World Affairs Council of Austin

Sweden: Lessons for America?
2019-02-07 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | Whole Planet Foundation, 605 Henderson Street, Austin, TX, 78703, United States
Join Whole Planet Foundation and The Great Listening, with partners The Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce and the World Affairs Council of Austin, for a special screening of Johan Norberg’s “Sweden: Lessons for America?”

The documentary film, presented in partnership with Free to Choose Media, examines Sweden’s historical and economic evolution from one of the poorest to one of the most prosperous countries in the world. The film questions Americans’ misconceptions about Sweden’s “socialist” economy and explains the connection between Sweden’s enhanced quality of life and its prosperity due to free-markets.
After the film a 30-minute round table discussion and Q&A focusing on respectful, democratic dialogue will consider the film’s topic and how economic systems of countries impact poverty around the world. The round-table will feature Philip Sansone, Founder of Book People and President of the Whole Planet Foundation, Ben Ramirez of WAC Austin, and Henrik Johansson of the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce in Austin. The panel will be moderated by Whole Planet’s Director of Development, Joy Stoddard.

Yemen: Failed State and Dire Tragedy
2018-11-29 18:00 - 19:30 | Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel Street, Austin, TX, 78705, United States
Yemen is another front that openly exhibits Iran-Saudi Arabia geopolitical rivalry. History has come full circle: Yemen has become to Saudi Arabia what Vietnam was to the United States.
How did Yemen get to this point?
The World Affairs Council of Austin is pleased to have David Oualaalou (pronounced Walalou, known also as Dr. O) discuss the situation in Yemen and its impact on the Middle East.
Dr. David Oualaalou is an international geopolitical consultant, global speaker, award winning educator, author, and former international security analyst in Washington DC. He is also the founder of Global Perspective Consulting headquartered in Dallas, TX.
Dr. O’s unique background allows him to provide current and relevant insight on our world’s greatest challenges and issues within critical economic and security areas. His theoretic and practical real-world knowledge of how geopolitics, global security, energy issues, domestic and international business intersect is founded on his experience as a former international security analyst in Washington, D.C., his doctoral studies, and as a military veteran who worked in the field with elite military forces carrying out operations at the behest of U.S. policymakers.
Dr. Oualaalou is the author of Beneath the Veil: Fall of the House of Saud(2018), Volatile State: Iran in the Nuclear Age (2018), and The Ambiguous Foreign Policy of the United States toward the Muslim World: More than a Handshake (2016).

His editorials have appeared in newspapers and online journals, including The Huffington Post, Al Jazeera, the European Atlantic Council, Middle East & North Africa Forum, and the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong. Some of his articles have been translated into more than ten languages.

Agenda
6:00 PM Registration and networking

6:15 PM Speaker Presentation followed by Q&A
7:15 PM Additional networking
7:30 PM Event Concludes

Member Holiday Social
2018-11-28 17:00 - 19:00 | TBD
We appreciate your support of our programs throughout 2018. Please join your fellow World Affairs Council of Austin members for a celebratory toast, snacks, and camaraderie on Wednesday, November 28th from 5PM-7PM!
Members have received their invitations in the November newsletter.
If you would like to become a member and receive an exclusive invitation, subscribe here.

Conversation with H.E. Ivan Korčok, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to the United States of America
2018-11-27 13:30 - 14:45 | TX
The World Affairs Council of Austin, in partnership with the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, is honored to present an exclusive briefing featuring H.E. Ivan Korčok, the Slovak Republic’s Ambassador to the United States of America. Please join us for this special conversation with H.E. Ivan Korčok and learn about the state of the Slovak economy and its success story in the 25 years of its independence.
H.E. Ivan Korčok will be joined by Katarína Králiková, Economic Diplomat for the Slovak Republic. Ms. Králiková will highlight the the economic successes and gains made since independence in 1993.

World Affairs Council of Austin members will receive invitation and RSVP details via email.

Speaker bios:
H.E. Ivan Korčok
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Slovak Republic to the United States
Ivan Korčok has been the Ambassador of the Slovak Republic in Washington since September 2018. Prior to this, he served as State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs from August 2015. Between May and December 2016, he served as Government Plenipotentiary for the Slovak Presidency in the Council of the EU. Prior to these assignments, he was assigned the post of Permanent Representative of the Slovak Republic to the EU (2009-2015) and Slovak Ambassador to Germany (2005-2009). Ambassador Korčok began his career in 1992 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where he held many senior positions including Director of the Department for Policy Planning and Analysis (1997-1998), Director General of the Directorate General for International Organizations and Security Policy (2001-2002), and State Secretary (2002-2004). In 2003, he was Head of Delegation of the Slovak Republic on Accession Talks to NATO and Member of the European Convention in Brussels.

Katarína Králiková is a diplomat with the Slovak Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, currently serving as Economic Diplomat in New York. Previously she was Economic Counsellor at the Slovak Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa. Prior to joining foreign service, she worked in the European Parliament and Brussels’s based think-tank Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies. Katarina studied international law and economics at universities in Slovakia, Austria and the UK.

Strengths and Opportunities in the UK and US Healthcare Markets
2018-11-26 17:00 - 18:30 | Dell Medical School, 1501 Red River Street, Austin, TX, 78712, United States
Dell Medical School and the Association of British HealthTech Industries, in collaboration with the World Affairs Council of Austin, will provide insights and approaches to innovation pathways and market access in the UK, as well as exploring what lessons can be taken from both sides of the Atlantic to improve patient outcomes. After the discussion, there will also be an informal networking session.
Speaker line up

Dr Rick Peters, Chief Technology Innovation Officer, Dell Medical School (Chair)
Gail Page, Managing Partner, Vineyard Advisors
Peter Ellingworth, CEO, Association of British HealthTech Industries (ABHI)
Richard Stubbs, CEO, Yorkshire & Humber, Academic Health Science Network (AHSN)
Dr Andy Toogood, Director Clinical Systems, University Hospitals Birmingham

The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is the world’s largest single payer health system, employing over 1.5 million people and serving a population of over 65 million, providing care from cradle to grave and free at the point of need. Each week, the system deals with over 4.7 million patients and has been ranked ‘No. 1 Healthcare System’, topping the Commonwealth Fund health think tank in recent years.
The UK is home to an exceptionally strong science base, with many of the world’s top universities and research institutions excelling in the areas of discovery science and engineering. Coupled with a vibrant health technology and life sciences sector, worth over $90 Billion per annum, the UK has a huge amount to offer and is looking for partnerships and collaborations in the US.
In this unique event at The Dell Medical School, we invite you to hear from, and engage with UK experts and US experts alike, who will share insights and approaches to innovation pathways and market access and explore what learnings can be taken from both sides of the Atlantic to achieve the triple aim.

International Business Coalition Meeting on Cybersecurity
2018-11-14 11:45 - 13:00 | BBVA Bank, 1703 W. 5th, Ste. 500, Austin, TX, 78703, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin’s Central Texas International Business Coalition’s networking agenda will include a presentation on cybersecurity and its impact on global business operations by Umesh Verma, CEO, Blue Lance.
Privacy & Cybersecurity are top concerns in today’s boardrooms — with good reason. Regulations have proliferated, cyberattacks are commonplace, and companies are being fined millions of dollars for poor data handling practices.
As a global provider of cybersecurity governance solutions, Blue Lance helps companies with the safekeeping of digitally managed assets by continuously assessing, remediating, and monitoring the security of their information systems. The discussion will explore unanticipated threats to your company’s operations and offer solutions for you to consider and implement.
With gratitude to our luncheon sponsor:

Safeguarding Nuclear Security
2018-11-12 19:00 - 21:00 | St. Edwards University, Jones Auditorium, 3001 South Congress, Austin, TX, 78704, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin, in collaboration with the Kozmetsky Center at St. Edward’s University, is pleased to present “Safeguarding Nuclear Security”. This forum will bring together U.S. military leadership & academic/policy subject experts for a broad ranging exchange of perspectives on issues including nuclear non-proliferation, arms control/deterrence, and terrorism.
Speakers:
–U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Christopher Coffelt, Deputy Director Nuclear Operations, US Strategic Command
–Miles Pomper, Senior Research Associate, the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, the Middlebury Institute of International Studies
–Dr. Craig Marianno, Director, the Center for Nuclear Security Science & Policy Initiatives (NSSPI), Texas A & M University
–Dr. Alan J. Kuperman, Founding Coordinator, the Nuclear Proliferation Prevention Project, the University of Texas, Austin

Distinguished Speaker: Diplomat-in-Residence Julie Kavanagh
2018-11-08 18:00 - 20:00 | Texas International Education Consortium, 1103 W 24th Street, Austin, TX, 78705, United States
GlobalAustin and World Affairs Council of Austin are proud to host Julie Kavanagh, our Diplomat in Residence for Texas for the U.S. Department of State, for a special two-part Distinguished Speakers Series. This event is tailored for Central Texas high school students, college students, young professionals, and career changers who aspire to join the U.S. Foreign Service.
In this first of two sessions, Julie will share her reflections on her career, lessons learned, challenges, and the elements of fulfillment during her nearly 30 years of service working for the U.S. Department of State.

In the second session (to be scheduled in January, 2019), Julie will come back for workshop style session to share tips and tricks of the application process and answer any remaining questions aspiring foreign service officers may have.

America's Enormous Debt - Symptom of a Broken Political System
2018-10-30 12:00 - 13:30 | BBVA Bank, 1703 W. 5th, Ste. 500, Austin, TX, 78703, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin is pleased to feature Paul Stebbins, of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget and the Campaign to Fix the Debt. Mr. Stebbins is a founder and former CEO of World Fuel Services, a Fortune 100 Company.
Mr. Stebbins’ commentary will focus on the fiscal and political environment and how it has never been more perilous. Trillion dollar deficits are set to return within the next two years with our already record high national debt set to skyrocket over the coming decade. The political environment surrounding our debt and federal budget have come to symbolize the brokenness of our political system. Attendees will learn more about the impact of America’s debt on our global competitiveness.
Agenda
12:00 PM Registration and networking

12:15 PM Speaker Presentation followed by Q&A
1:15 PM Additional networking
1:30 PM Event Concludes

Paul H. Stebbins has served as Chairman Emeritus of World Fuel Services Corporation since May 2014 and has served as a director of the Company since June 1995. Prior to his appointment as Chairman Emeritus, from January 2012 to May 2014, Mr. Stebbins served as Executive Chairman of the Board. From July 2002 to December 2011, he served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and, from August 2000 to July 2002, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer. From January 1995 to August 2000, Mr. Stebbins served as President and Chief Operating Officer of World Fuel Services Americas, Inc. (formerly Trans Tec Services, Inc.). From September 1985 to December 1994, Mr. Stebbins was an officer, shareholder and director of Trans Tec Services, Inc., a global marine fuel services company, which Mr. Stebbins co founded in 1985.
In December 2006, Mr. Stebbins joined the board of directors of First Solar, Inc., a NASDAQ company, and currently serves as the chairman of the nominating and governance committee and a member of the audit and compensation committees. Mr. Stebbins is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Amigos de las Americas Foundation of Houston, Texas (amigosinternational.org) and Board of Directors of The Silk Road Project founded by Yo Yo Ma (silkroadproject.org). Mr. Stebbins is a member of the leadership council of Fix The Debt Campaign (fixthedebt.org) and serves on the Energy Security Leadership Council of S.A.F.E. (Securing America’s Future Energy — secureenergy.org).

Genocide and Dreams: Iraq
2018-10-24 18:00 - 20:00 | ACC Eastview Campus MultiPurpose Room 8500, 3401 Webberville Road, Austin, TX, 78702, United States
The Austin School, in collaboration with the World Affairs Council of Austin, will feature Roy E. Casagranda, PhD and Professor of Government at Austin Community College for a presentation on Genocide and Dreams: Iraq

Tapping into the Trade Opportunities of Global Emerging Markets
2018-10-24 12:00 - 13:30 | BBVA Bank, 1703 W. 5th, Ste. 500, Austin, TX, 78703, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin, in collaboration with the Kozmetsky Center at St. Edward’s University, is pleased to present Dr. Lourdes Casanova, Senior Lecturer and Director of the Center for Emerging Markets Institute (EMI), S. C. Johnson School of Management at Cornell University. Dr. Casanova specializes in international business with a focus on emerging market multinationals. Her presentation entitled “Tapping into the Trade Opportunities of Global Emerging Markets” will provide an introductory overview of regional opportunities and priority new investment areas throughout the world and identify prerequisites for successfully investing and conducting business projects among emerging markets.

Dr. Lourdes Casanova earned her MA degree as a Fulbright scholar at the University of Southern California and holds a PhD from the University of Barcelona. Dr. Casanova previously taught and directed executive programs for senior managers at INSEAD, one of the world’s leading and largest graduate business schools with campuses in the Middle East, Europe and North America. Her major publications include Entrepreneurship and the Finance of Innovation in Emerging Markets, Elsevier, 2017, Emerging Market Multinationals Report 2016: The China Surge, The Political Economy of an Emerging Global Power: In Search of the Brazil Dream, Palgrave Macmillan 2014, Global Latinas: Latin America’s Emerging Multinationals, Palgrave Macmillan 2009, Innovalatino, Fostering Innovation in Latin America, Ariel 2011 as well as articles in leading journals including Beijing Business Review, International Journal of Human Resource Management, Business and Politics and Foreign Affairs Latinoamérica. Dr. Casanova is a regular contributor on global business issues to CNN en español, member of the Latin America Global Agenda Council, Competitiveness in Latin America taskforce of World Economic Forum, B20 Task Force on ICT and Innovation in G20 summit, Los Cabos (2012), and led the Goldman Sachs 10,000 women initiative at INSEAD. She was previously a Faculty Fellow at the Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future, Visiting Professor, Haas School of Business, University of California at Berkeley, Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, Latin American Centre, University of Oxford, University of Zurich, and Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona. Consultant Inter-American Development Bank. In 2014 and 2015, Professor Casanova was recognized by Esglobal as one of the 50 most influential Iberoamerican intellectuals and in 2017 one of the 30 most influential Iberoamerican women intellectuals.

Egypt: The Arab Spring and Beyond
2018-10-17 18:00 - 19:30 | Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel Street, Austin, TX, 78705, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin is pleased to host Roy E. Casagranda, PhD and Professor of Government at Austin Community College for a discussion on Egypt: The Arab Spring and Beyond.
This presentation will address four questions: What are the causes that led to the Arab Spring? What is at stake? What is the legacy of the Arab Spring? And where does the world go from here?

Agenda
6:00 PM Registration and networking
6:15 PM Speaker Presentation followed by Q&A
7:15 PM Additional networking
7:30 PM Event Concludes

Roy Casagranda in the News

TODO: Procedure or Principles? The Egyptian Revolution Chose the Latter

Roy Casagranda at Public Speaking events

Austin School: A Reconsideration of Modernity
Teach-in: Why Major Changes are Necessary
Teach-in: Justice and Revolution

Related Links:

Roy Casagranda’s CV
About Roy Casagranda
Roy Casagranda’s homepage

Briefing by H.E. Pjer Simunovic, Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia
2018-10-09 14:30 - 15:30 | EVENT FILLED TO CAPACITY, Austin, 78705
The World Affairs Council of Austin is pleased to present a private briefing featuring H.E. Pjer Simunovic, Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to the United States of America.
Pjer Šimunović is Croatia’s Ambassador to the United States since September 2017. Before
assuming his Ambassadorship, together with a career in international affairs journalism and
academic research he served in various high-level positions in the Croatian Government, in
the fields of national security, defense and diplomacy.
He was Director of the Office of the National Security Council, Ambassador to Israel,
Defense State Secretary in charge of defense policy, National Coordinator for NATO and
Assistant Foreign Minister, heading Division for International Organizations and Security,
Political Counselor at the Embassy in Paris, and Deputy Director of Analytical Department in
the Foreign Ministry. During his career in journalism, he worked with the BBC World Service
in London, with the magazine Europ in Paris, and with the Croatian daily ‘Večernji list’ in
Zagreb, covering the collapse of Communism, crisis and war in the former Yugoslavia, and
European and Transatlantic affairs.
A regular speaker on the security issues at many international conferences and seminars, he is
the author of a range of studies and articles published in the leading international journals,
dealing with the arms trade and defense industry, post-Communist national security, NATO
enlargement, defense transformation, international peace-keeping and stabilization operations,
counter-terrorism (including: ‘Making of an Ally – NATO membership conditionality
implemented on Croatia’, The Journal of Transatlantic Studies, Spring 2015; ‘A framework
for success – contextual factors in the UNTAES operation in Eastern Slavonia’, International
Peacekeeping, Spring 1999; ‘The Russian military in Chechnya – a case study of morale in
war’, The Journal of Slavic Military Studies, March 1998).
Ambassador Šimunović holds an M.A. degree from the Department of War Studies, King’s
College London, and a B.A, degree in the Comparative Literature and Italian Language and
Literature from the University of Zagreb. He is born in Split, Croatia, in 1962. Ambassador
Šimunović is decorated with the title of Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur de la République
française.

Third Annual Texas-Latin America Business Summit
2018-10-04 13:30 - 17:00 | IBC Bank Community Suite 13th Floor, 500 W. 5th Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin will present the Texas-Latin America Business Summit on Thursday, October 4th. The Summit brings trade promotion experts and business decision-makers together for panels and meetings. The event is a unique face-to-face opportunity for Austin corporate representatives to make connections and learn about current inbound and outbound business opportunities with Mexico, Honduras, Jamaica, Guatemala, and other nations.
Over the last decade, the region experienced a deep economic and social transformation, which lifted millions out of poverty and swelled the ranks of the middle class. Latin America’s economy is expected to expand 2.0% against a backdrop of stronger global growth. Attend the Summit and learn how your company may benefit from this growth.

DRAFT AGENDA
1:00 PM Registration Opens
1:30 PM Welcoming Remarks
Ben Ramirez, Executive Director, World Affairs Council of Austin’s Center for Global Trade
Shirley Temple, Office of Governor Greg Abbott
1:35 PM Hispanic and Latin American Entrepreneurship (How startups can leverage the region and culture)

Panelists: Valeria Aguerri, Business Development, OPINATOR; Ana Castelan, Digital Trade Marketing Manager, WaveMax; Monica Pena, Founder, MUNDU Media; Sara Mitran, Senior Consultant-Transformational Healthcare, Frost & Sullivan
Moderator: Estuardo Robles, Partner, Briggs Capital
2:45 PM Spotlight on LATAM Founders
Panelists: Adriana Aguilar, Founder, Yuxtem; Carlos Mats, Founder, Xchematic; Nicolene Tashnette Witter, Co-Founder, Enablers of Community Advancement Projects and Initiatives (ECAPI)
Moderator: Bill Hulsey, Principal, HULSEY PC
3:50 PM U.S.-Mexico Trade Agreement
Panelists: Marcelo Lara, CEO, Pro Indie Music; Justin Yancy, President, Texas Business Leadership Council; additional panelists TBC
Moderator: Salvador Castañeda, Partner, Peek Toland & Castañeda PLLC
4:55 PM Closing Remarks

Downtown Parking Options:
http://www.bestparking.com/austin-parking/

Japan - Texas BizMatch Launch
2018-09-26 09:00 - 16:00 | DOWNTOWN, Austin, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin’s Center for Global Trade has established a partnership with J-GoodTech, a division of Japan’s Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation (SMRJ). The partnership is specially tailored to connect Texan companies to potential customers and partners in Japan. J-GoodTech is comprised of approximately 8,100 qualified Japanese SME members.
This business matchmaking launch event will include representatives of at least 20 Japanese companies seeking Texan partners.
Throughout the summer of 2018, the Center for Global Trade will be screening interested Texas companies to highlight on the web-based platform. Texas companies will be from the targeted industries sectors of Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy & Power Technology, Data Management, Life Sciences, Space Technology, and Creative & Digital Media Technology.
If you are interested in having your company listed on this platform and connecting with businesses partners in Japan, please complete this form.

World Affairs Trivia Night
2018-09-20 18:30 - 20:30 | Opa! Coffee & Wine, 2050 S. Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX, 78704, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin’s annual event for global affairs-minded people like you!
Join us for the Fourth Edition of World Affairs Trivia Night for adults. Have fun and show off your skills in geography, current events, global affairs, world leaders and international culture.
Compete against your friends and colleagues in 8 rounds of international themed trivia! Teams of 2 – 5 people can register for $20 per team. Teams will have the opportunity to win prizes from local Austin businesses. Proceeds of this event will support the winning team of high school students who will be competing in Washington, DC at the national Academic WorldQuest competition!

Gather your team, and register by clicking on the payment button below:

THIS EVENT SUPPORTS THE CENTRAL TEXAS ACADEMIC WORLDQUEST.

Briefing by Michael McCaul, Chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security
2018-09-17 15:30 - 16:30 | TBD
The World Affairs Council of Austin, in partnership with the Eleanor Crook Foundation, is pleased to provide members with a special off-the-record briefing on foreign policy and security by the Chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security, Michael McCaul.
World Affairs Council of Austin members have received email invitations along with information on how to RSVP for this exclusive, invitation-only event in your September WACA newsletter.

Eleanor Crook Foundation
The Eleanor Crook Foundation is an Austin-based philanthropy for research, innovation, and advocacy in international nutrition and food security. With a growing portfolio of implementation research grants in East Africa, as well as a fast-growing portfolio of advocacy grants to leading FBO advocacy groups in the US, ECF is quickly emerging as a major player in the global food security and nutrition sector.

Annual Fiesta de El Grito de Independencia
2018-09-15 17:00 - 21:30 | State Capitol, 1100 Congress Avenue, Austin, 78701, United States
In collaboration with the Consulate General of Mexico, the Fiesta de Independencia Foundation, the City of Austin, Univision, the State Preservation Board, and the Mexican American Legislative Caucus, Austin’s annual Fiesta de El Grito de Independencia is a musical celebration and historical re-enactment of Mexico’s call for independence from Spain. The event takes place each year on the South Steps of the State Capitol.
The Fiesta de El Grito was relocated to the grounds of the State Capitol and taken to a historic level of participation in 2013. Last year’s event drew a crowd of over 10,000.
This family-oriented celebration is alcohol free. Special programming includes Mexican and Tejano music, Folklorico Dancers, and food vendor booths. The highlight of the evening is the re-enactment of “El Grito”, by the Honorable Carlos González Gutiérrez, Cónsul General de México.
No RSVPs necessary.
AGENDA
5:00 pm Traditional Dance and Music
9:00 pm Official Re-enactment of El Grito
9:05 pm Event Concludes

Here is a video of 2016 celebration highlights:
https://www.univision.com/austin/kakw/estilo-de-vida/fiestas-patrias/festeja-el-grito-de-independencia-en-el-capitolio-de-austin-video?layoutType=flex

Trump-Putin, US-Russia and World Order
2018-09-05 18:00 - 19:30 | Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel Street, Austin, TX, 78705, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin is pleased to host Sharyl Cross, PhD, Director of the Kozmetsky Center at St. Edward’s University and Global Policy Scholar at the Kennan Institute, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, D.C. Dr. Cross will provide an overview of US-Russia relations and the impact on geopolitics.

Agenda
6:00 PM Registration and networking
6:15 PM Speaker Presentation followed by Q&A
7:15 PM Additional networking
7:30 PM Event Concludes

Sharyl N. Cross, PhD, was appointed director of the Kozmetsky Center at St. Edward’s University and Global Policy Scholar at the Kennan Institute, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, D.C., in 2013. Dr. Cross was Professor at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies in Garmisch-Partenkirchen Germany from 2005-2013 where she was Director of Academics for both the Program in Advanced Security Studies and Senior Executive Seminar, and previously had been appointed Distinguished Professor of Political Science at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.

She earned a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles, and was a resident fellowship scholar and consultant at the RAND Corporation completing programs in Russian area and policy studies. Dr. Cross was a Senior Fulbright Scholar and Professor in Moscow serving on the faculty of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MGIMO) and the Institute of USA and Canada Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences. She has published widely in leading academic and policy sources on US/NATO-Russia security Issues, Russian foreign policy, Sino-Russian relations, religious dimensions of security, and sources of violent extremism and terrorism. Dr. Cross has briefed/consulted for the U.S. State Department, U.S. Congress, Office of the Secretary of Defense, and among senior policy and defense institutions throughout Europe and Eurasia.
She is currently co-directing a project on Religion and International Security together with faculty of The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and with support of the Public Diplomacy Engagement section of NATO. Her most recent book is China, Russia, and Twenty First Century Global Geopolitics, co-authored with Dr. Paul Bolt, Oxford University Press, 2018. Full bio here.

Stop Fakes IPR Protection Conference
2018-08-23 08:30 - 16:00 | State Capitol, 1100 Congress Avenue, Austin, 78701, United States
American companies lose over $600 billion annually due to theft of intellectual property. If you want to learn more about how to protect against piracy of technology and theft of trade secrets, join the World Affairs Council of Austin’s Center for Global Trade, along with experts and attorneys from the Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration (ITA) and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) offer this one-day seminar on how companies and individuals can protect and enforce intellectual property to get the most out of exporting abroad.
The STOPfakes.gov Road Show answers your questions about commercializing your creations and innovations, includes strategies for protecting and enforcing a company’s intellectual property when exporting to foreign markets, and advice for avoiding common pitfalls. Participants have the chance to ask export questions related to patents, trade secrets, trademarks, copyrights and domain names.
At the conclusion of each Road Show, participants take advantage of one-on-one consultations with intellectual property experts to get targeted advice. Small and medium-sized businesses in particular benefit from this unique opportunity. More information and seminar registration is available here.

Doing Business in Japan
2018-08-11 13:15 - 14:00 | Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Road, Austin, 78754, United States
Experience Japan at the Oita Japan Festival! You won’t want to miss the “Doing Business in Japan” seminar (from 1:15 pm – 2:00 pm and if you miss the first one, it will be repeated from 3:15 pm – 4:00 pm) during the Festival (which runs from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm). Texas exported 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 the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).
The 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.
REGISTER HERE for the festival and seminar
In September, the World Affairs Council of Austin will be launching a B2B platform for Japanese and Texas companies to connect and find business partners. If you are interested in learning how your company can be listed on this platform and connect with businesses partners in Japan, please send us an email.

The family-friendly 2018 Oita Japan Festival #OITATX is presented by the Austin-Oita Sister City Committee. The committee’s mission is to promote and heighten public interest in and appreciation of the culture, people, languages, businesses, and products of Japan.
Peelander-Z, a Japanese action comic punk band, will be among the featured entertainers. Attired in colorful anime-like costumes, the musicians promise a performance with intense audience participation and a chance for the entire family to rock out.
The festival also will showcase a dynamic Japanese drumming performance by Austin Taiko, and an audience participation calligraphy contest.
Other festival highlights will include a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, and hands-on children activities such as origami folding, kanji writing, and using chopsticks.
Attendees may purchase traditional Japanese food, drinks, garments, calligraphy, and art. A silent auction also will be held.
Festival tickets are now available for purchase: $5 for ages 5-12, and $10 for ages 13 and older. Children younger than 5 will be admitted free. Advance purchase is highly recommended. Ticket availability at the door will be very limited.

Austria to Austin Entrepreneur Welcome Reception
2018-07-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Galvanize Austin, 119 Nueces Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Join the World Affairs Council of Austin, the Office of Science and Technology Austria, and participants of 3 Day Startup’s Austria to Austin program, as they elaborate on their startups and how they hope to become innovation bridges between the U.S.A. and Austria!
Expect:
– young internationally minded Austrian entrepreneurs;
– elevator pitches from industry experts;
– delicious Austrian food and drink!
REGISTER HERE
During their time in Austin, the student entrepreneurs will gain exposure to one of the most innovative cities in America, and learn how to transform their communities back in Austria.
Exchange participants gain familiarity with American culture, access over two-hundred 3DS alumni, mentors, investors, and community members, validate the early-stage businesses they create in every facet of the Austin and San Antonio entrepreneurship ecosystems, and learn how to build robust communities of innovation and creativity through curated site visits and program activities. The skills acquired will enable them to found an international or domestic startup, launch new social impact initiatives, reshape Vienna’s corporate landscape as intrapreneurs, and become community leaders.
The video below provides an overview of this program.

International Business Coalition Meeting
2018-07-10 11:45 - 13:00 | BBVA Bank, 1703 W. 5th, Ste. 500, Austin, TX, 78703, United States
The International Business Coalition (IBC) strives to develop international business in central Texas, focusing its efforts on:

Attracting foreign direct investment;
Encouraging international business relocation to central Texas; and
Promoting international trade among central Texas businesses.

This regular meeting of the Central Texas International Business Coalition will include global trade updates.
With gratitude to our partner and host:

______________________________________________________________

CANCELED: Mexico's Perspective on NAFTA Negotiations
2018-06-25 12:30 - 13:30 | TX
DUE TO A FAMILY MEDICAL EMERGENCY, OUR SPEAKER WILL NOT BE ABLE TO TRAVEL TO AUSTIN

The World Affairs Council of Austin in collaboration with the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, Mexico’s Ministry of Economy, and the Texas Camino Real District Export Council, presents an exclusive executive briefing on the NAFTA negotiations featuring Guillermo Malpica Soto, Head of the Trade and NAFTA Office in the Ministry of Economy at the Embassy of Mexico in Washington D.C.
Mr. Malpica will provide an update on the NAFTA negotiations, Texas-Mexico trade, and energy issues. His responsibilities include leading the energy negotiations in the NAFTA discussions.
Guillermo Malpica Soto has served as Mexico’s Director General for International Trade in Services and Investment in Mexico’s Ministry of Economy since 2008. Since then, he has been instrumental in formulating Mexico’s position in these areas in multilateral, regional and bilateral fora, including the Doha Round in the World Trade Organization, the OECD, ALADI, APEC, TISA, the Pacific Alliance and the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP). He also led the negotiation of bilateral investment agreements (Agreements for the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments) with Singapore, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Haiti, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Ukraine.
Mr. Malpica served as Counsellor in Mexico’s Permanent Mission to the World Trade Organization in Geneva in 2007, and as Economic Affairs Advisor in the NAFTA Office of the Ministry of the Economy in Ottawa, Canada in 2006.

Consumer Product Showcase Pitch Event
2018-06-19 17:00 - 21:00 | Brazos Hall, 204 E. 4th Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin’s Center for Global Trade is a partner organization with SKU, the premiere accelerator for the growing consumer products (CPG) industry.
Seven amazing startups and their 60 Mentors have been hard at work preparing the SKU 6 companies to scale. We’re excited to celebrate their progress and listen to their visions for the path ahead.
SKU companies will take the stage to tell their brand stories and make time afterward to meet and greet interested investors and community members.
Company pitches begin promptly at 6:00 pm.
There will be plenty of delicious Austin food and beverage available.
World Affairs Council of Austin members receive a 25% registration discount. Your discount code will arrive in the June member’s newsletter.

Investor Education Forum for Consumer Products Industry
2018-06-19 10:00 - 14:30 | Capital Factory, 701 Brazos Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin’s Center for Global Trade is a partner organization with SKU, the premiere accelerator for the growing consumer products (CPG) industry.
The consumer products (CPG) industry is hot, and emerging CPG brands present an opportunity for investors, at every stage of the game, to profitably diversify their portfolios. For investors at every stage of the game, emerging CPG brands present an opportunity for a profitably diversified portfolio. However, understanding how to pick winning CPG companies and knowing what to expect as they scale presents a challenge to both new and experienced investors.
Join us as we bring together some of the top Angel, Venture Capital, and Private Equity investors in CPG to listen to their industry insights and learn tips and tricks for investing in the right companies at the right time.
Panelists from: CAVU Venture Partners, Silverton Partners, VMG Partners, 2x Consumer Products Growth Partners, Piper Jaffray, Mark Cuban Companies, Amplify Snack Brands, Diageo, Seed Sumo, and Rhythm Superfoods LLC.
World Affairs Council of Austin members receive a 25% registration discount. Your discount code will arrive in the June member’s newsletter.

World Spins Series: China, Innovation and Us
2018-05-22 18:30 - 20:00 | Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel Street, Austin, TX, 78705, United States
Join us for China, Innovation and Us featuring David Firestein, founding director, China Public Policy Center. Throughout his career, Firestein has played an active role advancing U.S.-China and U.S.-Asia trade. He has also produced path-breaking thought leadership, scholarship and Capitol Hill testimony on a range of topics, including U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, U.S.-China infrastructure investment cooperation, and the role of national exceptionalism as a driver of major international conflict today. Firestein is native Austinite who speaks Mandarin at near-native level and has published on what else – country music and diplomacy.

Beyond Borders: Business Opportunities for Exporters
2018-05-17 09:00 - 13:00 | State Capitol, 1100 Congress Avenue, Austin, 78701, United States
Tap into the global marketplace by unleashing the power of exporting! Learn how to Increase Working Capital; Enter new markets; Close more export sales and Spread the risk. Hear from the U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of the Governor, Texas Department Of Agriculture, U.S. Commercial Services & UTSA SBDC International Trade Center about your Export Opportunities on 17 May at 9:00 am in the State Capitol.

SIGN UP here: https://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/events/27929

Governor's Business Forum and Small Business Awards Luncheon
2018-05-15 08:00 - 20:00 | Archer Hotel Austin, 3121 Palm Way, Austin, TX, 78758, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin along with the Asociacion de Empresarios Mexicanos (AEM-Austin) & the Office of Governor Greg Abbott presents the Governor’s Business Forum on 15 May 2018. Join corporate executives, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and government officials working to strengthen business relationships, recognize corporate excellence and promote business growth in Texas.

In addition to the Governor’s Small Business Awards Luncheon, Forum attendees will learn how to do business with the state of Texas; how to enhance your business marketing and social media engagement initiatives; access new sources of business capital and employee training programs; how to plan for the 2018 tax reform impact; and hear from CEOs and entrepreneurs about issues they face each day.

As a partner organization, World Affairs Council of Austin members are eligible to register at the discounted rate of $95. Click here and become a member today.

InnoSTARS Competition and the 3rd Annual US China Innovation & Investment Summit
2018-05-14 08:00 - 2018-05-15 17:00 | TX
The World Affairs Council of Austin is a returning partner organization for the 2018 InnoSTARS Competition and the 3rd Annual US China Innovation & Investment Summit in Houston 14-15 May 2018.

Over 200 US companies and 300 Chinese investors will be attending the Summit in Houston. Innovative companies have until May 4th to apply and compete for prize money, an all-expense paid trip to China, and specialized business matchmaking. For company qualifications and deadline details visit the InnoStars website:

http://uschinainnovation.org/innostars2018/houston-city
