar, Kennan Institute, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars;
Dr. Jamie Shea, Professor of Strategy and Security, Strategy and Security Institute, University of Exeter and former Assistant Secretary General NATO, Emerging Security Challenges;
Dr. Dmitry Suslov, Deputy Director at the Center for Comprehensive European and International Studies, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow; Dr. Mark N. Katz, Professor of Government and Politics, George Mason University Schar School of Policy and Government; Dr. Julian Lindley French, Senior Fellow, Institute for Statecraft in London, Director of Europa Analytica, Netherlands and founder of The Alphen Group and several other leading experts representing a diversity of national perspectives in the United States, Europe and Asia.
The forum dialogue will focus on implications of shifting global relationships and world order for transatlantic and broader global security. Among major topics, speakers will assess the impact of COVID19 to include discussion of political systems, values and responsiveness to the pandemic, lessons of the withdrawal from the twenty-year war in Afghanistan, consequences of climate change, weapons proliferation and terrorism, regional clashes and conflicts, cyber and information security, competing visions of world order, geopolitical and security implications of shifting relationships among major powers and other topics of critical relevance to transatlantic and global security. We are especially interested in facilitating dialogue among a diversity of national and regional experts exploring the most pressing security challenges facing the global community at this critical juncture contributing to deepening understanding of opportunities and obstacles to advancing security cooperation among nations.
For conference agenda and additional information click on the image below:

Kozmetsky Forum on Geopolitical Risk Featuring Dr. Beat Habegger
2022-02-01 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
The World Affairs Council of Austin and the Kozmetsky Center of Excellence in Global Finance at St. Edward’s University host a series of Forums on Global Investment, Finance, Emerging Markets and Geopolitical Risk. Our next Forum on managing (geo-)political risk will feature Dr. Beat Habegger, Global Fellow and Executive in Residence at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy. Understanding the risk management processes and considerations of globally operating insurance companies in terms of political risks will provide attendees with relevant insights for managing exposure in their respective industries.

Beat Habegger, PhD is an independent advisor on risk & resilience, sustainability, public affairs, and strategic foresight, leveraging 20 years of professional experience in multinational companies, private consultancies, think thanks, and public policy. He supports private and public sector institutions as well as individuals with topical, analytical, strategic, and communicative expertise to better navigate uncertain and complex situations and environments.

After Merkel: The Future of Transatlantic Security
2022-02-23 12:15 - 13:30 | ONLINE
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.
Will 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?
This 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:

Dr. Sharyl N. Cross, Director, Kozmetsky Center for Excellence (St. Edward’s)
Dr. Sebastian Bruns, McCain Fulbright Visiting Professor (US Naval Academy, Annapolis)

Globalist Coffeehouse: Cybersecurity as a National Security Threat
2022-03-17 18:30 - 19:30 | ONLINE
Cybersecurity has been called “one of the most serious national security threats facing the U.S.” It has been estimated that malicious cyber activity costs the U.S. economy between $57 to $109 billion dollars a year.
We have already fallen victim to cyber-attacks, one example being the hacks and leaks targeting the 2016 elections. And then last year, Russia used “backdoor” accesses to hack SolarWinds – located in Austin – and impacted approximately 250 federal agencies. Another threat is artificial intelligence driving the speed of misinformation. For instance, conspiracy theories around the pandemic.
The problem is not unique to America. Russia also uses misinformation to generate anti-refugee sentiment in the EU and undermine NATO. And just last week, we witnessed the cyber-attack on Ukraine’s infrastructure and defense systems. They are not the only players in this game. Others such as Israel, North Korea and China are also “hacking” the internet.
How and where will this issue be addressed? The current administration has introduced the Cyber Diplomacy Act. It established the Office of International Cyberspace Policy under the State Department, and invested $10 billion in IT and cybersecurity infrastructure, which is an excellent start. But is it enough given the threat, especially in relation to our total defense spending? So, what is the future of cyber technology and how should the U.S. and the international community respond?
Please join us for what will be a very lively discussion. Due to the Omicron-variant, this will be an online zoom discussion. Hopefully, in the future, we will be able to return to an in-person discussion at the Shoal Creek Saloon.

For further information please contact:
Ellen Murry, WAC Advisory Board
ellen.murry@yahoo.com
Polina Anastassieva, WAC management team
polina@wacaustin.org

Globalist Coffeehouse - International Waters: The Law of the Sea vs. a Country's Coastal Sovereignty
2022-04-21 18:30 - 19:30 | La Madeleine, 9828 Great Hills Trail, Suite 650, Austin, 78759, United States
***We are very pleased to announce that this month’s Globalist will be in person on Thursday, April 21st, 6:30–7:30 p.m.!! Please join us in the private dining room at La Madeleine’s located at 9828 Great Hills Trail, Suite 650, Austin, TX 78759.***
International Waters: The Law of the Sea vs. a Country’s Coastal Sovereignty
When we refer to a country’s border, we at least have a map as to where one country ends and another one begins. However, how do we define those boundaries on water?
International waters (high seas) do not belong to any individual country’s jurisdiction, and all have the right to fishing, navigation, overflight, laying cables and pipelines, as well as scientific research.
Beginning in the 1950s, international mandates have come to govern who has sovereignty over a country’s coastal waters. The Convention on the High Seas, defined “high seas” to mean “all parts of the sea that are not included in the territorial sea or in the internal waters of a State.” This was used as a foundation for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), signed in 1982, which recognized exclusive economic zones extending 200 nautical miles.
But competition for natural resources and a military presence have led countries like China to create their own definition of its coastal waters’ sovereignty – the Nine-Dash-Line. This has led to serious tensions among China’s regional neighbors, such as the Philippines and Vietnam. In the Arctic, Nordic Nations have their own boundary issues, with competition for resources with Russia.
What are the implications of all this in the South China Sea, but also for other countries with coastal boundaries? What will be the impact of climate change on coastal sovereignty?

From the Polish Cyber Frontlines to Texas. Lessons Learned and New US-EU Cybersecurity Opportunities
2022-06-22 12:00 - 14:00 | Capital Factory, 701 Brazos Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Explore way to learn from, and cooperate with, some of Poland’s most elite cybersecurity experts as they discuss their work in Europe combating one of the 21st centuries most pressing threats.

Wednesday, June 22, 2022
Panel, Lunch, & Networking: 12:00pm-2:00pm
Capital Factory, Captain America Room, 8th floor, 701 Brazos St, Austin, 78701
RSVP: Rafal.Sordyl (at) msz.gov.pl

Globalist Coffeehouse: What is the future of the UN in the 21st century?
2022-08-18 18:30 - 19:30 | Shoal Creek Saloon, 909 N. Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX, 78703, United States
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. This month’s topic is:

What is the future of the UN in the 21st century?
With an ongoing war in Ukraine, post-pandemic recovery, and a drastic climate change all around our planet, the future of the United Nations isn’t something that particularly comes to the top of our minds. The UN was originally established post-WWII, with the goal to prevent any future wars. The UN Charter was adopted on June 25, 1945, and took effect October 24th, that same year.

It is made up of 5 divisions/components – the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council, and the International Court of Justice. The UN is immune from the laws of the countries where they operate, seeing it is impartial to the host and member countries.

As stated in its charter, the primary role of the UN is to maintain peace and security throughout the world. Yet, in the Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syrian conflicts, the UN has been essentially irrelevant except for humanitarian aid. It has no role in the current China/Taiwan tensions, and its forces in Africa have not been particularly effective.
Is the UN irrelevant as many of its economic and national security responsibilities are handled by military and economic organizations – NATO, the EU, ASEAN, and the QUAD in Asia? While they have a constructive role in the international trade (WTO), they are often simply ignored. Even the composition of the Security Council (countries represented) reflects a politically bi-polar world that doesn’t exist today.
Some would say that the UN (WHO) has been effective with the distribution of the vaccine throughout the pandemic. It has also aided with the humanitarian food crisis caused by both the drought (climate change) and as a result of the war in Ukraine.
What should the role of the UN be in the 21st century – especially with climate change becoming the greatest global threat?

For more details contact:
Ellen Murry: ellen@wacaustin.org
Polina Anastassieva: polina@wacaustin.org

Cover to Cover - The Fifth Act: America's End in Afghanistan
2022-08-31 13:00 - 14:00 | ONLINE
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.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Elliot 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

Global Security Forum 2022
2022-09-23 07:50 - 14:30 | ONLINE
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.
The 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:

The 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.
Announced Speakers:

Admiral Dennis Blair, U.S. Navy (Ret.), Former Director of National Intelligence
Lieutenant General Mark Hertling, U.S. Army (Ret.), Former Commanding General of U.S.Army, Europe
Lieutenant General Jon Tyson Thomas, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), Former Deputy Commander, Pacific Air Forces
Dr. Carolyn Washington, Col., U.S. Army (Ret.), Women, Peace & Security Manager, Dept. of Homeland Security
Col. Bill Shelton, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), RAND Corporation
Lieutenant Col. Luke Knittig, U.S. Army (Ret.), Chief of External Relations for Power Africa, USAID
Cadet Chiara Wurdack, U.S. Military Academy
David E. Sanger, Chief Washington Correspondent, New York Times
Jillair Kubish, Executive Vice President of Business Operations, Colt’s Manufacturing
Rozlyn Engel, Chief Economic Strategist, The MITRE Corporation
Andre McMillian, Vice President of Sustainment Operations, Pratt & Whitney Military Engines
David Sanger, White House and National Security Correspondent, The New York Times
Arthur House, Former National Security and Intelligence Officer, State of CT

World Order, Challenges, Transition, Chaos? Western and Global Perspectives on Conflict in Ukraine
2022-09-26 12:00 - 14:00 | ONLINE
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.
ATTEND THE PROGRAM ON ZOOM: https://stedwards.zoom.us/s/99173603911

Diana Negroponte, author of Master Negotiator: James A. Baker, III’s Role at the End of the Cold War
2022-10-02 18:30 - 19:30 | ONLINE
*****EVENT CANCELLED ***
We are pleased to feature Diana Villiers Negroponte as our special guest speaker.
Author 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.

While 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).
She 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.
Her 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.
A copy of her book can be purchased separately, on websites such as Amazon.
