Great Decisions: The Two Koreas: Future U.S.- ROK Relations?
2021-04-12 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Woodstock Public Library District, 10 Dixon Ave, Woodstock, NY, 12498, United States
Facilitator: Martin Charwat, World Affairs Council

Great Decisions Program: The Korean Peninsula is facing a defining era. Attempts by South Korean President Moon Jae-in and U.S. President Donald Trump to repair the rift between North and South have lost any momentum as Pyongyang continues to test long-range missiles for its nuclear weapons program. As the rift between the U.S. and China grows further, South Korea may end up in the middle of the two superpowers. What does the future hold for the U.S. relationship with the ROK?

Join us on Monday, April 12th for a facilitated discussion at the Boardman Road Library in Poughkeepsie. 7 pm start time. Free to the general public. Registration may be required if COVID restrictions are still in place.

Great Decisions: The Coldest War - Great Power Competition in the Arctic
2021-05-10 19:00 - 20:00 | Woodstock Public Library District, 10 Dixon Ave, Woodstock, NY, 12498, United States
Facilitator: Jean-Claude Fouere, World Affairs Council – MHV

U.S. President Donald Trump left many scratching their heads when it was rumored that he was looking to purchase the large island nation of Greenland from Denmark. While any potential deal was highly unlikely, the event showed the changing opinion within the U.S. government toward engagement with the Arctic region. Because of climate change, large sheets of arctic ice are melting, exposing vast stores of natural gas and oil. With Russia and China already miles ahead with their Arctic strategies, can the U.S. catch up?

Great Decisions: The Future of Persian Gulf Security
2021-06-21 19:00 - 20:00 | Woodstock Public Library District, 10 Dixon Ave, Woodstock, NY, 12498, United States
Facilitator: Dr. Matthew Murray, World Affairs Council

Is using military force a viable foreign policy option for 2021 and beyond? The Persian Gulf remains tense as the rivalry between the regional powers of Saudi Arabia and Iran continues. Tensions escalated in early 2020 as the United States began to intervene in the Gulf, launching an airstrike that killed two Iranian military commanders. What are the historical influences that have led to these tensions? What role, if any, should the United States play?

China and Africa: Growing Issues in the Economic and Political Relationship
2021-09-13 19:00 - 20:00 | Woodstock Public Library District, 10 Dixon Ave, Woodstock, NY, 12498, United States
Facilitator: Malia Du Mont, Bard College; World Affairs Council

The COVID-19 crisis has put a massive strain on a growing positive economic and political relationship between China and the continent of Africa. As Chinese President Xi Jinping’s centerpiece “Belt and Road Initiative” continues to expand Chinese power, the response to the spread of COVID-19, as well as African country governments’ growing debt to China, has presented pushback. What are these growing issues and tensions?

Global Supply Chains and National Security: Lasting Pandemic Effects
2021-10-18 19:00 - 22:30 | Woodstock Public Library District, 10 Dixon Ave, Woodstock, NY, 12498, United States
Facilitator: Karen Nichols, World Affairs Council

The shutdown of global supply chains due to the COVID-19 pandemic brought to the fore an issue with the high level of global economic interdependence: what happens when one country is the main source for an item, say face masks or vaccines, and then can no longer supply the item? Countries suddenly unable to meet the demand for certain supplies are faced with growing calls for economic nationalism. What are some of the lasting effects that the pandemic could have on global supply chains and trade? How would this affect national security?

Brexit & the EU
2021-11-08 19:00 - 20:00 | Woodstock Public Library District, 10 Dixon Ave, Woodstock, NY, 12498, United States
Facilitator: Michael O’Sullivan, Marist College

With the “Brexit transition period” coming to an end this year, the United Kingdom will formally leave the European Union at the start of 2021. With negotiations between the two entities continuing to stall, what does the future of Europe and the UK look like? Will the UK survive a possible Scottish vote to leave? Who will step up and take command of Europe now that Angela Merkel is out of the spotlight?

Great Decisions: Climate Change
2022-04-11 19:00 - 20:00 | Woodstock Public Library District, 10 Dixon Ave, Woodstock, NY, 12498, United States
Facilitator: Jean-Claude Fouere

The ideological divide in the United States on the subject of climate change has impeded progress in curbing greenhouse emissions. However extreme weather events at both ends of the thermometer have focused attention on the consequences of inaction. What role will the United States play in future negotiations on climate?

Great Decisions: Russia
2022-04-18 19:00 - 20:00 | Woodstock Public Library District, 10 Dixon Ave, Woodstock, NY, 12498, United States
Facilitator: Juris Pupcenoks

Russia and the United States have many areas of conflict and some possible areas of mutual interest. Arms control, Russian interference in U.S. elections support of cyberattacks, the status of Ukraine, and the fate of opposition politicians in Russia, all continue to be concerning. How will the new administration in Washington approach these issues?

Clarity in Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the CIA
2022-04-20 19:00 - 20:45 | Dutchess Community College, 53 Pendell Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY, 12601, United States
Marc Polymeropoulos – Wednesday, 4/20, 7 pm, James and Betty Hall Theatre, Dutchess Community College

With over 26 years of experience in the intelligence community, Marc Polymeropoulos has developed a unique leadership style. His talk addresses this topic and the Biden administration’s key intelligence challenges, including the war in Ukraine, a return to hard target operations, and the future of counterterrorism operations.

Great Decisions: Myanmar and ASEAN
2022-05-09 19:00 - 20:00 | Woodstock Public Library District, 10 Dixon Ave, Woodstock, NY, 12498, United States
Facilitator: Martin Charwat

The situation in Myanmar, including the coup by the military in February 2021 and the ongoing human rights crises, coupled with civil resistance by those opposed to the regime, has led to chaos in the Southeast Asian country. How are neighboring countries reacting, and what role will ASEAN play?

Author Talk: Reaching for the Heights: The Inside Story of a Secret Attempt to Reach a Syrian-Israeli Peace
2022-05-17 18:30 - 19:30 | Kingston Library, 61 Crown St, Kingston, NY, 12401, United States
Join us at the Kingston Library in the Community Room on Tuesday, May 17th, 2022 at 6:30 pm for an author’s talk. This talk is offered by the Library, the World Affairs Council of the Mid-Hudson Valley, and Bard College.

Ambassador Fred C. Hof discusses his new book Reaching for the Heights: The Inside Story of a Secret Attempt to Reach a Syrian-Israeli Peace, an eye-opening insider’s account of secret negotiations to broker a Syria-Israel peace deal―negotiations that came tantalizingly close to success.

Frederic C. Hof was the chief architect and mediator of the 2009–11 US initiative to broker peace between Israel and Syria. This mission was the culmination of Hof’s nearly three decades of public service, which began as a US Army officer in Vietnam and continued at the State Department. After a period in the private sector, he returned to the State Department, where, in 2012, he was awarded the rank of ambassador by President Obama. In 2018, after five years at the Atlantic Council, Hof was named the inaugural Diplomat-in-Residence at Bard College, where he resides with his wife, Brenda. Hof is the recipient of the Purple Heart and numerous other awards from the Department of Defense and the State Department.

Great Decisions: Changing Demographics
2022-09-12 19:00 - 20:00 | Woodstock Public Library District, 10 Dixon Ave, Woodstock, NY, 12498, United States
Facilitator: Karen Nichols

The world experienced remarkable demographic changes in the 20th century that continue today and have resulted in far-reaching social, economic, political, and environmental consequences all over the globe. These consequences are creating mounting challenges to development efforts, security, climate, and the environment, as well as the sustainability of human populations.

Great Decisions: The Quad Alliance
2022-10-17 19:00 - 20:00 | Woodstock Public Library District, 10 Dixon Ave, Woodstock, NY, 12498, United States
Facilitator: Malia DuMont

As part of the U.S. pivot to Asia, the United States has been in dialogue with Japan, Australia, and India to contain China. Recently, the Quad countries held joint naval exercises in the South Pacific. How effective will the actions of this alliance be?

Great Decisions: Industrial Policy
2022-11-14 19:00 - 20:00 | Woodstock Public Library District, 10 Dixon Ave, Woodstock, NY, 12498, United States
Facilitator: Matthew Murray

The current discussion of industrial policy in the United States is not simply about whether or not to support specific companies or industries, but about trust or mistrust of the government and its ability to manage the economy and deal with a rising China. The upheaval in supply chains during the pandemic exposed weaknesses in the international economy. What policies can the United States implement to deal with trade and the economy?

Academic WorldQuest 2023
2023-03-04 09:30 - 13:00 | Dutchess Community College, 53 Pendell Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY, 12601, United States
The World Affairs Council of the Mid-Hudson Valley hosts a regional trivia competition for high school students that is based on international affairs. WACMHV volunteers develop the questions, recruit and coordinate with the local high school teams, staff and run the regional competition, WACMHV supports the winning team, which represents our area at the national competition in Washington, D.C. Volunteers are always welcome to indicate their interest and spectators may choose to watch the competition and see how well they know international affairs. The event will be held at DCC in Drumlin Hall from 9:30 to 1 pm

Dr. Peter Jones, University of Ottawa "Track Two Diplomacy"
2023-03-13 18:00 - 19:00 | Bard College, 30 Campus Rd, Annandale-On-Hudson, NY, 12504, United States
Peter Jones holds a Ph.D. in War Studies from Kings’ College, London, and an MA in War Studies from the Royal Military College of Canada. Before joining the University of Ottawa, he served as a senior analyst for the Security and Intelligence Secretariat of the Privy Council of Canada. Previously, he held various positions related to international affairs and security at the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Privy Council Office, and the Department of Defense. An expert on security in the Middle East and track-two diplomacy, he led the Middle East Security and Arms Control Project at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) in Sweden in the 1990s. He is presently leading several Track Two initiatives in South Asia and the Middle East and is also widely published in Iran.
This event will be co-hosted with the Alexander Hamilton Society.

"A Tale of Two Churches" - Rwanda: Timothy P. Longman
2023-03-29 19:00 - 20:00 | Marist College, 3399 North Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY, 12601, United States
Lecture: “A Tale of Two Churches: The Catholic Church and Violence in Rwanda and the Congo.” by Timothy P. Longman, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor of International Relations and Political Science, and Director of the Institute on Culture, Religion and World Affairs (CURA) at Boston University
This event will be co-hosted with The St. Marcellin Champagnat Endowed Lecture

Great Decisions: China and the US
2023-04-17 19:00 - 20:00 | Woodstock Public Library District, 10 Dixon Ave, Woodstock, NY, 12498, United States
Facilitated by Jean-Claude Fouere
For the past ten years, the United States and China have been locked in a competition for who has the greatest global influence. One major point of contention is the status of Taiwanese sovereignty, which has become even more relevant recently with the possibility that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine may prompt China to take similar action regarding Taiwan. How will the United States engage China which is increasingly seeking to expand its sphere of influence?

Great Decisions: Economic Warfare
2023-05-15 19:00 - 20:00 | Woodstock Public Library District, 10 Dixon Ave, Woodstock, NY, 12498, United States
Facilitated by Rick Levitt

Waging economic warfare consists of a variety of measures from implementing sanctions to fomenting labor strikes. Such tools are utilized by states to hinder their enemies, and in the case of the United States have been used as far back as the early 19th century. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, economic warfare has been the main means for the West to challenge Russia. How effective will these sanctions be at convincing Russia to cease its war?

Great Decisions: Politics in Latin America
2023-05-15 19:00 - 20:00 | Woodstock Public Library District, 10 Dixon Ave, Woodstock, NY, 12498, United States
Facilitated by Martin Charwat
Electoral results in Latin America over the past four years have led many observers of the regional/political scene to discern a left-wing surge in the hemisphere, reminiscent of the so-called “Pink Tide” that swept the area some 20 years ago. But how much do these politicians have in common? What implication does their ascendency have for the region?

Great Decisions: Iran at the Crossroads
2023-10-23 19:00 - 20:00 | Woodstock Public Library District, 10 Dixon Ave, Woodstock, NY, 12498, United States
Facilitated by Matt Murray
By the fall of 2022, Iran was in a state of turmoil due to widespread protests against the government-enforced wearing of the hijab, a failing economy, an ineffective new president, and the looming succession of the country’s leader, Ayatollah Khamenei. Abroad, renewal of the Iran nuclear deal seemed doubtful and tensions remain high between Iran, Israel, and Arab states. Many Iranians have lost hope of a better future, and the country seems at a crossroads. How should the United States deal with it?

Great Decisions: Energy Geopolitics
2023-11-13 19:00 - 20:00 | Woodstock Public Library District, 10 Dixon Ave, Woodstock, NY, 12498, United States
Facilitated by Karen Nichols.
Access to oil and gas has long influenced the politics of individual nations and their relations with others. But as more countries move toward sustainable energy, and supply chain shortages affect the availability of oil and gas, how will this change how the United States interacts with the outside world?

Great Decisions: Climate Migration
2023-12-11 18:30 - 20:00 | Woodstock Public Library District, 10 Dixon Ave, Woodstock, NY, 12498, United States
Facilitated by Dr. Charlotte Hulme, Assistant Professor of International Affairs and Deputy-Director of the Grand Strategy Program at West Point Military Academy.
As climate change accelerates and drought and rising sea levels become more common, millions of people in affected regions must uproot themselves and seek safety elsewhere. Who are these affected individuals, and how might the United States aid them, and be affected by the migration?

Student World Affairs Conference 2024
2024-03-01 09:15 - 17:30 | Marist College, 3399 North Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY, 12601, United States
Join us on Friday, March 1, 2024, for the annual Student World Affairs Conference, to be held from 9:15 to 5:30 at Marist College. The Keynote Address at 3:30 will be followed by a reception.
Keynote: “Strongmen and How to Defeat Them” – Dr. Ruth Ben-Ghiat, to be introduced by Dean Jacqueline Reich (Marist), is a Professor of History and Italian Studies at New York University. She writes about fascism, authoritarianism, propaganda, and democracy protection. She is the recipient of Guggenheim and other fellowships, an advisor to Protect Democracy, and an MSNBC opinion columnist. She appears frequently on MSNBC and other networks. She publishes Lucid, a Substack newsletter on threats to democracy in the U.S. and abroad.

Academic WorldQuest 2024
2024-03-02 | Henry A. Wallace Visitor and Education Center, 4079 Albany Post Rd, Hyde Park, NY, 12538, United States
WAC-MHV will hold the annual Academic WorldQuest competition at the Henry A. Wallace Center at the FDR Historic Site in Hyde Park, NY on March 2, 2024. Regional high schools compete in this 10-round international affairs quiz bowl. The winner will represent the World Affairs Council of the Mid-Hudson Valley at the national conference in Washington DC.

Peter Jones: "The Collapse of Netanyahu's Double-Game"
2024-03-11 18:30 - 20:30 | Mill House Brewing Company, 289 Mill St, Poughkeepsie, NY, 12601, United States
Members are invited to join Peter Jones at the Mill House Brewery on Monday, March 11, 2024. The event will be held in a private room from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Au d’oeuvres will be served and a cash bar will be available. The event is open to WACMHV Members and their family and friends. We ask that you consider a voluntary contribution of $40 to help cover the cost of the event.

The speaker is a Track-Two diplomacy expert with extensive experience in the Middle East region. Dr Jones holds a Ph.D. in War Studies from Kings’ College, London, and an MA in War Studies from the Royal Military College of Canada. Before joining the University of Ottawa, he served as a senior analyst for the Security and Intelligence Secretariat of the Privy Council of Canada.

Previously, Peter Jones held various positions related to international affairs and security at the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Privy Council Office, and the Department of Defense. An expert on security in the Middle East and track-two diplomacy, he led the Middle East Security and Arms Control Project at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) in Sweden in the 1990s. He is presently leading several Track Two initiatives in South Asia and the Middle East and is also widely published in Iran.

Great Decisions: Science Across Borders
2024-04-08 18:30 - 19:30 | Woodstock Public Library District, 10 Dixon Ave, Woodstock, NY, 12498, United States
Facilitated by Jean-Claude Fouere
Scientific advances benefit from collaboration between researchers, but what happens when material, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) is controversial and important to a nation’s national security? Is there a middle ground between sharing information and denying access? How can we regulate cooperation? The facilitator will specifically address The International Nuclear Fusion Program, COVID Vaccine development and large-scale fabrication, climate change remediation, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) development.

Great Decisions: NATO's Future
2024-06-10 18:30 - 19:30 | Woodstock Public Library District, 10 Dixon Ave, Woodstock, NY, 12498, United States
Facilitated by Rick Levitt
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has come under increased scrutiny, not because NATO troops are involved in the conflict, but because of its role in relations between Russia and its neighbors. NATO may have been constructed as a military alliance, but it functioned most effectively as an expression of political unity (that’s how Stalin saw it, anyway). Has it outgrown that role? Has its expansion affected its essential nature? What about the changing domestic environment in its leading member? Will expanding membership in NATO protect countries, or will it further provoke Russia?

Webinar: Juneteeth & Global Emancipation Movements
2024-06-13 15:00 - 16:00 | NY
The World Affairs Council of Orange County, CA will hold a Zoom webinar on Thursday, June 13, 2024, from 3-4 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) titled, “Juneteenth & Global Emancipation Movements: The Caged Bird Sings of Freedom” featuring Human Rights Professor, Rev. Ray Jordan.

Webpage: https://worldaffairscouncil.givecloud.co/product/Juneteenth/juneteenth-global-emancipation-the-caged-bird-sings-of-freedom

On June 19, 1865 — months after the Civil War ended and more than 2 years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation freeing enslaved people — Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to free 250,000 people still held in bondage. The arrival of Major General Gordon Granger and his troops signaled that the Federal Government would not relent until the last enslaved people in America were free. On Juneteenth, we commemorate that day and honor the tireless work of abolitionists who made it their mission to deliver the promise of America for all Americans.

Did you know that there are an estimated 46 million people currently enslaved in the world? Juneteenth isn’t just about a segment of our population in the U.S. It’s about emancipation movements around the world. Join us for a virtual discussion on the significance of the federal holiday, Juneteenth, and the fight for global emancipation.

Great Decisions: Gaza: Which Way Forward?
2024-09-16 18:00 - 19:00 | Woodstock Public Library District, 10 Dixon Ave, Woodstock, NY, 12498, United States
Facilitated by Frederic C. Hof
This program will be a talk that intersects with the Great Decisions topic on the Middle East, but it will focus on the situation in Gaza. The talk will consider what the United States might do to move the parties involved in conflict forward, beyond violence to co-existence and peace. Fred Hof is on the Board of the World Affairs Council of the Mid-Hudson Valley, which co-sponsors the Great Decisions program. He currently serves as Bard College’s Diplomat in Residence and has had a distinguished career with the US Army, Department of State, and the international consulting firm AALC, specializing in the Mideast region. He served as ambassador and special adviser for transition in Syria under President Obama and as special coordinator for regional affairs in the US Department of State’s Office of the Special Envoy for Middle East Peace, where he conducted a back-channel peace mediation between Israel and Syria.
