Global I.Q. Podcast
World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth
The World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth talks with some of the world's foremost thinkers, writers, and diplomats in this interview series. New episodes released weekly.
Episodes
Regime Change with Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan
Join us for a conversation with Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, co-authors of the new book "Regime Change," on Donald Trump’s first year back in office. Drawing on hundreds of interviews from inside the administration, Haberman and Swan will explore how presidential decision-making has shaped U.S. foreign policy this year, from a new military engagement in the Middle East to market reactions to major policy shifts, and how allies and adversaries abroad are interpreting this second Trump term. The conversation will center on what deep, sourced access reveals about how American power is being exercised and perceived on the world stage.
MI6, KGB, and Secret Plots in Tehran: The Untold Story of the Cold War’s Most Extraordinary Spy
In 1981, Iran’s revolution had thrown the region into turmoil and the Cold War was entering its final decade. In the middle of this unrest, a KGB officer in Tehran turned to British intelligence with a secret only they could keep quiet. That choice set off one of the most remarkable spy stories of the era. Join us for a conversation with bestselling author Ben Macintyre about the true story of Vladimir Kuzichkin. Drawing on new archives and firsthand interviews for his new book, Macintyre will discuss how a Soviet double agent worked inside a crumbling regime, how MI6 planned his escape while the KGB and Iranian agents closed in, and what this case reveals about the hidden world of Cold War spycraft. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Ben Macintyre is a writer-at-large for The Times (UK) and the author of the upcoming book Redwood: The Untold Story of the Cold War’s Most Extraordinary Spy. He is the bestselling author of Agent Sonya, The Spy and the Traitor, A Spy Among Friends, Double Cross, Operation Mincemeat, Agent Zigzag, Rogue Heroes, and Prisoners of the Castle, among other books. Macintyre has also written and presented BBC documentaries of his work. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate
America at a Crossroads: Isolationism vs. Globalism
Part 4 of 4 in the 2026 International Perspectives Series. For 75 years, NATO has anchored U.S. and European security. It has shaped how America projects power, deters threats, and works with its allies. Now the alliance faces new pressures: Shifting threats, disputes over burden-sharing, and deeper questions about America’s global role are all in play. Policymakers must weigh different paths forward, each with real stakes for national security, economic influence, and world order. We’ll look at why the balance between restraint and engagement matters, and what it could mean for America’s influence, security, and global partnerships in the years ahead. ABOUT THE SPEAKERS Jeffrey A. Engel is the David Gergen Director of the Center for Presidential History at Southern Methodist University. A Senior Fellow of the John Goodwin Tower Center for Political Studies, and graduate of Cornell University, he additionally studied at St. Catherine’s College, Oxford University, and received his M.A. and Ph.D. in American history from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, before serving as a John M. Olin Postdoctoral Fellow in International Security Studies at Yale University. David J. Kramer serves as the Executive Director of the George W. Bush Institute. Prior to joining the Bush Institute, he taught at Florida International University’s Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs, where he also was Senior Fellow in the Václav Havel Program for Human Rights and Diplomacy and Director for European and Eurasian Affairs. ABOUT THE MODERATOR Jess Koloini is the President and CEO of the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate
25 Years Later: 9/11 and the World It Made
On the morning of September 11, 2001, Andrew Card leaned down and whispered eleven words into the ear of President George W. Bush: “A second plane hit the second tower. America is under attack.” As White House Chief of Staff, Card was at the center of the most consequential crisis in modern American history – present in the room, on the plane, and at the table as the nation responded to the unthinkable. Twenty-five years later, join us for an extraordinary evening of reflection with Andrew Card. Drawing on his firsthand experience, Card will share what it was like to navigate those first hours and days, how American foreign policy and national security were reshaped in the aftermath, and what the past quarter century has revealed about resilience, leadership, and the enduring stakes of global engagement. ABOUT THE SPEAKER As chief of staff for President George W. Bush, assistant to the president/deputy chief of staff for President George H. W. Bush, and special assistant and director of intergovernmental affairs for President Reagan, Andrew H. Card, Jr. has been at the center of U.S. politics for decades. At President Bush’s side on September 11, 2001, Card was a unique witness to history on that fateful day and the years that followed. After leaving Washington, Andy Card led Franklin Pierce University as President until 2016, held academic leadership roles at Texas A&M University, chaired the National Endowment for Democracy, and served as CEO of The George & Barbara Bush Foundation. ABOUT THE MODERATOR Will Cain joined FOX News Channel in 2020 and currently serves as host of The Will Cain Show. He is also the host of the Will Cain Country podcast on FOX News Audio where he merges the worlds of news and sports, with a spotlight on listener interaction. From 2020 to 2025, Cain served as the co-host of FOX & Friends Weekend, FNC’s top-rated weekend morning show. In this capacity, he presented interviews with key newsmakers and figures including President Donald Trump, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and Barstool founder Dave Portnoy. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate
Women in Power on the Global Stage
From Taiwan’s Tsai Ing-wen to Barbados’s Mia Amor Mottley to Estonia’s Kaja Kallas, a new generation of women leaders has stepped into some of the most consequential roles in global politics – and faced some of the most complex challenges of our time. Linda Robinson, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and award-winning foreign policy journalist, will draw on the vivid stories behind her new book, Women in Power, and explore what these leaders’ experiences reveal about power, resilience, and the state of the world today. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Linda Robinson is senior fellow for women and foreign policy at the Council on Foreign Relations where she writes about women’s political and economic leadership, the relationship between gender equality and democracy, technology-facilitated violence, and current international affairs. Her book, Women in Power: Fighting for Democracy in an Age of Authoritarianism, spotlights the current cohort of women political leaders and tells the powerful stories of the women on the frontlines of the battle between democracy and authoritarianism. ABOUT THE MODERATOR Lee Cullum is host of CEO, KERA’s original monthly series of interviews with North Texas business leaders that airs on KERA television and radio. She is also a commentator for Morning Edition on KERA-FM and contributes columns to The Dallas Morning News. A veteran journalist, Lee was previously a commentator for The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer and All Things Considered on NPR. In addition, she was editor of the editorial page of the Dallas Times Herald and host of Conversations, a series on KERA with major newsmakers. Lee also worked as a reporter, on-air moderator, and executive producer of Newsroom on KERA. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: www.dfwworld.org/donate
Sports Diplomacy: Is It an Effective Tool of Foreign Policy?
Part 3 of 4 in the 2026 International Perspectives Series. Sports have become a growing part of international diplomacy. Governments now use athletics to shape how the world sees them, build influence, and advance their political goals – raising key questions about where sports end and foreign policy begins. With the FIFA World Cup approaching and Dallas set to be part of the global spotlight, the timing couldn’t be better to dig into these questions. Join us as we ask whether sports diplomacy actually works as a foreign policy tool – and what its growing role means for fans, cities, and global audiences. We’ll hear from a leading policy expert alongside a legendary Texas sports voice for a conversation that goes well beyond the game. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Kristian Coates Ulrichsen is the Fellow for the Middle East at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. His research spans the political economy and international relations of the Gulf States and their changing position within the regional and global order. Coates Ulrichsen holds a PhD in History from the University of Cambridge and is the author of seven books about the Gulf States, including Insecure Gulf: The End of Certainty and the Transition to the Post-Oil Era, The United Arab Emirates: Power, Politics, and Policymaking, Qatar and the Gulf Crisis, Centers of Power in Arab Gulf States, and, most recently, Kingdom of Football: Saudi Arabia and the Remaking of World Soccer. Prior to joining the Baker Institute in 2013, Coates Ulrichsen co-directed the Kuwait Research Program at the London School of Economics for five years from 2008 and served as an Associate Fellow at the Royal Institute of International Affairs between 2012 and 2022. ABOUT THE MODERATOR Mac Engel has worked for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram for more than 20 years. He has covered the Texas Rangers, Dallas Stars, Dallas Mavericks, and Dallas Cowboys as a beat writer, as well as every major college in Texas. He has also covered multiple Rose Bowls, Cotton Bowls, Summer Olympics, and countless other major sports stories and events. In 2023, he was named one of the top sports columnists in the country by the nation’s most prestigious sports journalism organization, the Associated Press Sports Editors. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate
The Builder’s Mindset: How Gary Wojtaszek Turns Ideas Into Industries
This is part 2 of the 2025 CEO Series. Gary Wojtaszek has spent his career turning bold ideas into billion-dollar businesses. He led CyrusOne’s rise into a $12 billion global data center company. He then founded RecNation, now the largest institutional RV and boat storage platform in the U.S. Time and again, he has built and scaled companies that redefine their industries. In this conversation, Gary will share what he’s learned along the way. He’ll talk about how to spot opportunity amid disruption, lead with agility, and sustain culture through rapid growth. It’s a candid look at what it takes to innovate, invest, and inspire in a business landscape that never stops changing. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Gary Wojtaszek is a seasoned executive with a proven track record of founding, scaling, and transforming companies across real estate, data centers, and technology. His career spans both public and private company leadership, from entrepreneurial startups and fast-growth platforms to global publicly traded enterprises. He has extensive private equity advisory and board governance experience, guiding organizations through IPOs, LBOs, restructurings, and high-growth phases. ABOUT THE MODERATOR Brendan McGuire is executive vice president and regional president for PNC Bank, North Texas. He is responsible for overseeing PNC’s lines of business, as well as all sponsorship, philanthropic, and branding efforts important to PNC’s national main street banking model in the region. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: www.dfwworld.org/donate
The Human Cost of War: A Reporter’s Firsthand Perspective from Ukraine
War is often described in impersonal ways – through moves and countermoves, land disputes, and troop movements. But as Jen Stout’s coverage of the war in Ukraine has shown, war is deeply personal; she’s reported from night trains and birthday parties, military hospitals and bunkers. She has compiled these stories into her debut book "Night Train to Odesa," which covers the human cost of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Join us for a journalist’s firsthand account of life in a conflict zone.
The Loves of Theodore Roosevelt
Featuring Author and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation Edward F. O’Keefe; moderated by Presidential Historian Talmage Boston.
Power and Money: The Feud Between Presidents and Business Leaders
It’s a universal truth that U.S. presidents need businessmen and businessmen need U.S. presidents. But competing interests have long made their relationship fraught, as explored by Tevi Troy in his latest book The Power and the Money: The Epic Clashes Between Commanders in Chief and Titans of Industry. Join us for a discussion of presidents’ battles with famed leaders in business from John D. Rockefeller to Mark Zuckerberg.
Soft Power: Is the U.S. Losing its Edge?
Part 2 of 4 in the 2025 International Perspectives Series. From celebrating Halloween in Spain, Stanley Starbucks cups being released in Japan, and McDonald’s creating the “McBaguette” in France, the United States’s soft power and global influence is evident. But globalization and rapid social media connectivity has brought Korean skincare, the viral French butter bell, and Argentinian football to the masses. The opportunity for nations to become “soft power influencers” has equalized with globalization. A recent Gallup poll about influence had the U.S. leading 81 countries to 131 surveyed, while China only had 52. But is U.S. influence lagging? In a world where the Chinese app TikTok dominates social platforms, how will this impact global perception of the U.S.? Gaps in Africa and Latin America have allowed China and Russia to fill the void and gain influence in those regions. While military and economic power dominate the political spheres, soft power’s attractiveness plays the long game. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Kori Schake is a senior fellow and the director of foreign and defense policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute. Previously, Dr. Schake was the deputy director-general of the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London. She has had a distinguished career in government, working at the U.S. State Department, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the National Security Council at the White House. She has also taught at Stanford, West Point, Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies, National Defense University, and the University of Maryland. Dr. Schake is the author of five books and has been widely published in policy journals and the popular press, including in CNN, Foreign Affairs, Politico, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post. She is a contributing writer at The Atlantic and War on the Rocks. Dr. Schake has a PhD and MA in government and politics from the University of Maryland, as well as an MPM from the University of Maryland School of Public Policy. Her BA in international relations is from Stanford University. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate
Unlocking Education: A Discussion on Freedom and Opportunity
Debates over voucher programs, public school funding, and the government’s role in education have dominated headlines across Texas and the nation. At the same time, the recent NAEP test shows that less than half our kids are proficient in reading and math. Studies indicate that when the education system fails, far more is at risk than an individual student’s growth. Education shortcomings pose a risk to national security and global competitiveness. So, what can we do to ensure the next generation gets off to the best possible start? Join the Council for a panel event focused on the intersection of education, freedom, and national security. ABOUT THE SPEAKERS Pete Geren The Honorable Preston “Pete” Geren is president and CEO of the Sid W. Richardson Foundation, which provides grants to educational, health, human service, and cultural nonprofit organizations in Texas. Geren served in the Department of Defense from 2001-2009, holding positions that included Acting Secretary of the Air Force and Secretary of the Army. He served four terms as a member of Congress, representing the 12th District of Texas from 1989-1997. A lawyer and former business executive, Geren has held leadership positions in numerous civic, educational, business, and philanthropic organizations in Texas. He has more than 30 years of combined service on corporate boards, including Union Pacific Resources, Anadarko Petroleum, Cullen Frost, and Texas Capital Bank. He was honored as a Distinguished Alumnus of the University of Texas and a Distinguished Alumnus for Public Service of the University of Texas Law School. A Fort Worth native, he is married with three daughters and one granddaughter. Sandy Kress made a personal decision over 30 years ago to transfer his energy and spirit to the task of reforming public education. He became senior adviser on education in the White House when George W. Bush became President of the United States. He spearheaded the development of policy within the administration and helped lead negotiations with the Congress over legislation that became the No Child Left Behind Act. Upon his return to Texas, Sandy Kress was appointed by Governor Rick Perry to chair the Commission for a College Ready Texas and serve on his Competitiveness Council. Kress has served as a fellow at both the Bush Institute in Dallas and the Hunt Institute in North Carolina, where he worked on major national education reform initiatives. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate
Partners Under Pressure: Germany, the U.S., and a Changing Europe
As both a European leader and a key U.S. ally, Germany stands at the epicenter of issues like the war in Ukraine and European energy and economic uncertainty. Axel Dittmann, the Germany Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission, will join the Council to explore how transatlantic relations are evolving, what’s at stake for the future of NATO and the EU, and how Germany and the U.S. can work together to address a rapidly shifting geopolitical and energy landscape. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Axel Dittmann is Germany’s Deputy Chief of Mission. He represents the German Ambassador and heads the German Embassy in his absence. He deals with all political issues of fundamental nature and manages the internal proceedings of the German Embassy. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate
What’s Next for U.S.-China Relations?
Open to the public; complimentary for Global Forum Members. Join David Firestein, President and CEO of the Bush China Foundation, for an essential discussion on the world’s most consequential relationship. We’ll explore what’s really driving U.S.-China tensions: strategic rivalry, Taiwan, the global tech race, and the domestic forces shaping policy in both nations. The discussion will offer clear insights on how this superpower competition impacts everything from global markets to national security – and what it means for Texas and beyond. Whether you’re tracking geopolitical risks, navigating business decisions, or simply want to understand the forces reshaping our world, this conversation will give you the strategic perspective you need. ABOUT THE SPEAKER David Firestein is the inaugural president and CEO of the George H. W. Bush Foundation for U.S.-China Relations and a founding and current member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Prior to joining the Bush China Foundation, Mr. Firestein was the founding executive director of The University of Texas at Austin’s China Public Policy Center and a clinical professor at UT’s Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs. ABOUT THE MODERATOR Jim Falk is President Emeritus of the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth, and is now interim CEO of WACDFW. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate
The Future of War: Defense Innovation in the Age of AI, Drones, and Digital Conflict
From AI-powered drones to battlefield-ready microsatellites, the future of warfare is being redefined – not just by governments, but by tech entrepreneurs and venture capital. Join us for a conversation with Christopher Kirchhoff, co-founder of the Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit and former senior advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He’s the author of the new book Unit X: How the Pentagon and Silicon Valley Are Transforming the Future of War. Drawing on his experience at the intersection of the U.S. military and Silicon Valley, Kirchhoff will share how he helped build a new model for rapid innovation inside the Pentagon – one that bypassed bureaucracy and directly connected cutting-edge startups with defense needs. From supplying Ukraine with real-time battlefield technology to navigating the U.S.-China tech arms race, he’ll offer a rare inside look at how 21st-century conflicts are being shaped behind the scenes. Touching on national security, innovation policy, and the geopolitics of emerging tech, Kirchhoff will unveil his insights on the evolving nature of modern warfare – and how America must adapt to stay ahead. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Christopher Kirchhoff has dedicated his career to strengthening America’s military technological advantage through senior defense and national security roles. He co-founded the Defense Innovation Unit, the bridge between the Pentagon and the technology business ecosystem. His service includes director of strategic planning for the National Security Council and senior civilian advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, where he helped shape military strategy and defense policy during the Obama administration. Kirchhoff continues to advise the Defense Innovation Unit on modernizing military technology adoption. He earned his AB from Harvard College and holds a PhD in social and political sciences from Cambridge University. ABOUT THE MODERATOR Jay T. Young has over forty years of experience in government and industry that has included senior roles in the management consulting, technology services, and diversified industrial manufacturing industries. In his commercial career, he was head of strategic planning at two NYSE-listed companies. He has also worked with the DoD and the intelligence community in military intelligence assessment, technology strategy/security, regional security (Indo-Pacific, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East) and economic statecraft/geo-economic issues. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate
International Security and Global Migration: How Should the U.S. Respond?
Part 1 of 4 in the 2025 International Perspectives Series. In 2023, 110 million people around the world were forcibly displaced by conflicts, violence, and human rights abuses – a number that has tripled in this century. What role should the U.S. play in addressing this forced migration? The authors of a recent report suggest our role is one of “consistent response and effective leadership” but “border dysfunction and a global displacement crisis has sapped U.S. resources, resolve, and leadership within the international refugee regime.” They warn that U.S. attention to this global issue is dependent its foreign policy interests, or when a spotlight on humanitarian crises draws the attention of the American people. The Council kicks off part one of the International Perspectives Series with a panel featuring Arnold Professor of International Political Economy and Director of the John G. Tower Center of Political Studies at Southern Methodist University James F. Hollifield; Director of Refugee and Forced Displacement Initiative at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars John Thon Majok; and Donald G. Herzberg Professor Emerita of International Migration in the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University Dr. Susan Martin. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate
42nd H. Neil Mallon Award Dinner
James (Jim) W. Keyes is a global business leader, best selling author, philanthropist, artist, musician, commercial pilot, and modern renaissance man. He is the former CEO of two internationally recognized Fortune 500 companies, 7-Eleven, Inc. and Blockbuster, Inc. His other business interests cover a broad range of industries from retail, consumer products, technology, healthcare, cyber security, new space, energy, and advanced nuclear. He sits on several public company boards and serves as a board adviser to a venture capital firm and a number of start-up companies. Keyes’ philanthropic initiatives have an equally broad focus, including serving on the Board of Governors for the American Red Cross, acting as the former Chairman of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and serving on the board of directors for institutions such as UT Southwestern Medical School, Cooper Institute, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Dallas Performing Arts Center, SMU Cox School of Business, Columbia Business School, and his alma mater, College of the Holy Cross. He has had a lifelong commitment to education, serving as a founding director of the Dallas Education Foundation and is the founder of the Education Is Freedom Foundation. He is the author of Education is Freedom: The Future Is in Your Hands which provides the “what,” “why,” and “how” of learning. It outlines the importance of education for all mankind, the power of education to change our world, and the wisdom to unlock our personal freedom while reserving our democracy. Keyes is a personification of the American Dream, as he comes from humble beginnings. He was inducted in 2005 as a Member of the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans. In 2024, he received the Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award presented by Methodist Health System Foundation to recognize demonstrated community leadership. Named in honor of the Council’s founder, the H. Neil Mallon Award is presented annually to individuals who have excelled at promoting the international focus of North Texas. Funds raised from this event support the Council’s public and education programming, international exchanges, and diplomatic services.
Remember Us: Untold Stories of World War II Heroes
Please note: The audio is shaky in the beginning, but it steadies around five minutes in. The first member of the 101st Airborne to receive the Medal of Honor. A soldier who escaped the poverty and racism of Alabama only to face a new indignity. A teenager who falls in love with an American soldier. These and other long-overlooked stories are compiled by Robert M. Edsel in his latest book, Remember Us: American Sacrifice, Dutch Freedom, and a Forever Promise Forged in World War II. Drawing on never-before-seen letters and diaries, Edsel brings to life his subjects in a way that will render them unforgettable. Join us for a discussion of humanity, grief, and the price of freedom then and now.
The U.S. National Debt: How Does It Affect Foreign Policy?
Debt apologists argue that the U.S. has the leading reserve currency and the strongest geopolitical power. However, what happens when government spending exceeds GDP? Or when a great power fades? Historically, countries that spend too much flounder and fail, such as the Roman Empire, Imperial Spain, or China in the 1800s. But there are countries who have turned the tide and found prosperity, such as Sweden, Denmark, and Finland. Tackling the issue of the U.S. national debt is complicated and will only be solved through bipartisanship – once other issues such as war, immigration, and tariffs are able to be deprioritized. As the U.S. debt hits 36 trillion, how can the government course-correct spending?
Nuclear Challenges in the New Era: Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran
The global nuclear landscape is shifting. The United States now faces a more complex set of challenges than at any point since the Cold War. Long-standing assumptions about deterrence and strategic stability are being tested – with serious implications for global security. We’ll examine the nuclear challenges posed by four key actors. Russia has used nuclear signaling during the war in Ukraine. China is rapidly expanding its nuclear forces to close the gap with the United States. North Korea continues to advance its arsenal and long-range missiles. And Iran’s nuclear potential remains a live concern in the wake of ongoing conflict in the region. We’ll also look at how U.S. policymakers are assessing risk and escalation in a more crowded nuclear environment – and what it all means for stability in the years ahead. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Robert Litwak is a Research Professor at George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs. Litwak was previously Senior Vice President and Director of International Security Studies at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Litwak is a consultant to the Los Alamos National Laboratory. He served on the National Security Council staff as director for nonproliferation. He was an adjunct professor in the Security Studies Program at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and has held visiting fellowships at Harvard University’s Center for International Affairs, the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the Russian Academy of Sciences, and Oxford University. Litwak is author of Rogue States and U.S Foreign Policy, Outlier States, Managing Nuclear Risks, Nuclear Crises with North Korea and Iran, and, most recently, Tripolar Instability: Nuclear Competition Among the United States, Russia, and China. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate
Power and Politics in Washington: Impacts Beyond U.S. Borders
For more than a decade, Robert Costa has been one of the country’s most respected and deeply sourced political reporters, covering the shifting dynamics inside the White House, on Capitol Hill, and across the national security community. As chief Washington correspondent for CBS News – and previously at The Washington Post, NBC News, and Washington Week – Costa has had a front-row seat to the forces reshaping American politics. In this conversation, Costa will explore the trends, emerging power centers, and political undercurrents defining Washington today. Drawing on the deep reporting behind Peril – his bestselling collaboration with Bob Woodward – and his current work at CBS News, he’ll examine how national security challenges, institutional pressures, and evolving leadership dynamics in Washington are influencing U.S. policy and shaping America’s role in the world. Known for his nonpartisan, deeply sourced approach, Costa brings clarity, context, and rare behind-the-scenes insight to a political landscape still in motion. His analysis offers audiences a grounded, panoramic view of where Washington may be headed – and why it matters. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Robert Costa is a national correspondent for “CBS News Sunday Morning” and chief Washington analyst for CBS News. Costa’s work at “Sunday Morning” includes coverage of national politics, in-depth interviews with newsmakers, and features on culture, literature and the arts. As chief Washington analyst for CBS News, Costa offers reporting and analysis to the “CBS Evening News,” “Face the Nation,” “CBS Mornings” and CBS News 24/7 programs. Costa was named a national correspondent for “Sunday Morning” in February 2025 following three years of contributions to the broadcast, including an exclusive sit-down in the White House residence with President Joe Biden in August 2024. It was Biden’s first interview after he announced his decision to not seek reelection. Costa and colleagues at “Sunday Morning” won an Emmy Award in 2023 for Outstanding Recorded News Program. ABOUT THE MODERATOR The Honorable Mike Rawlings was the longest serving Mayor of Dallas (2011-2019) in over 50 years. Rawlings is a founding partner of CIC Partners, its current vice-chairman, and has been with the firm since its inception in 2004. He is a graduate of Boston College. Mike Rawlings is a recipient of the H. Neil Mallon Award, presented by the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth in 2019, where the Mike Rawlings Endowed Lecture series was first announced. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate
2026 International Educator of the Year
HONOREE – Julia Wilson Julia Wilson, an educator with 25 years in the profession, currently serves as the IB Coordinator at Trinity High School, where she has worked for seven years. Prior to this role, she was an IB and AP teacher and the Social Studies Department Chair at Trinity. Julia is the sponsor of the Trinity Junior World Affairs Council, the most active JWAC in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Her JWAC hosts a weeklong Trinity Culture Week with activities for students daily. Her dedication to education has been recognized in multiple ways: in 2013, she was awarded the Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD Elementary Teacher of the Year; in 2019 she was selected as a national delegate for the Street Law Supreme Court Teacher Institute; in 2023 she was awarded the HEBISD Educational Foundation Double Grant; and in 2025 she was awarded a spot on the Council’s UAE teacher study tour. Her principal describes her as “one of the heartbeats of our campus” and “one of the most selfless humans I have ever met.” Julia holds an M.Ed in Educational Technology and Leadership with numerous teaching certifications, serves as part of the Council’s teacher advisory and as an AP reader for US Government and Politics, and is the proud mother of two sons and an avid fan of K-dramas. KEYNOTE – Robert Jordan Robert Jordan is Diplomat in Residence in the John Goodwin Tower Center for Political Studies and International Affairs at Southern Methodist University. He served as U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia from 2001-2003. During the critical period following the attacks of 9/11 he led American efforts to maintain relations with Saudi Arabia, enlist Saudi cooperation in combating terrorism, and advance U.S. values and interests. He was a partner in the international law firm Baker Botts L.L.P. for many years and headed the firm’s Middle East practice based in Dubai until his retirement in 2014. He is Vice Chair of the Tower Center Board of Directors and a member of the Board of Governors of the Middle East Institute and the Southwestern Medical Foundation. He is also a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a past president of the Dallas Bar Association. He has been a frequent commentator with international media including CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, CNBC, Bloomberg, and the New York Times. He is a contributing columnist for the Dallas Morning News. His memoir, Desert Diplomat: Inside Saudi Arabia Following 9/11, was published by Potomac Books. About the International Educator of the Year Award In working directly with high schools, the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth has encountered numerous educators devoted to enriching their students’ knowledge of world affairs and expanding international learning opportunities for their students. These teachers and administrators demonstrate leadership by going above and beyond their normal responsibilities. Just as these teachers feel it is important to help their students develop a better understanding of the world, we at the Council feel it is equally important to recognize the efforts of these dedicated individuals. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate
A Conversation with Congressman Seth Moulton
Join us for a conversation with Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA) who will share his perspective on today’s timeliest international topics ranging from strategic competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party to ongoing geopolitical events in the Middle East and beyond. Congressman Moulton will also discuss his work in promoting the next generation of bipartisan congressional leadership and the importance of public service in American life. Congressman Moulton is in his sixth term representing Massachusetts’ 6th District. Moulton served four tours as a Marine in Iraq, including working for General David Petraeus as a liaison to senior Iraqi leadership. He earned joint graduate degrees on the G.I. Bill and worked in high-speed rail before elected office. He serves on the House Armed Services; Transportation and Infrastructure; and Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the U.S. and the Chinese Communist Party. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Congressman Seth Moulton is a veteran, a husband, and a father proudly serving Massachusetts’ Sixth District. Seth sits on the House Armed Services; Transportation and Infrastructure; and Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the U.S. and the Chinese Communist Party. Back home, Seth works tirelessly to deliver for the people of the North Shore. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate
Rights in the Age of AI: Protecting Freedom, Fairness, and Justice
This is part 3 of the AI Series. As artificial intelligence reshapes the social, legal, and ethical landscape, its impact on human rights is becoming one of the most urgent questions of our time. We will explore the evolving efforts to build meaningful guardrails – from emerging international frameworks like the Council of Europe’s new AI treaty to U.S. state-level action, with California leading the way on privacy protections. The program will also examine the rapidly developing frontier of neurorights: the protection of brain data, mental integrity, and mental privacy in an era where AI and neurotechnology are advancing quickly. What does it take to safeguard our freedoms when the most personal data of all – our thoughts and neural signals – may be at risk? ABOUT THE SPEAKERS Jared Genser has been an international human rights lawyer for more than two decades. He is Managing Director of Perseus Strategies, outside General Counsel to the Neurorights Foundation, and a member of the Advisory Board to the Carr-Ryan Center for Human Rights at Harvard University, where he was previously a Senior Tech Fellow. He also served as Special Adviser on the Responsibility to Protect to the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (2020-2025). Referred to by the New York Times as “The Extractor” for his work freeing political prisoners worldwide, he has served as pro bono counsel to five Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, including three Laureates who won their Prize while imprisoned — Aung San Suu Kyi (Burma, 2006-2010), Liu Xiaobo (China, 2010-2017), and Ales Bialiatski (Belarus, 2023-Present) — as well as Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Elie Wiesel. Giulia Neaher is a Research Analyst with the Strategic Foresight Hub at the Stimson Center, a Washington, DC-based think tank that works on issues of security, peace, and prosperity. She leads projects on AI policy and the sociopolitical impacts of emerging technologies. Her research spans responsible AI efforts in the Global South, ethical AI governance, open-source software security, and technical standards for AI and related technologies. Prior to joining Stimson, Giulia served as Assistant Director at the Atlantic Council’s GeoTech Center, where she led programming and authored research on responsible AI, international standards, and the geopolitics of technology. She also worked as a Research Associate at the Center for AI & Digital Policy, tracking U.S. AI policy developments and advocating for responsible AI practices. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate
Behind the Headlines: The Human Stories That Shape the World
Join us for an evening that looks beyond breaking news and political narratives to the people whose lives illuminate global change. Pulitzer Prize–winning author and longtime New Yorker staff writer Lawrence Wright has spent his career uncovering the human stories at the center of world events – from communities transformed by terrorism and authoritarianism to individuals navigating the cultural and political shifts across the Middle East. His reporting has helped define how we understand not just what is happening, but who is affected and why it matters. Wright will explore the themes that animate his work: the tension between power and truth, the fragility of democratic institutions, and the deeply personal experiences that reveal the stakes of global affairs. Drawing on decades of on-the-ground reporting and his acclaimed body of work, he will offer an intimate look at the forces shaping today’s world and the lives caught within them. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Lawrence Wright is a staff writer for The New Yorker, a playwright, a screenwriter, and the author of ten books of nonfiction, including The Looming Tower, Going Clear, and God Save Texas, and one previous novel, God’s Favorite. His books have received many honors, including a Pulitzer Prize for The Looming Tower. He and his wife are longtime residents of Austin, Texas. ABOUT THE MODERATOR Jess Koloini is the President and CEO of the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate
When Americans Are Taken: Understanding the Realities of Hostage Detention
When an American is taken hostage abroad, the crisis doesn’t end at the border – it ripples through families, institutions, and governments for months or years. Join us to explore how these cases unfold and how the U.S. government works to bring Americans home. Ambassador Roger D. Carstens, former U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, will draw on firsthand experience from some of the most high-profile hostage cases of recent years. He’ll shed light on how the U.S. government approaches hostage cases, what families experience behind the scenes, and what communities can learn from these crises. ABOUT THE SPEAKERS Ambassador Roger D. Carstens served as the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs at the U.S. Department of State from 2020 to 2025. During his tenure, he orchestrated and led negotiations with the Taliban, Syria’s Assad Regime, Venezuela’s Maduro government, the People’s Republic of China, Russia, Belarus, and Foreign Terrorist Organizations such as Afghanistan’s Haqqani Network, Yemen’s Houthis, and Mali’s JNIM, returning over 65 American hostages and wrongful detainees during the Trump and Biden Administrations. He also prioritized supporting the families of those detained, partnering with them and keeping them informed of the work being done to bring their loved ones home. José A. Freig is Vice President of International and Inflight Dining Operations for American Airlines. He oversees American’s Airport Operations in more than 120 international destinations as well as Business Partner Operations and the delivery and performance of Inflight Dining on more than 6,200 daily departures from more than 125 catering locations – together focused on providing an exceptional customer experience. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate
The Forgotten Hemisphere: Latin America’s Role in U.S. Foreign Policy
Part 1 of 4 in the 2026 International Perspectives Series. Once overshadowed by U.S. strategic focus on Europe and Asia, Latin America is now center stage in debates over American influence, economic opportunity, and supply-chain resilience. Join us to examine how recent developments have brought renewed attention to Latin America’s political, economic, and security significance. We’ll explore key issues shaping today’s policy landscape, including U.S. actions toward Venezuela, the strategic importance of critical minerals across the region, and how longstanding ideas about hemispheric security continue to influence U.S. decision-making. This conversation will offer perspective on where U.S.–Latin America relations stand now, what challenges and opportunities lie ahead, and why the Western Hemisphere continues to matter for U.S. priorities and global stability. ABOUT THE SPEAKERS Dr. Benjamin N. Gedan is a Senior Fellow and the Director of the Stimson Center Latin America program. He is an Adjunct Lecturer and Foreign Policy Fellow at the Latin America Studies Initiative at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and the former Director of Latin America Program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Previously, he served as the South America Director on the National Security Council staff at the White House, managed Honduras and Argentina at the U.S. Department of State and had responsibility for Central America and the Caribbean as an international economist at the U.S. Treasury Department. Kevin O’Reilly assumed his duties as Chief of Mission at U.S. Embassy Managua on June 26, 2023. He previously served as the U.S. National Coordinator for the 2023 Cities Summit of the Americas in Denver, Colorado, and for the 2022 Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, California. From 2018 to 2022 he served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South America and Western Hemisphere Economic Policy. A career member of the United States Senior Foreign Service, he has also served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Panama City, Panama, and as the embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires from June 2015 to February 2016; Director of the Office of Mexican Affairs in Washington, DC; and Senior Director for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs in Baghdad, Iraq. Mr. O’Reilly also served as the Director for Latin American Affairs in the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of International Affairs and later as the White House’s National Security Council Director for North American Affairs. He was a Pearson Fellow in the Office of Senator Richard J. Durbin of Illinois and served in the Pentagon in the Joint Staff’s Western European and NATO Affairs Division. ABOUT THE MODERATOR Marc Stanley most recently served as the United States Ambassador to Argentina from 2021 to 2025. He is an American trial lawyer, political activist, Jewish community leader, and philanthropist. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate
A Conversation with Glen Linder, Assistant Deputy Minister of Global Affairs Canada
Join us for breakfast and a timely and wide-ranging conversation with Glen Linder, Assistant Deputy Minister of Global Affairs Canada, as we explore the evolving relationship between the United States and its closest neighbor. Against the backdrop of a rapidly shifting global landscape, this discussion will address current issues shaping Canada’s role on the world stage, including trade dynamics, cross-border relations, and the broader economic and strategic ties that bind our two countries. From regional cooperation to global challenges, this program offers an opportunity to gain insight into the priorities, perspectives, and partnerships that continue to define the U.S.–Canada relationship. ABOUT THE SPEAKER A lawyer by training, Glen Linder began his public service career as a Foreign Service officer. Over his career, he has worked at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the Department of Justice, Public Safety Canada, and Employment and Social Development Canada. Early in his career, he completed a posting to the Canadian Embassy in Guatemala. Glen returned to Global Affairs Canada in 2023, where he served as Director General for North America and as Director General of the Sanctions Bureau. He was Assistant Deputy Minister for the Americas from July 2023 to September 2024, and again since August 2025. ABOUT THE MODERATOR As the Vice President of Lockheed Martin International Government Affairs, Nancy Ziuzin Schlegel leads the corporation’s diplomatic and senior executive customer engagements for the company’s growing international business portfolio. Nancy has over 30 years of experience as an industry leader in the international trade, global defense, and aerospace sectors, with expertise in political advocacy, exports, and trade policy. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate
Data, Power, and Privacy: AI’s Impact on the New Information Order
As artificial intelligence becomes embedded in global infrastructure, questions of data ownership, privacy, and control are emerging as defining issues of the 21st century. In this second program of our AI Series, we turn our focus to the new information order taking shape in a hyperconnected world. How will governments balance national security with individual rights? What responsibilities do technology companies bear as the stewards of unprecedented amounts of personal data? And how can democracies safeguard transparency and trust in an era where information can be both weapon and commodity? Join us for a conversation on how innovation, regulation, and ethical governance are reshaping the global contest over information – and the future of digital freedom.
The Second Trump Administration: One Year In
Join us for an insightful conversation with Beth Sanner, former Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Mission Integration and longtime CIA analyst, as she reflects on the national security landscape one year into the second Trump administration. Drawing on her decades of experience briefing presidents and shaping intelligence assessments, Sanner will offer a candid, nonpartisan look at how U.S. foreign policy, intelligence priorities, and global alliances have evolved over the past year – and what challenges lie ahead. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Beth Sanner is the former Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Presidential Daily Briefer, and CNN National Security Contributor. Currently, she is a trusted commentator, lecturer, and strategist for businesses ABOUT THE MODERATOR Jess Koloini is the President and CEO of the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: www.dfwworld.org/donate
Kharkiv’s Story: Leadership, War, and the Fight for Democracy
As Ukraine’s second largest city, Kharkiv became a major target at the outset of the Russian invasion in 2022. As of April 2024, reports suggest that almost a quarter of the city has been damaged or destroyed. For the duration of the war, Mayor Ihor Terekhov has led his city through heavy fighting, shelling and missile strikes, and repeated attempts at advancement by Russian troops. For its people’s bravery in repelling Russian forces, the city was designated a Hero City of Ukraine by the Ukrainian government in 2022. The Council welcomes Mayor Terekhov to share his city’s story of resistance. Members with questions should reach out to Jenny Villatoro at [email protected]. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Ihor Terekhov has served as the mayor of Kharkiv in Ukraine since November 2021. In 2007, he was appointed the Deputy Head Governor of Kharkiv Oblast by Arsen Avakov. He became deputy mayor of Kharkiv in 2010 and first deputy mayor in 2015. He was granted the title of Honored Economist of Ukraine. Terekhov graduated from the Kharkiv Engineering and Construction Institute in 1990 and worked as a research intern for the institute. He then worked in the private sector from 1994 to 1997 before joining the economic department of the Kharkiv City Council as a civil servant in 1999. He graduated in 2006 from the National Academy for Public Administration. ABOUT THE MODERATOR Krys Boyd is host and managing editor of Think from KERA in Dallas – a position she’s held since 2006. To date, the national program can be heard on more than 200 stations across the country. A graduate of Texas Christian University’s Bob Schieffer College of Communication, Krys began her career as a journalist along the U.S./Mexico border and returned to North Texas in 1999 to serve as News Director for Broadcast.com, and later Senior Producer of Broadcast News at Yahoo. Krys joined KERA in 2001, hosting the nightly radio talk show Conversations. Later, she wrote and produced documentary and educational television programs, including the critically-acclaimed, nationally broadcast JFK: Breaking the News in 2003, and served as producer and co-host of the Emmy Award-winning public affairs program On The Record. She also hosted a weekly television version of Think from 2007-2011. Think has been honored with numerous local, state, and national awards. Krys and her husband Matt live in Dallas and have four children. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate
International Educator of the Year
HONOREE – Emily Ramirez Emily Ramirez is a distinguished educator with 13 years of experience cultivating global awareness and academic excellence as a teacher and a Junior World Affairs Council sponsor. She currently teaches AP World History and Mexican American Studies at Lake Highlands High School in the Richardson Independent School District, where she is recognized for her innovative and culturally relevant teaching methods. As the sponsor of Junior World Affairs Council (JWAC) clubs at Lake Highlands High School and previously at Uplift Williams Preparatory, Ramirez has expanded her impact beyond the classroom by fostering global citizenship and leadership among her students. She co-sponsored the creation of the “Global Awareness Speaker Series,” which has brought experts to her campus from fields such as global health, international business, diplomacy, and human rights. Ramirez has also organized a variety of community service initiatives, including drives for refugee families and hands-on events like building water filters for disaster relief. Additionally, she has mentored hundreds of teenagers through her weekly after-school discussions of current events. Ramirez holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Oklahoma and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the Center for Nonprofit Management. She has received numerous accolades, including being selected for the WACDFW Travel Fellowship to Morocco in 2019 and being honored as the Lake Highlands High School Teacher of the Year in 2022. Seven of her students have been selected as 20 Under 20 recipients and Lake Highlands has been named among the Top 10 JWACs for the past five consecutive years. KEYNOTE – David Rohde David Rohde is a two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the author of Where Tyranny Begins: The Justice Department, the FBI and the War on Democracy and four other books. He is the national security and law editor at NBC News and a former executive editor of The New Yorker website, where he wrote about the Justice Department, democracy, and disinformation. He is also a former New York Times, Reuters, and Christian Science Monitor reporter. About The International Educator of the Year Award In working directly with high schools, the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth has encountered numerous educators devoted to enriching their students’ knowledge of world affairs and expanding international learning opportunities for their students. These teachers and administrators demonstrate leadership by going above and beyond their normal responsibilities. Just as these teachers feel it is important to help their students develop a better understanding of the world, we at the Council feel it is equally important to recognize the efforts of these dedicated individuals. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate
Bigger Than Texas: Leadership and Lessons Learned Along the Way
Part 3 of 3 of the Inspiring Success Stories: An American Journey. Elaine Agather’s career in the banking industry took off like a rocket. From her entry into banking in Sherman, TX to her dynamic engagement in banking in New York and the global economy, her charisma and willingness to adapt and show up earned her opportunity after opportunity. Her journey is the epitome of the inspired American journey. Today, she is the chairwoman of the Dallas Region, CEO of the central region, and managing director of The Private Bank for JP Morgan Chase & Co. She joins us in 2025 to discuss her career from New York, London, and San Francisco, Elaine’s Eight (i.e. Saddle Your Own Horse), and what it means to be a woman CEO. Agather will close out the CEO series with President & CEO of Hillwood Aviation Matt Byrd. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Elaine Agather is Chairman of the Dallas Region for JPMorgan Chase & Co. She also serves as the Central Region Head and Managing Director of The Private Bank at J.P. Morgan. Elaine joined Chemical Bank of New York in 1979, working in London, San Francisco, and New York until she relocated to Dallas in 1984. After the 1986 merger of Chemical Bank and Texas Commerce Bank, Elaine was promoted to Chairman of Texas Commerce Bank in Fort Worth in 1992 and joined the Private Bank to manage client advisory groups across the state in 1997. In 1999, she was elected Chairman and CEO of Dallas. Elaine is the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Performing Arts Fort Worth, serves as a Board Member for the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, and is the Secretary of the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show. She is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Dallas Citizens Council and serves on the University of Texas McCombs School of Business Advisory Council. A native of Sherman, Texas, Elaine graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a B.A. in history and economics and received her MBA from The University of Texas. She and her husband, Neils, have two daughters, Bradley and Lorene, her son-in-law, Coley Means, and two grandsons, George and Hunter. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate
From Enterprise to Impact: A Journey of Purpose-Driven Leadership
Join us for a conversation with Ken Hersh – renowned investor, business leader, philanthropist, and president and CEO of the George W. Bush Presidential Center. Ken will share his insights into the art and practice of leadership, drawing on decades of experience at the helm of both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. He will explore how effective leadership transcends industries, how mission alignment drives both financial success and social impact, and how he has cultivated a legacy of truly welcoming and resilient workplace cultures. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a leader who has made his name in the business world without compromising himself or his people. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Since 2016, Ken Hersh has served as president and CEO of the George W. Bush Presidential Center, which houses the George W. Bush Library and Museum and the George W. Bush Institute. In 1988, he co-founded NGP Energy Capital Management, one of the nation’s largest natural resources private equity firms which pioneered private capital investing in the sector. Until 2016, he served as CEO, investing over $12 billion, earning a 27-year 30% annualized rate of return, making it one of the nation’s leading private investors. In 2023, the Oil and Gas Investor magazine inducted Ken into its Hart Energy Hall of Fame as one of the top 50 “pioneering men and women who have shaped energy over the last half century.” Additionally, Ken manages his family office that invests across multiple industries. He sits on numerous corporate and nonprofit boards, including the Texas Rangers Baseball Club. He sits on the Board of Overseers of the Hoover Institution and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth. Hersh is an active philanthropist through the efforts of The Hersh Foundation both in his community and around the country. In 2023, he released his book, The Fastest Tortoise: Winning in Industries I Knew Nothing About, which chronicles lessons evolving from his business and personal experiences. He received his undergraduate degree in politics from Princeton and his MBA from Stanford University. In 2023, the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth honored Hersh with the H. Neil Mallon Award. ABOUT THE MODERATOR Christine Perez is editor of D CEO, the business title of D Magazine Partners in Dallas—consistently recognized as the nation’s best regional business magazine. She leads the brand’s editorial operations, overseeing its digital news site, nonprofit, real estate, and healthcare platforms, the signature Dallas 500 publication, and City of Champions, a special edition that focuses on the business of sports. A national award–winning journalist, Christine has been a trusted voice in North Texas business media since 2000. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate
2025 Economic Outlook: A Conversation with Robert Kaplan
The Federal Reserve bank cut to interest rates in October, but officials cautioned about lowering the rates too quickly in recent meetings. Uncertainty with China, the Ukraine-Russia war, and the unrest in the Middle East all impact not only foreign policy but also the domestic economy. The Trump Administration has committed to immediately implement policies impacting tariffs and trade, business and regulations, the national debt, and taxes. What will that impact be and how quickly can we expect to feel it? What are the short and long-term implications to the U.S. economy and consumers? Vice Chairman of Goldman Sachs Robert Kaplan will speak to these questions, discuss the current state of the economy, and offer his 2025 economic forecast on January 29. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Robert Kaplan is vice chairman of Goldman Sachs and a member of the management committee. Kaplan initially joined the firm in 1983 and became a partner in 1990. In 2002, he became vice chairman of the firm with global responsibility for the investment banking and investment management divisions. He also served as co-chair of the partnership committee and chair of the Goldman Sachs Pine Street Leadership Program. In 1998, Kaplan became global co-head of Investment Banking and a member of the management committee. His previous roles included serving as head of Asia Pacific investment banking, co-chief operating officer of global investment banking and head of the Americas Corporate Finance department. He retired from the firm in 2006 to join Harvard Business School, becoming a senior director at that time. Previously, Kaplan served as president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas from 2015 to 2021. Before joining the Fed, he was the Martin Marshall Professor of Management Practice and senior associate dean at Harvard Business School. Kaplan is chairman of Project ALS and co-chairman of the Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation. He is a board member of Harvard Medical School and St. Mark’s School of Texas and is also a member of the George W. Bush Institute’s advisory council. He is also an advisory board member of the Baker Institute. He serves on the Bipartisan Policy Center President’s Council and on the board of directors at The Holdsworth Center. Robert Kaplan is the author of three books on leadership: What You Really Need to Lead, What You’re Really Meant To Do, and What to Ask the Person in the Mirror. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate
On the Frontlines: Service to Country, Moscow, and the West’s Global Challenge
2025 Sumners Civics Lecture featuring former U.S. Ambassador to Russia John J. Sullivan; moderated by the Bradford M. Freeman Managing Director of Global Policy, the George W. Bush Institute Igor Khrestin. On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. James Sullivan, U.S. Ambassador to Russia, recalls being awakened in the middle of the night to a prearranged code when Russian troops crossed the border into Ukraine. He had been warning others that this was a possibility. Why had no one taken the whispers seriously? Could this war have been stopped? The geopolitical atmosphere has since shifted; democracies around the world have clamored, reliant on Ukraine successfully keeping Russia at bay. On March 20, join the Council to hear Ambassador Sullivan’s insider perspective. Ambassador John J. Sullivan, former U.S. deputy secretary of state and former U.S. ambassador to the Russian Federation, is a partner in Mayer Brown’s DC and New York offices. His career spans four decades in public service under five U.S. presidents and in private law practice at Mayer Brown. Before rejoining the firm in January 2023, he was the U.S. ambassador to Russia from December 2019 to October 2022. Prior to his post in Moscow, Ambassador Sullivan served for almost three years as the deputy secretary of state following a bipartisan Senate confirmation in 2017. He was responsible for both the formulation and conduct of U.S. foreign policy and the management of the State Department’s global operations. Ambassador Sullivan has been a member of the Supreme Court and Appellate practice and was a co-founder of the National Security practice. From 2010 to 2016, he served by appointment of the Obama Administration as chair of the U.S.-Iraq Business Dialogue. He previously held senior positions in the Departments of Justice, Defense, and Commerce in two prior administrations; until January 2009, he was the deputy secretary of commerce under President George W. Bush, following his service from 2005 to 2007 as the general counsel of the department. In President Bush’s first term, he was appointed deputy general counsel of the Defense Department by Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld. In the George H.W. Bush Administration, Ambassador Sullivan was counselor to Assistant Attorney General J. Michael Luttig in the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel. Ambassador Sullivan received his bachelor’s degree from Brown University and his law degree from the Columbia University School of Law, where he was Book Reviews Editor of the Columbia Law Review. Additionally, he is a Distinguished Scholar at the school of Foreign Service of Georgetown University and a Distinguished Fellow at the School of International and Public Affairs of Columbia University. He serves as a Contributor to CBS News, is quoted frequently in international media as a leading authority on foreign affairs, and has written a book on his experiences as ambassador, Midnight in Moscow, published in August 2024. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate
Middle East Alliances: What’s in the Crystal Ball?
Featuring former U.S. Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman and Inaugural Director of AJC Abu Dhabi: The Sidney Lerner Center for Arab-Jewish Understanding Marc Sievers; moderated by Diplomat in Residence in the John Goodwin Tower Center for Political Studies and International Affairs at Southern Methodist University Robert Jordan. Part 4 of 4 in the 2025 International Perspectives Series. How can the past help us predict the future? Can diplomacy make progress despite rising tensions? How will alliances shape the future of the Middle East and the world at large? Join us for Middle East Alliances: What’s in the Crystal Ball with retired Ambassador Marc J. Sievers to explore the complexity of Middle Eastern alliances and learn the path forward to full collaboration. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Ambassador Marc J. Sievers (ret.), inaugural Director of AJC Abu Dhabi: The Sidney Lerner Center for Arab-Jewish Understanding, was a U.S. diplomat for more than 30 years, serving across the Middle East and North Africa, as well as in Turkey, including postings in Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Morocco and Saudi Arabia. The U.S. Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman from 2016 to 2019, he joined AJC in 2021 after a stint as Non-resident Senior Fellow with the Atlantic Council. As Director of AJC Abu Dhabi, Ambassador Sievers is building on over 25 years of AJC engagement with governments and civil society in keyArab states. Heading the first office of a global Jewish organization in an Arab or Muslim-majority country, Ambassador Sievers is focused on deepening ties with the leadership and people of the Arabian Gulf, promoting the consolidation of the historic Abraham Accords, and serving as a bridge between the American Jewish community and the region. Ambassador Sievers received a BA from the University of Utah and a master’s degree in International Relations and Middle East Studies from Columbia University. His professional awards include the State Department’s Meritorious and Superior Honor awards, the Intelligence Community’s Agency Shield and Exceptional Collector awards, and the American Foreign Service Association’s Sinclaire Award for his study of Arabic language and culture. ABOUT THE MODERATOR Robert Jordan is Diplomat in Residence in the John Goodwin Tower Center for Political Studies and International Affairs at Southern Methodist University. He served as U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia from 2001-2003. During the critical period following the attacks of 9/11 he led American efforts to maintain relations with Saudi Arabia, enlist Saudi cooperation in combating terrorism, and advance U.S. values and interests. He was a partner in the international law firm Baker Botts L.L.P. for many years and headed the firm’s Middle East practice based in Dubai until his retirement in 2014. He is Vice Chair of the Tower Center Board of Directors and a member of the Board of Governors of the Middle East Institute and the Southwestern Medical Foundation. He is also a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a past president of the Dallas Bar Association. He has been a frequent commentator with international media including CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, CNBC, Bloomberg, and the New York Times. He is a contributing columnist for the Dallas Morning News. His memoir, Desert Diplomat: Inside Saudi Arabia Following 9/11, was published by Potomac Books. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate
Realtime Report: Iran and Israel
A VIRTUAL event, featuring Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute Paul Salem and moderated by interim CEO of the Council Jim Falk. The first missile strikes of Israel’s operation “Rising Lion” accounted for the most widespread single-day assault Iran has experienced since the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s. They targeted Iran’s nuclear program and military encampment sites and killed some of Iran’s most important military leaders and scientists instrumental in their nuclear operations. In response, Iran launched hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones into the densely populated regions of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. What does this mean for the region and the possibility of a nuclear treaty? What role will the U.S. play in forging negotiations? What is the possibility of nuclear response? Join us for a RealTime Report on Thursday, June 19, featuring senior fellow at the Middle East Institute Paul Salem (joining from Beirut) and moderated by interim CEO of the Council Jim Falk. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Paul Salem is a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute (MEI). He previously served as MEI’s president and CEO and as vice president for international engagement. His research focuses on political change, democracy and governance, social and economic policy, as well as regional and international relations in the Middle East. Prior to joining MEI, Dr. Salem was the founding director of the Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut, Lebanon (2006–2013). From 1999 to 2006, he served as director of the Fares Foundation, and earlier founded and led the Lebanese Center for Policy Studies (1989–1999), Lebanon’s premier public policy think tank. Dr. Salem is the author and editor of several books and reports and writes regularly on his Substack blog, Thinking Middle East. ABOUT THE MODERATOR Jim Falk is President Emeritus of the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth, currently serving as interim CEO of WACDFW. Additionally, Jim hosts the podcast World Now with Jim Falk. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
Marc J. Sievers, former U.S. Ambassador to Oman | Robert Jordan, Diplomat in Residence at SMU
Liz Brailsford, Marc J. Sievers, and Robert Jordan sit down for a conversation ahead of our event "Middle East Alliances: What’s in the Crystal Ball?"
Ihor Terekhov, Mayor of Kharkiv, Ukraine
Liz Brailsford and Ihor Terekhov sit down for a conversation ahead of our event "Kharkiv’s Story: Leadership, War, and the Fight for Democracy."
Cullum Clark, Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative Director
Liz Brailsford and Cullum Clark sit down for a conversation ahead of our event "The U.S. National Debt: How Does It Affect Foreign Policy?"
David Rohde, Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist, Author, and Senior Executive Editor at NBC News
Liz Brailsford and David Rohde sit down for a conversation ahead of our International Educator of the Year Awards Luncheon.
Jeffrey Toobin, Lawyer, Author, and Chief Legal Analyst for CNN
Liz Brailsford and Jeffrey Toobin sit down for a conversation ahead of our event "The Pardon: The Politics of Presidential Mercy."
Liz Truss, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
Liz Brailsford and Liz Truss sit down for a conversation ahead of our event "A Conversation with Liz Truss: Why Global Leadership Matters."
John J. Sullivan, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia
Liz Brailsford and John J. Sullivan sit down for a conversation ahead of our event "On the Frontlines: Service to Country, Moscow, and the West’s Global Challenge."
Mike Rawlings Endowed Lecture 2024
More than half of the world’s countries are democratic and 2024 has become the election year, with 49% of the world’s population going to the voting booth. With a record number of elections being held this year, how do the results abroad affect our upcoming November election? Join the Council in welcoming back Mark McKinnon in conversation with former Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings for the 2024 Mike Rawlings Endowed Lecture Series. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Mark McKinnon is a multifaceted figure known for his roles as a political advisor, advocate for reform, media columnist, and television producer. He is the creator and co-host of Showtime’s acclaimed documentary series The Circus and has worked with President George W. Bush, Senator John McCain, and Bono. Committed to bipartisanship, McKinnon co-founded No Labels and is a board member of Take Back Our Republic, which advocates for electoral reforms. McKinnon is a columnist and served as a governor of the Broadcasting Board of Governors. He attended the University of Texas, where he was editor of The Daily Texan. ABOUT THE MODERATOR The Honorable Mike Rawlings was the longest serving Mayor of Dallas (2011-2019) in over 50 years. Rawlings is a founding partner of CIC Partners, its current vice-chairman, and has been with the firm since its inception in 2004. He is a graduate of Boston College. Mike Rawlings is a recipient of the H. Neil Mallon Award, presented by the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth in 2019, where the Mike Rawlings Endowed Lecture series was first announced. The Mike Rawlings Annual Lecture Series was created to honor Mr. Rawlings for his service to our city – especially for raising the international prominence of the City of Dallas while mayor. During his terms as mayor, he fostered meaningful relationships with other leaders who proved the wide-reaching impact of local leadership. Since its inception, the series has hosted Rahm Emmanual (former mayor of Chicago), Keisha Lance Bottoms (former mayor of Atlanta), and, in partnership with the Dallas Morning News, Joe Straus (former Speaker of the TX House of Representatives). Thank you to our Mike Rawlings Endowed Lecture sponsors: FOUNDING DONORS Billingsley Company, The Beck Group, Crow Holdings, HALL Group, Tim Headington & Headington Companies, KDC Real Estate Development, and Laura & Jack Matthews SUPPORTERS Doug Chestnut, Jill & Michael Dardick, Frank Mihalopoulos,Herb Weitzman, and Abigail & Todd Williams . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate
American Foreign Policy Toward Ukraine, Russia And Nato Beyone 2024
Featuring Panelists: Brookings Institution Senior Fellow in Foreign Policy, Center on the United States and Europe Fiona Hill; George W. Bush Institute Executive Director and George W. Bush Presidential Center Vice President David Kramer; Brookings Institution Senior Fellow in Foreign Policy and Fritz Stern Chair at Germany and Trans-Atlantic Relations Constanze Stelzenmüller; Moderated by The Dallas Morning News Vice President and Editorial Page Editor Rudy Bush.
Election Echoes - Tracing The Evolution & Future Of Democracy
On June 11, Susan Glasser joins us for a discussion about the evolution and future of democracy with Jeremi Suri of the University of Texas. Glasser and Suri will explore the 2024 election with all its implications. Each summer, the leadership of the 90 World Affairs Councils network gather in a different city for networking and professional development. This year the Council was honored to win the bid to host the Council Leadership Meeting, in partnership with the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA). The kickoff for the Council Leadership Meeting is our Susan Glasser program. This is a special opportunity for our members to meet Council leaders from across the nation and the WACA national office and its board – don’t miss it! Join us in giving a hearty Texas “howdy!” to the WAC national network and to featured speaker Susan Glasser at Election Echoes: Tracing the Evolution & Future of Democracy. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Susan B. Glasser is a staff writer at The New Yorker, where she writes a weekly column on life in Washington. Glasser has served as the top editor of several Washington publications, including Politico, where she founded the award-winning magazine, and Foreign Policy, which won three National Magazine Awards, among other honors, during her tenure as editor in chief. Before that, she worked for a decade at the Washington Post, where she was the editor of the publication’s Outlook and national news sections. She also oversaw coverage of the impeachment of Bill Clinton, served as a reporter covering the intersection of money and politics, spent four years as the Post’s Moscow co-bureau chief, and covered the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. She edited Roll Call, a Capitol Hill newspaper, early in her career. Her books include Kremlin Rising, The Man Who Ran Washington, and, most recently, The Divider, a best-seller depicting the White House during the Trump Presidency, co-authored with husband Peter Baker. ABOUT THE MODERATOR Jeremi Suri holds the Mack Brown Distinguished Chair for Leadership in Global Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. He is a professor in the University’s department of history and the LBJ School of Public Affairs. Suri is the author and editor of eleven books on politics and foreign policy, most recently: Civil War By Other Means: America’s Long and Unfinished Fight for Democracy. His writings appear in the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, CNN.com, Atlantic, Newsweek, Time, Wired, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, and other media. His writing and teaching have received numerous prizes, including the President’s Associates Teaching Excellence Award from the University of Texas and the Pro Bene Meritis Award for Contributions to the Liberal Arts. Suri also hosts a weekly podcast, “This is Democracy.” . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate
2024 Elections - Challenges Facing U.S. Foreign Policy
The 2024 election has ramifications that extend beyond our border. As the country approaches a Trump vs. Biden rematch, the two candidates have opposite views on foreign policy, particularly on NATO, tariffs, and China. The 2024 election will be consequential for many reasons; however, the current state of European and Eastern volatility makes foreign policy the most crucial issue. Join the Council for the International Perspective Series with George W. Bush Institute Executive Director David Kramer. Part of the International Perspectives Series. ABOUT THE SPEAKER David J. Kramer serves as the Executive Director of the George W. Bush Institute. Prior to joining the Bush Institute, he taught at Florida International University’s Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs, where he also was Senior Fellow in the Václav Havel Program for Human Rights and Diplomacy and Director for European and Eurasian Affairs. Before moving to Miami, Kramer worked in Washington, DC for 24 years, including as Senior Director for Human Rights and Democracy with The McCain Institute for International Leadership; President of Freedom House; and Senior Transatlantic Fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States. Kramer also served eight years in the U.S. Department of State during the George W. Bush administration, including as Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor; Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs (responsible for Russia, Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus affairs as well as regional non-proliferation issues); Professional Staff Member in the Secretary’s Office of Policy Planning; and Senior Advisor to the Undersecretary for Global Affairs. He also was Executive Director of the U.S. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy in Washington. He is author of the book, Back to Containment: Dealing with Putin’s Regime. Kramer chairs the board of the Free Russia Foundation and serves on the board of the International Republican Institute. A native of Massachusetts, Kramer received his M.A. in Soviet studies from Harvard University and his B.A. in Soviet Studies and Political Science from Tufts University. ABOUT THE MODERATOR Jason J. Galui is the Director for Veterans and Military Families at the George W. Bush Institute, CEO of 4 Liberty Consulting LLC, and a Professor at SMU’s Cox School of Business. He served in combat, taught at West Point, and advised in the Pentagon and two White Houses. Notably, he was Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Security Council and Senior Advisor for National Security at the Council of Economic Advisers. He holds an M.S. in Economics from The University of Texas at Austin and a B.S. in Economics from West Point. Galui is actively involved in various boards and committees. He and his wife Samantha, both combat veterans, have two teenage children. To read Galui’s full bio, click here. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate
Morning With The President Of Kosovo - A Dialogue On Leadership And Global Engagement
Kosovo is in a fight for state recognition, and next month the Council of Europe will vote to include or exclude Kosovo. Despite the fact that 12 of its 46 member states do not consider Kosovo to be an independent state, the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly has already weighed in, voting 31 to 29 for Kosovo’s inclusion. This membership would be a step forward in their struggle to be recognized as a legitimate nation. Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani recently represented Kosovo in a case at the International Court of Justice, defending the legality of Kosovo’s independence as she has her entire political career. One week prior to the May 16 vote by the European Council, the Council welcomes her to the Fairmont Hotel in downtown Dallas. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate