World Affairs Council of Austin

Author's Night: Sharon Schweitzer Presents 'Access to Asia'
2016-04-07 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | ACC Highland Business Center Board Room, ACC Highland Business Center, 2nd Floor Board Room, 5930 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX, 78752, United States
‘Sharon Schweitzer, JD is an international etiquette expert, corporate trainer, Kirkus-acclaimed and Best-selling author of Access to Asia: Your Multicultural Guide to Building Trust, Inspiring Respect & Creating Long Lasting Business Relationships. Sharon’s dynamic, engaging and interactive delivery includes her humorous experiences in 60 countries on seven continents.
Sharon provides organizations, law firms, universities and executive teams with practical techniques to improve business communication and increase revenue. Topics: Global Leadership, Global Competence Assessment, Cross-Cultural Communication, Multi-Cultural Sales and Marketing, International Manners and Etiquette.

Mr. Zhang Xiangchen, Deputy International Trade Representative for the People's Republic of China.
2016-04-07 10:30 - 12:30 | Omni Austin Hotel at Southpark, 4140 Governors Row, Austin, 78744, United States
Join World Affairs Council of Austin members for an exclusive presentation by Mr. Mr. Zhang Xiangchen, Deputy International Trade Representative for the People’s Republic of China.
Mr. Zhang Xiangchen’s portfolio covers the Department of Foreign Assistance, the Department of Outward Investment and Economic Cooperation, the Department of American and Oceanian Affairs, the Bureau of International Economic Cooperation, China International Center for Economic and Technical Exchanges, the Academy for International Business Officials, China International Contractors Association, China National Association of Engineering Consultants, and China Cooperative Trade Enterprises Association.
Mr. Zhang Xiangchen worked successively as deputy director and director at the Department of International Trade and Economic Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation (MOFTEC), he became Deputy Director-General of the Department in Jul. 2000. He was appointed Deputy Director General of the Department of WTO Affairs and the China WTO Notification and Inquiry Center in Nov. 2001, and was promoted to be Director General of the Department of WTO Affairs and the China WTO Notification and Inquiry Center in Apr. 2005. He was appointed Deputy Representative and Minister (DG-level) of China’s Permanent Mission to the WTO in Jun. 2008 and became Director General of the Department of Policy Research of the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) in Aug. 2011. He was appointed Assistant Minister and member of the CPC Leadership Group of MOFCOM in Aug. 2013 and was promoted to Deputy China International Trade Representative (vice-ministerial level) and member of the CPC Leadership Group of MOFCOM in April 2015.

Global Business Series: International Dimensions of Strong Corporate Cultures
2016-04-01 11:30 - 13:00 | ACC Highland Learning Center Room 2217 (Second Floor), 6101 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX, 78752, United States
Studies consistently show that the most engaged and innovative organizations, whether in the United States or elsewhere, tend to be the most successful. What do the cultures of these companies have in common? This presentation provides five foundational keys to a strong business culture and provide ways to bring these attributes to your own businesses. These keys include:

Connect
Develop
Discover
Collaborate
Transform

A strong, articulated culture allows you to clearly align how you do business with partners and clients no matter where they are located. It gives a clear path to mutually beneficial understandings on day-to-day interactions. By having a clear vision of “how we do things,” we can more effectively bridge and overcome differences at all levels.
Come to learn, share, and connect with the amazing Austin international community. Let’s each increase our effectiveness in creating successful international businesses that positively impact the world.
READ CARRIE’S BLOG POST.
This is a brown bag lunch and learn series. PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR LUNCH.
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Carrie Vanston leads Corporate Cultures That Rock which helps organizations maximize purpose and connection to create better performance and profit with a strong view to the future. She is a consummate connector who enjoys bringing people together to connect, collaborate, and grow. She is developer of “Five Keys to an Engaged & Innovative Culture” and co-author of the award-winning book MINITRENDS: How Innovators & Entrepreneurs Discover & Profit From Business & Technology Trends. Her Five Keys feature placed #4 in the “Top 10 Articles of 2015” in Texas CEO Magazine.
She directed TFI’s popular MiniTrends Conference Series with the themes “The Integration of Profit & Social Responsibility,” “Insight, Innovation & Strategy,” and “Translating Emerging Trends into Business Opportunities.”
Carrie enjoys speaking on creating and growing strong cultures with presentations at events including Investing with Impact Conference; WorldFuture 2015; RISE Conference; Latin America Regional Project, Women in Technology Multi-Regional Project; Product Camp; The University of Texas SAGE Program; Central Texas World Future Society, West Point Society, TFI Technology Forecasting Conference, and IEEE CTCN.

Content Korea Startup Roadshow
2016-03-15 12:00 - 14:00 | The Four Horsemen, 310 E. Sixth Street, Austin, 78701, United States
In collaboration with the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), the World Affairs Council of Austin invites local business representatives to hear from and meet 12 Korean Startups from diverse industry sectors — education, art, fashion, technology, wellness, and virtual reality.
KOCCA (a government organization) provides a comprehensive support system to nurture the content industry, with the aim of growing Korea’s content industry into a global leader.
The 12 INNOVATIVE, CREATIVE and INTERESTING Korean Startups include:

OPENGALLERY: Supplying artwork to individual and corporate customers through rentals or sales.

BEECANVAS: A template-based collaborative tool that allows you to “Visualize Your Project.”

Class123: A free and entertaining classroom management tool for teachers.

MANSOLE: An innovative way to purchase your shoes.

ALIVE: A mobile video editing solution for 3D/AR.

Enomad: The world’s smallest and smartest hydro power plant.

WAY: Analyzes skin & environment data to develop a personalized skincare service.

ZIKTO: A healthcare wearable that makes user’s life more balanced via context aware feedback technology.

n.thing: An IoT technology company for smart homes, gardening and farming.

DAILYHOTEL: Last-minute hotel reservation service with unparalleled prices and simple UI.

DoubleMe: We literally put you into Virtual Reality! – Holographic VR Experiences.

Junimong: A platform for children around the world to communicate through art.

Impact thu Innovation Forum
2016-03-11 14:00 - 16:00 | Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Join the World Affairs Council of Austin, Tech Ranch, New Venture Institute, the City of Austin, 3D Innovation Labs, and Global Ascent Partners in celebrating the launch of iTi with a series of pitches from startups around the world whose ventures are focused on making a social and global impact through their innovation. Learn more about Austin organizations engaged in global Social Good projects.

Global Business Series: Successful Cross Cultural Negotiation
2016-03-04 11:30 - 13:00 | ACC Highland Learning Center Room 2217 (Second Floor), 6101 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX, 78752, United States
Based on the 6D Model of Prof. Geert Hofstede, Salvador Apud will explain how the key components of a negotiation process are affected by the cultural background of the negotiators.
In today’s globalized business environment, it is common to find ourselves negotiating or executing business deals with partners from different cultural backgrounds.
Cultural misunderstandings can negatively impact a company’s bottom line. Examples of blunders resulting in lost business are on the rise.
Attendees will learn how to properly prepare for a successful cross cultural negotiation.
As a practical example, Salvador will apply this framework, to a case where US and Mexican negotiators are involved.
The Q&A session will allow participants to expand the application to other cultural backgrounds.

This is a brown bag lunch and learn series. PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR LUNCH.

Salvador Apud is the CEO of US-Mexico Consulting (www.usmexicoconsulting.com ) and of ITIM America (www.itimamerica.com ) based out of Austin, TX USA, also a Board Member & Consultant. Salvador has more than 35 years of experience as a consultant, entrepreneur and academic researcher makes him a uniquely qualified consultant in the global arena.
Salvador’s work in Cross Cultural Competence, focuses on providing consultancy, executive coaching and training for Global Corporations (Fortune 500) and Public Institutions to develop: Intercultural Competency in the areas of Communication, Management, Team Building-Leadership, Strategy & Policy implementation, and Executive Coaching. Organizational Culture years of due diligence to support Post Merger Integration of M&A & Change Management projects.
Salvador’s clients include: Accenture, US Air Force, Unilever, Alfa Laval, Petrobras, Ecopetrol, Textron, The Corporate Reputation Institute, NII Holdings, Berlitz Cross Cultural, IBM, LexisNexis, Experian, NBA, Merck, CIBA, John Mansfield, IFL The Swedish Institute of Management, Philips Semiconductors, Robert Bosh, Bayer, Dell Latin America, GTZ, Hoogovens Technical Services and many others.

Austin International Trivia Night 2nd Edition
2016-03-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Ginger Man, 301 Lavaca Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin’s annual event for global affairs-minded people like you!
On March 3rd we will be presenting Austin International 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! This year, the World Affairs Council of Austin is happy to host this event with Go Global ATX!

Gather your team, and register now.

THIS EVENT SUPPORTS ACADEMIC WORLDQUEST.

Business Briefing on China Featuring John Frisbie
2016-02-29 09:15 - 10:45 | Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
China represents one of central Texas’ strongest trading partners. Join the World Affairs Council of Austin as we welcome John Frisbie, President of the US-China Business Council (USCBC). Mr. Frisbie will discuss the economic climate in China and address the best prospects for Texas business. PLEASE RSVP to Ben Ramirez.

John Frisbie has more than 25 years of experience in business and government relations with China, including nearly 10 years living and working in Beijing.
Frisbie started his career with USCBC in 1986, first working in USCBC’s Washington, DC, office, then as director of China Operations in Beijing from 1988-93. He joined the General Electric Co. (GE) in 1993 as director for Business Development in China for the company’s diverse set of businesses and then moved to Singapore to assume Asia-wide positions for two GE business units.
Frisbie repatriated to the United States in 2000, joining the trade consulting practice established by former US Secretary of Commerce Mickey Kantor at Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw LLP.
Frisbie’s China background includes joint-venture negotiations, trade and investment consulting, policy analysis and advocacy, US and PRC government relations, and media relations. He has spoken at numerous conferences and events and authored reports and articles in the China Business Review, USCBC’s magazine, and in other journals such as Current History, as well as opinion articles in publications such as the Financial Times and the Journal of Commerce.
Frisbie received his BA and MBA degrees from the University of Texas at Austin. He received several National Resource Fellowships for language study and is fluent in Mandarin Chinese.
With gratitude to our partners:

Academic WorldQuest
2016-02-27 09:00 - 12:00 | Harmony School of Political Science, 13415 FM 620N, Austin, TX, United States
Each year, Academic WorldQuest seeks to inform and engage high school teens and their teachers across the country in global affairs. More than 4,000 students participate and test their knowledge of international affairs, global current event issues, and foreign policy. The winning high school teams at each local competition is invited to participate at the national contest in Washington DC. Our competition consists of 10 rounds of 10 questions about specific global themes.
Schools can register teams of 4 students in grades 9 – 12, however; the contest is especially relevant to students in World Geography, AP Human Geography and Economics.
Our competition is scheduled for Saturday, February 27th at Harmony School of Political Science.
AWQ is a terrific opportunity to engage your students in global affairs and compete against fellow high school students in the area. We have had great success and participation in this event in past years and want to make it even bigger this year!
High school coaches and student teams of four can register at this link: http://goo.gl/forms/TUqxSy0nCA

SUPPORT THE WINNING TEAM’S TRIP TO WASHINGTON, D.C. AT OUR TRIVIA NIGHT. MORE INFO AT http://wacaustin.org/event/austin-international-trivia-night-2nd-edition/

WACA Member Social
2016-02-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Antonelli’s Cheese House, 500 Park Blvd., Austin, TX, 78751, United States
To kick off the new year and thank you for your membership, we’re hosting a member social. At the event, you will get the opportunity to meet other members from across the community.
Please RSVP via your emailed invitation. Your presence is greatly appreciated.
Note that the location is the bungalow across from Antonelli’s Cheese Shop.

Luncheon with Slovakia's Minister of Economy and the Ambassador to the USA
2016-02-09 11:45 - 13:00 | EVENT FILLED TO CAPACITY, Austin, 78705
The World Affairs Council of Austin presents an exclusive luncheon featuring the Minister of Economy, Vazil Hudák, and HE Peter Kmec, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to the United States. Minister Hudák and Ambassador Kmec will provide an overview of the business climate in this dynamic European nation.
Slovakia features an open economy, with exports serving as the main driver of GDP growth. Since joining the European Union (2004) and the Eurozone (2009), the Slovak Republic has led the region garnering FDI, because of its relatively low-cost, highly-skilled labor force, reasonable tax rates, and favorable geographic location.
Slovakia’s strongest industry sectors include: R&D Specialization; Automotive and Mechanical Engineering; Information and Communication Technology; Consumer Electronics; Electrical Equipment; Metals Production and Processing; Material Research; Nanotechnology; Biomedicine and Biotechnology.
Robert Šimončič, Director of the Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO), will also present during the luncheon. The SARIO Director will provide an overview of the incentives available to Texas companies thinking about expanding their operations in this vibrant EU member market.
The Honorary Consulate of the Slovak Republic to Texas is coordinating this special visit to Austin. Honorary Consul Martin Valko will be available to discuss specific intitiatives between Slovakia and Texas.
Event partners include the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, Chavez & Valko, LLP and the Austin Regional Manufacturers Association.

Shifting Geopolitics and Security among Major Powers: China, Russia, and the United States
2016-02-08 18:30 - 21:00 | St. Edwards University, Carter Auditorium, 3001 S. Congress Ave, Austin, TX, 78704, United States
In collaboration with the Kozmetsky Center of Excellence at St. Edward’s University, a distinguished panel of specialists representing China, Russia, the United States and Europe will discuss shifting geopolitics and security among these major powers.
The panel will feature the following participants:
Dr. Artyom Lukin, Professor, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok;
Dr. Gao Fei, Professor, China Foreign Affairs University, Beijing;
Dr. Igor Zevelev, Director, MacArthur Foundation, Moscow;
Dr. Alexei Voskressenski, Dean, Moscow State Institute of International Relations;
Dr. Matthew Rojansky, Director, Kennan Institute, Woodrow Wilson Center;
Dr. Paul Bolt, Professor, United States Air Force Academy; and
Dr. Detlef Puhl, Senior Advisor, North Atlantic Treaty Organization NATO.

Business in China: A Conversation with Jeremy R. Haft
2016-01-27 17:30 - 20:00 | ACC Highland Business Center Board Room, ACC Highland Business Center, 2nd Floor Board Room, 5930 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX, 78752, United States
Jeremy R. Haft has been starting and building companies in China for nearly two decades across the breadth of China’s economy – from light and heavy industries to agriculture. He is the author of Unmade in China as well as All the Tea in China: How to Buy, Sell, and Make Money on the Mainland. He excels in addressing best practices for importing, exporting, and doing business in China. Prior to his China experience, Haft was a founder of one of the first Internet agencies in Silicon Alley, Manhattan, which was ranked in the nation’s top five by Forrester Research in 1997. An adjunct professor at Georgetown University who lectures in both the Business and Foreign Service Schools, Haft’s analysis on China trade has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, NBC, CBS, and ABC, CNN, CNBC, Fox, and National Public Radio, among others. Haft is CEO of SafeSource Trading and Co-Founder and Chairman of Caracal Strategies.
More information about his latest book, Unmade in China, available here:
https://www.chinafile.com/library/books/unmade-china

Business Viewpoint of the TPP and other Trade Agreements
2016-01-21 10:00 - 11:30 | UT McCombs School of Business, 2110 Speedway Room GSB 3.104, Austin, TX, 78712, United States
In collaboration with the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Texas Camino Real District Export Council offers a seminar explaining how business representatives may take advantage of opportunities made available by the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and other U.S. Trade Agreements.
Confirmed speakers include:
Arun Kumar
Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service and Assistant Secretary for Global Markets, U.S. Department of Commerce
Leslie Griffin
UPS Senior Vice President, International Public Policy
Andy Wall
Applied Materials
Mark MacBeath
Bioo Scientific

RSVP with your name, business affiliation and contact information to: Nick Kirby njkirby (at) ups.com

Hungarian MP, Zoltán Kész Discusses Hungary at the Crossroads
2015-12-03 17:30 - 19:00 | ACC Highland Business Center Board Room, ACC Highland Business Center, 2nd Floor Board Room, 5930 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX, 78752, United States
A long-term advocate of liberty, democracy, tolerance and free market values, Zoltán Kész won by a great margin the by-election held in the West-Hungarian town of Veszprém on 22 February, 2015. In his victory speech, MP Kész stressed that although he and the supporting parties have many differences, all of them are working for the same fundamental values of democracy. Zoltán Kész’s victory shattered the two-third majority of governing party Fidesz in Hungary’s parliament.

Zoltán Kész, born 1974 in Veszprem (Hungary), worked as a guest lecturer at ELTE University. He also taught history in the USA, and English in Hungary. Besides teaching, he is also an entrepreneur and translator. MP Kész is founder (2011) and director of Free Market Foundation. The mission of Free Market Foundation is to represent, defend, and advance classical liberal values, ideas and policies in Hungary, and among speakers of the Hungarian language.

Public Discussion Featuring EU Ambassador to the United States, David O'Sullivan
2015-11-18 14:00 - 15:00 | AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center, 1900 University Ave, Austin, TX, 78705, United States
“Transatlantic Relations & Global Challenges: What’s on the Agenda for 2016?”
David O’Sullivan took up his post as European Union Ambassador to the United States in November 2014. A long-time EU official, he has previously served as Chief Operating Officer of the newly-created European External Action Service now led by EU High Representative Federica Mogherini, as EU Commission Director General for Trade (2005-2010), Secretary General (2000-2005), and Director General for Education and Training. He began his diplomatic career in the Irish Foreign Ministry and spent four years in the EU Commission’s Delegation to Japan. He is a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin and the College of Europe (Bruges) and holds Honorary Doctorates from the Dublin Institute of Technology and Trinity College Dublin. He was awarded the EU Transatlantic Business Award by the American Chamber of Commerce in 2014.
Sponsored by The Center for European Studies; World Affairs Council of Austin; Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies; Center for International Business Education and Research; LBJ School of Public Affairs; The Institute for Historical Studies in the Department of History; and the Consulate General of Ireland, Austin.
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The talk will take place in Room 203 on the conference side (west side) of the AT&T Executive Eucation and Conference Center (1900 University Avenue, Austin, 78712).
Parking
Parking is available in the AT&T Parking Garage (entrance on the south side of the building) for a fee. There are also Pay-to-Park spaces along University Avenue. Unfortunately, we will not be able to validate parking.
There is no other cost for this event, but RSVPs are required. RSVP via the link below.

Innovative Applications for Globally Emerging Clean Energy and Water Technologies for Micro-Communities
2015-11-13 08:30 - 12:00 | AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center, 1900 University Ave, Austin, TX, 78705, United States
The Embassy of the Republic of France’s Service for Science and Technology is organizing a series of French-American Climate Talks (FACTs) across North-America. On November 13th, Austin will be the host city for these discussions on international collaboration. Showcase projects include our sister, the City of Angers.
9:00am Introductions
– Sujiro Seam, Consul General of France in Houston
– Steve Adler, Mayor of Austin, TX
– Christophe Bechu, Mayor of Angers, France
– Michel Salomon, President & CEO, SM2D Inc.
9:45am Clean Energy Climate Round Table
– Kathleen Baireuther, Executive Director, CleanTX
– Arnaud Uzabiaga, Business Development, boostHEAT
– Marc-Alain Behar, VP Business development, Solairedirect
– Moderated by Philippe Leonard, CEO, Urban Wind Design
10:45am Clean Water Climate Round Table
– Billy Roberts, VP Drinking Water Applications, Omni Water Solutions
– Bernard Benayoun, CEO, Bamboo for Water
– Serge Bellulo, CEO, Serbel
– Moderated by Thomas Ortman, CEO, Concurrent Design
11:30am Closing Statements
– Peter Beck, Associate Professor, St. Edward’s University
Please register via the link below.

Consequences of the Greece/European Union Economic Crisis: Implications for Security, Geopolitics, Economics, and Finance
2015-11-04 11:00 - 13:30 | St. Edwards University, Carter Auditorium, 3001 S. Congress Ave, Austin, TX, 78704, United States
Daniel B. Smith was sworn in as Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research at the U.S. Department of State on February 14, 2014.
A member of the Senior Foreign Service with the rank of Career Minister, Ambassador Smith served most recently as Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic from 2010 to 2013. Prior to that assignment, he served as Executive Secretary of the State Department. He has held other senior positions in the Department, including Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs and Deputy Executive Secretary. In addition to Greece, his overseas service includes tours in Bern, Istanbul, Ottawa and Stockholm. He also taught Political Science at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
Ambassador Smith is a recipient of the Arnold L. Raphel Memorial Award, the Secretary’s Distinguished Service Award, a Presidential Distinguished Service Award, and several Superior and Meritorious Honor Awards. Ambassador Smith received his Ph.D. and M.A. from Stanford University, and his B.A. from the University of Colorado at Boulder. His foreign languages are German, Turkish and Swedish.
Julian Lindley-French, Senior Fellow, Institute of Statecraft; Director, Europa Analytica

Professor Dr Julian Lindley-French is a leading strategic analyst, author, advisor and commentator who has been appointed to three professorial chairs, has eight books to his name and has written many major articles and reports.

Lindley-French is currently Senior Fellow at the Institute of Statecraft in London, Director of Europa Analytica in the Netherlands, Distinguished Visiting Research Fellow at the National Defense University in Washington, as well as a Fellow of the Canadian Defence and Foreign Affairs Institute. He is Visiting Programme Director at Wilton Park and Honorary Fellow of the Strategy and Security Institute at the University of Exeter. Professor Lindley-French also serves as a Member of the Strategic Advisory Panel of the UK Chief of Defence Staff, and is an advisor to NATO.

His blog, Lindley-French’s Blog Blast (www.lindleyfrench.blogspot.com), has a world-wide readership. The Oxford Handbook of War (Oxford University Press) is regarded as a definitive compendium on the subject the paperback version of which was published in March 2014. This followed on from his 2008 book for Oxford “A Chronology of European Security and Defence”. In February 2015 he published a second print edition of “Little Britain? Twenty-First Century Strategic Challenges for a Middling European Power”, which considers the strategy and policy options faced by Britain and its armed forces in the early twenty-first century. In July 2015 he will publish a new book on the history, strategy and purpose of NATO for Routledge.

Marko Savkovic, Program Coordinator, Belgrade Fund for Political Excellence

Marko Savkovic works as Program Coordinator at the Belgrade Fund for Political Excellence (BFPE), where he is primarily tasked with directing the program of the Belgrade Security Forum (www.belgradeforum.org). Previously, also at BFPE, he was in charge of the Regional Academy for Democracy (www.radwb.eu), an initiative aimed at building the next generation of political leadership in the Western Balkans. Previously, Marko worked as a researcher in the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy (BCSP), specializing in the fields of defense reform, civil-military relations and Euro-Atlantic integration. While working in BCSP, he co-authored the first “Dictionary of European Security” published in BHS languages, followed by a pioneering study in peacekeeping practices of Western Balkans’ countries. As of 2014, he is a PhD candidate at the Belgrade Faculty of Political Science, researching into what he sees as “privatization” of peace-building efforts worldwide. His work and thoughts have been published extensively in academic journals (Journal of Regional Security, Analytical, Vojno delo) as well as various magazines and portals (Novi magazin, European Voice, Pescanik.net). Contact him at msavkovic@bfpe.org.

Panos Tsakloglou, Professor, Athens University of Economics and Business
Dr. Panos Tasakloglou is a Professor at Athens University of Economics and Business, Greece. His research focuses on questions of inequality, poverty, social exclusion, returns to education, and social policy (especially the redistributive role of the state). He has published over eighty five articles in scholarly journals and contributions to collective volumes, participated in a large number of conferences and workshops, and has been a partner in over forty five international and national research and consultancy projects. He is Research Fellow at the Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA, Bonn) and Senior Research Fellow of the Hellenic Observatory (LSE, London), as well as member of the Editorial Boards of the Journal of Economic Inequality and Politica Economica. During the period 2012-2014, he was Chairman of the Greek Government’s Council of Economic Advisers and member of the EU Economic and Financial Committee (EFC) and Eurogroup Working Group (EWG), as well as alternate member of Ecofin and Eurogroup. He has also been Social Policy advisor to Prime Ministers G. Papandreou (2010-2011) and L. Papademos (2011-2012) and was a member of the EU Economic Policy Committee (EPC, 2010-2011). Further, he was member of the Greek Government’s Council of Advisors on Employment and Social Policy (2001-2002), National Council for Research and Technology (2001-2005), Council of Economic Advisors (2002-2004 and 2009-2012), and member of the Independent Authority for the Evaluation of Tertiary Education (2006-2009).

Peter Sparding, Transatlantic Fellow, German Marshall Fund

Peter Sparding is a transatlantic fellow in GMF’s Europe Program in Washington, DC, where he works on issues related to the transatlantic and global economy. In particular, Sparding’s work focuses on the consequences of the Eurozone crisis on the transatlantic economic relationship and the global economy. He also works on issues related to transatlantic trade and global economic governance. A native of Germany, Sparding previously worked in GMF’s Berlin office. He holds a master’s degree from Free University in Berlin and has also studied at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark.

– See more at: http://www.gmfus.org/profiles/peter-sparding#sthash.k16MR2Hx.dpuf

Sponsored by the Kozmetsky Center and World Affairs Council of Austin

Author's Night: Ted Carpenter Discusses Perilous Partners
2015-10-29 18:00 - 20:00 | ACC Highland Business Center Board Room, ACC Highland Business Center, 2nd Floor Board Room, 5930 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX, 78752, United States
How do we resolve the dilemma of securing important American foreign policy objectives without betraying basic American values and making ethical compromises? American leaders have cooperated with regimes around the world that are, to varying degrees, repressive or corrupt. Such cooperation is said to serve the national interest. It also often contravenes the nation’s commitments to democratic governance, civil liberties, and free markets.
In Perilous Partners, authors Ted Carpenter and Malou Innocent oﬀer case studies of U.S. engagement with dubious allies, and show that too often American leaders have sacriﬁced the moral high ground in pursuit of secondary and peripheral national interests. Perilous Partners will be available in bookstores on September 22, 2015.
Ted Galen Carpenter is senior fellow for defense and foreign policy studies at the Cato Institute. Dr. Carpenter served as Cato’s director of foreign policy studies from 1986 to 1995 and as vice president for defense and foreign policy studies from 1995 to 2011. He is the author of nine and the editor of 10 books on international affairs, including The Fire Next Door: Mexico’s Drug Violence and the Danger to America, Smart Power: Toward a Prudent Foreign Policy for America, America’s Coming War with China A Collision Course over Taiwan, The Korean Conundrum: America’s Troubled Relations with North and South Korea, Bad Neighbor Policy: Washington’s Futile War on Drugs in Latin America, The Captive Press: Foreign Policy Crises and the First Amendment, Beyond NATO: Staying Out of Europe’s Wars, and A Search for Enemies: America’s Alliances after the Cold War. Carpenter is contributing editor to theNational Interest and serves on the editorial boards of Mediterranean Quarterly and the Journal of Strategic Studies, and is the author of more than 600 articles and policy studies. His articles have appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, theLos Angeles Times, the Financial Times, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, the National Interest, World Policy Journal, and many other publications. He is a frequent guest on radio and television programs in the United States, Latin America, Europe, East Asia, and other regions. Carpenter received his Ph.D. in U.S. diplomatic history from the University of Texas.

Performance of The Whirling Dervishes
2015-09-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Riverbend Centre, 4214 Capital of Texas Hwy N. , Austin, 78746
See a live performance by The Whirling Dervishes of Kona and Turkish Sufi Music Ensemble, rarely on tour in the U.S. Members of World Affairs Council of Austin receive a discount on tickets.
This event is brought to you by Dialogue Institute of the Southwest.

Ireland in Austin, Ireland in the World: A Discussion with Adrian Farrell, Consul General of Ireland
2015-09-16 17:30 - 19:00 | Ireland House, 515 Congress Avenue - Suite 1720, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Adrian Farrell was appointed as Ireland’s first Consul General in Texas in September 2014. Ireland’s new Consulate is only the second foreign diplomatic representation in Austin.
In his remarks Farrell will discuss Ireland’s strong historic ties with the United States, and how the establishment of the new Irish Consulate in Austin will further strengthen Ireland’s future relations with Texas. As Ireland celebrates the 60th anniversary of its membership of the United Nations, Farrell will also highlight Ireland’s key foreign policy priorities and its global diaspora.
Event attendees will also hear about Ireland’s EU membership, current social and political developments in Ireland and why the Irish economy continues to grow at a faster rate than in any other EU state.
The event will take place at the new Ireland House Austin which was opened by Ireland’s Prime Minister Enda Kenny last March.
Parking available in the Bank of America garage and at street meters. Regretfully, there are no free parking options.
Please register for this event at http://irelandaustin.eventbrite.com

Cover to Cover Author Series
2015-08-05 13:00 - 14:00 | TX
DOMINIC TIERNEY, professor and contributing writer at The Atlantic
The Right Way to Lose a War: America in an Age of Unwinnable Conflicts
Award-winning scholar Dominic Tierney reveals how the U.S. has struggled to adapt to the new era of intractable guerrilla conflicts. This timely guidebook, based on interviews with dozens of top generals and policymakers, shows how to handle battlefield failure and return to the path of victory with American values intact.
Cover to Cover is a monthly program featuring the most influential authors on subjects of national and international importance.
Offered as a benefit to all current WACA Member Councils, Cover to Cover conference calls are opportunities for Council leaders, members, and supporters to engage with esteemed authors on critical issues. Cover to Cover authors often welcome invitations to speak at Councils. In short, the WACA National Office covers a topic with an expert so that Councils may discover a speaker and cover the topic in even greater depth in their own communities, spearheading a national conversation.

Luncheon with H.E. Petr Gandalovič, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the USA
2015-07-28 11:30 - 13:00 | EVENT FILLED TO CAPACITY, Austin, 78705
The World Affairs Council of Austin in collaboration with The Center for European Studies, and The Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies at the University of Texas host a luncheon featuring
H.E. Petr Gandalovič, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the USA.

Ambassador Petr Gandalovič arrived in the United States on May 20, 2011. He presented his credentials to President Barack Obama on July 7, 2011.
Education:
1982-1987 Charles University Prague, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics
Career History:
2010-2011 Member of Foreign Committee
2009-2010 Member of Agriculture Committee
2007-2009 Minister of Agriculture
2006/9-12 Minister of Regional Development
2006-2011 Member of the Chamber of Deputies, Parliament of the Czech Republic
2002-2006 Mayor of the City of Ústí nad Labem
1997-2002 Consul General of the Czech Republic in New York
1995-1997 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Economic and Information Section, Director General
1994-1995 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Advisor to Minister
1992-1994 Ministry of Environment, Deputy Minister
1990-1992 Member of the Federal Assembly of the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic
1987-1990 High School of Ústí nad Labem, teacher of mathematics and physics

Cover to Cover Author Series
2015-07-14 13:00 - 14:00 | TX
WACA’s July Cover to Cover Author Series features journalist Nina Ansary on her new book, Jewels of Allah: The Untold Story of Women in Iran. The call will be held Tuesday, July 14, at 2:00 PM ET. WACA President Bill Clifford will moderate the call.

Register for the Call

Iranian-American author Nina Ansary challenges stereotypical assumptions by examining how the status of women has changed under Iran’s secular and religious movements. Illuminating unanticipated consequences of the Islamic Revolution, her account charts the rise of a feminist movement within a post-revolutionary patriarchal society.

Born in Tehran, Iran, Nina Ansary left her country of birth at the onset of the 1979 Islamic Revolution and has not returned since. In 1996, Ansary moved to Los Angeles, and following her family’s long and distinguished record, began to pursue her passion for humanitarian causes. She is a regular contributor to The Daily Beast, The Huffington Post and Women’s eNews. Full Bio

Luncheon with Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs, José Antonio Meade Kuribreña
2015-07-09 11:45 - 13:30 | Headliner’s Club, 221 W. Sixth Street,, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
The Austin Council on Foreign Affairs in conjunction with The Consulate General of México, The World Affairs Council of Austin, Asociacion de Empresarios Mexicanos, and The Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce luncheon featuring
José Antonio Meade Kuribreña Secretary of Foreign Affairs of México
Secretary Meade was born in Mexico. He received a degree in Economics from the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México; a Law degree from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, and a PhD in Economics from Yale University.
As a professor, he has taught Microeconomics and Macroeconomics courses at ITAM and Yale University, as well as courses in Economic Analysis of the Law at ITAM’s Masters Program in Public Policy.
He has received recognition for his research on Economic Analysis of the Law, an Honors Degree in Economics and the National Tlacaelel Award.
He has served as:

General Director of Financial Planning at the National Commission for the Retirement Savings’ System .

Deputy Secretary of Bank Savings Protection at Mexico’s Institute for the Protection of Bank Savings.

General Director of Banking and Savings at Mexico’s Ministry of Finance and Public Credit.

Chief Executive Officer of the National Bank for Rural Credit, currently in liquidation.

Chief Executive Officer of Financiera Rural.

Chief of Staff of Ministry of Finance and Public Credit.

Undersecretary of Finance (Tax) of Ministry of Finance and Public Credit.

Undersecretary of Finance and Public Credit.

Secretary of Energy

Secretary of Finance and Public Credit.

Japan - USA Business Opportunities Dinner Panel & Discussion
2015-06-17 17:30 - 20:00 | The University of Texas Club, 2108 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin, TX, 78705, United States
In collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, the World Affairs Council of Austin is pleased to present “Walk in U.S., Talk on Japan: A Japan – USA Business Opportunities Dinner Panel & Discussion.”
Participants will learn more about the state of Japan’s economy, its current business climate and specific trade opportunities which are available for local businesses.
Please join us for this informative event. Our special guest speakers include:
Yasuo SAITO, former Ambassador of Japan to Saudi Arabia, Russia, and France. Mr. Saito also served as Japan’s representative to UNESCO, and maintains a deep knowledge of economics and culture.
Hiroshi TSUKAMOTO, former Deputy Director General for the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Mr. Tsukamoto provided pivotal input on the development of Japan’s trade and energy policies.
Tetsuo KITAGAWA worked for Toyota for over 40 years, and has visited several U.S. plants. Mr. Kitagawa provides insite on the mentality of “Monozukuri” (Japan’s creative design and manufacturing).

June 17th Event Agenda
5:30-6:00 PM Registration and Networking
6:00 – 8:00 PM Dinner and Panel with Q&A
This event is complimentary, however seats are limited. RSVPs are highly recommended. Please use the Eventbrite link in the “Details” section to RSVP.
The UT Club main entrance is located on east side of Darrell K. Royal Stadium. Complimentary parking is available at the Manor Garage 2017 Robert Dedman Dr.

Summer Author's Night
2015-06-02 18:00 - 20:30 | ACC Highland Business Center Board Room, ACC Highland Business Center, 2nd Floor Board Room, 5930 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX, 78752, United States
You are cordially invited to the World Affairs Council of Austin’s Summer Author’s Night!
Join the World Affairs Council of Austin as we host four international authors in our Summer Authors’ Night. Our featured writers, Kelly Luce, Mary Helen Specht, Usha Akella and Peggy Kelsey, have traveled the world and have written about their experiences in poetry, short stories and non-fiction. Authors will read selections from their works and will be available for Q&A. Come get inspiration for your own international Summer Reading list! In partnership with the Dialogue Institute Southwest.

Seminar: "Is This the End of the Civilized World?: The Visual Persuasion of ISIS"
2015-05-28 18:00 - 19:30 | ACC Highland Business Center Board Room, ACC Highland Business Center, 2nd Floor Board Room, 5930 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX, 78752, United States
The Austin Chapter of the Dialogue Institute and the World Affairs Council of Austin cordially invite you to join us for a gripping discussion with Dr. David D. Perlmutter, expert on political communication and the tools of persuasion. Learn how popular tools of youth culture are evangelizing the ISIS message in a sophisticated recruiting campaign that knows no boundaries.

The propaganda of ISIS has swept past attempts to undermine, interdict, or counter it. Tens of thousands of fighters, from regions as diverse as Australia to Canada to the Middle East and in between, have traveled to fight for the cause of the so-called “Islamic” state. Hundreds of thousands of “ISIS fanboys” tweet or text in favor of ISIS. The ISIS leadership’s brilliantly designed and edited recruiting videos successfully mimic popular genres of video-game-style first-person shooters and action movie montages. Young people consume the propaganda via the Internet and social media, and their attraction to it is only heightened by their society’s disapproval of these modern communication methods. We take a closer look at what, exactly, it is that ISIS promises its legions of young fanboys and what – beyond religion – it is really “selling”.
For an introduction to his argument, read the USA Today article, “ISIL’S SOPHISTICATED RECRUITING CAMPAIGN POSES PERSISTENT THREAT IN U.S.”http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/04/26/foreign-fighters-isil-fbi/26202741/
About the Speaker:
DAVID D. PERLMUTTER is a professor at and Dean of the College of Media and Communication at Texas Tech University. He received his BA (’85) and MA (’91) from the University of Pennsylvania Annenberg School for Communication and his Ph.D. (’96) from the University of Minnesota. Perlmutter is the author or editor of nine books on political communication and persuasion. He has also written several dozen research articles for academic journals as well as more than 250 essays for U.S. and international newspapers and magazines such as Campaigns & Elections, Christian Science Monitor, Editor & Publisher, Los Angeles Times, MSNBC.com, Philadelphia Inquirer, and USA Today. Perlmutter has been interviewed by most major news networks and newspapers, from the New York Times to CNN, ABC, and The Daily Show. He regularly speaks at industry, academic, and government meetings and runs workshops on personal and institutional branding via social media and on promotion and tenure in academia. He writes the “Career Confidential” advice column for the Chronicle of Higher Education. His book on promotion and tenure, PROMOTION AND TENURE CONFIDENTIAL was published by Harvard University Press in 2010.
Admission to this luncheon program is free; and the amount of suggested donation is $10.
The Austin Chapter of the Dialogue Institute and the World Affairs Council of Austin look forward to welcoming you there.

Fourth Annual TX-EU BUSINESS SUMMIT
2015-04-22 08:00 - 2015-04-23 17:00 | AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center, 1900 University Ave, Austin, TX, 78705, United States
Event Helps Texas Businesses Access the World’s Largest Economic Zone
The World Affairs Council of Austin will co-host the 4th annual Texas-EU Business Summit, now 2 days, April 22nd- April 23rd, 2015 at Austin’s AT&T Center. The event is held under the Auspices of the UT- EU Center of Excellence.
The Summit brings trade promotion experts and business-people from European Union nations to Austin for panels and meetings with the Texas business community. The event is a unique face-to-face opportunity for Austin businesses to make connections and learn about current inbound and outbound business opportunities with Europe. Highlights of the 2015 Summit include a few opening remarks by the Mayor of Austin, Steve Adler, the Ambassador of Croatia, Josko Paro, and the Consul General of Ireland, Adrian Farrell.
Other co-hosts of the Summit include Austin Community College, the City of Austin, the European Center of Excellence at the University of Texas at Austin and the Kozmetsky Center for Excellence in International Finance at St. Edwards University and The World Affairs Council of Austin (WACA).
The 27 nations of the European Union represent a combined economy of $16.7 trillion (compared with $16.2 trillion for the United States and $8.2 billion for China) [IMF 2012] and a market of more than half a billion people.

Please visit the website to register and for more information. We hope to see you at this exclusive two-day event.

Read our Press Release for TX-EU Summit.

Ambassador Joseph Stafford: The Making of Argo
2015-04-02 18:00 - 20:30 | ACC Highland Business Center Board Room, ACC Highland Business Center, 2nd Floor Board Room, 5930 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX, 78752, United States
The Making of Argo: The real life story of the 1979 Tehran hostage crisis as experienced by two Americans who lived through it.

Please join the World Affairs Council of Austin to welcome Ambassador Joseph Stafford and his wife, Kathleen, for an unforgettable night of storytelling.

In 1979, newly minted foreign service officer Joseph Stafford and his new wife Kathleen, a visa processor, were stationed at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran. Within months, student revolutionaries protesting Iranian-American relations stormed the embassy, taking 60 people hostage in a standoff that lasted 444 days. Six embassy workers narrowly escaped out the back door, hidden by umbrellas in the rain and secreted off into hiding. Joe and Kathy were two of them.

We hope to see our members and friends to learn from and re-imagine this extraordinary event.
—-
Joseph D. Stafford III is a career Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State, now retired. He joined the Foreign Service in 1978. In June 2012, he was assigned to Khartoum, Sudan as Chargé d’affaires of U.S. Embassy, Khartoum. Kathleen Stafford is an artist.

Schedule:
6 – 6:45 p.m. VIP Reception for WACA Members with Ambassador and Mrs. Stafford
7 – 8 p.m. Presentation by Ambassador and Mrs. Stafford
8 – 8:30 p.m. Question and Answer session
