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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251117T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251117T193000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133334
CREATED:20250617T183712Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251124T155119Z
UID:2367-1763404200-1763407800@wacmhv.org
SUMMARY:[Great Decisions] International Climate Cooperation in an Era of Geopolitical Turmoil
DESCRIPTION:Location: Boardman Road Library\, Poughkeepsie \nFacilitated by Karen Nichols for World Affairs Council of the Mid-Hudson Valley. \n\n\n \nOver the past 30 years\, climate change has become one of the central global challenges of the modern era\, one that has important consequences for the livability of the planet.
URL:https://wacmhv.org/event/great-decisions-international-climate-cooperation-in-an-era-of-geopolitical-turmoil/
LOCATION:Boardman Library\, 141 Boardman Rd\, Poughkeepsie\, NY\, 12603\, United States
CATEGORIES:2025 Past Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251118T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251118T193000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133334
CREATED:20251002T014538Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251124T155104Z
UID:2421-1763490600-1763494200@wacmhv.org
SUMMARY:Panel Discussion:  Soft Power in a Post-Liberal World: The Future of Values and Ethics in International Relations
DESCRIPTION:Date: November 18\, 2025\nTime: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM\nPanelists: Kevin Maloney & James Ketterer \nIn an era of shifting global narratives\, the U.S. is rethinking its approach to diplomacy. What happens when foreign aid is slashed\, soft power institutions are defunded\, and values-driven engagement gives way to transactional diplomacy? \nKevin Maloney and James Ketterer\, co-chairs of a Carnegie Council initiative on ethics in international affairs\, will discuss the evolving role of ethics and values in shaping the global order.
URL:https://wacmhv.org/event/panel-discussion-soft-power-in-a-post-liberal-world-the-future-of-values-and-ethics-in-international-relations/
LOCATION:Woodstock Public Library District\, 10 Dixon Ave\, Woodstock\, NY\, 12498\, United States
CATEGORIES:2025 Past Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251121
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251122
DTSTAMP:20260403T133334
CREATED:20251002T024257Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251124T194644Z
UID:2446-1763683200-1763769599@wacmhv.org
SUMMARY:SWAC - Student World Affairs Conference
DESCRIPTION:Student World Affairs Conference 2025\nMARIST COLLEGE FLYER \nMarist University Student Center\, Poughkeepsie\, NY \nDate: Friday\, November 21\, 2025 \nStart Time: 9 am; Keynote speaker scheduled to start at 3:30 pm \nUndergraduate students from across the Hudson Valley will present papers on wide-ranging topics in world affairs. \nKeynote Speaker:\nOmar G. Encarnación\, Charles Flint Kellogg Professor of Politics at Bard College\nHe will discuss LGBTQ Rights in Latin America\, drawing from his books Framing Equality: The Politics of Gay Marriage Wars and Out in the Periphery: Latin America’s Gay Rights Revolution\, in conversation with Marist faculty. \nSponsored by:\nThe Global Studies Program at Marist\, the World Affairs Council of the Mid-Hudson Valley\, and the World Film Program at Marist. \nFor further information\, please contact Michael O’Sullivan at Michael.osullivan@marist.edu
URL:https://wacmhv.org/event/swac-student-world-affairs-conference/
LOCATION:NY
CATEGORIES:2025 Past Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacmhv.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-11-24-at-2.42.25 PM.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251203T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251203T210000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133334
CREATED:20251102T143444Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260103T200524Z
UID:2428-1764786600-1764795600@wacmhv.org
SUMMARY:Annual WAC-MHV Members Dinner
DESCRIPTION:Date: Wednesday\, December 3\, 2025 \nTime: 6:30 – 9:00 pm \nLocation: The lovely Vassar College Alumnae House. This year’s evening will be a real treat especially for music lovers. James Ketterer will be sharing a fascinating presentation on Jazz & Diplomacy that you won’t want to miss. \nAs always\, this special event is just for our members\, so please make sure your 2025 membership is up to date. You may register or renew your membership conveniently through our website at https://wacmhv.org/membership/.
URL:https://wacmhv.org/event/annual-wac-mhv-members-dinner/
LOCATION:Vassar College\, 124 Raymond Ave\, Poughkeepsie\, NY\, 12604\, United States
CATEGORIES:2025 Past Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260113T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260113T200000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133334
CREATED:20260103T211804Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260120T205433Z
UID:2588-1768329000-1768334400@wacmhv.org
SUMMARY:Assessing the Trump Administration's New National Security Strategy
DESCRIPTION:Panelists: Malia Du Mont and Michael Hauser\nDate: January 13\, 2026\nTime: 6:30–8:00 pm\nLocation: Woodstock Library\, 10 Dixon Ave\, Woodstock \nWhat does it mean when a U.S. National Security Strategy breaks sharply with tradition? This talk will\nprovide a primer on what an NSS is\, how it is crafted\, and why it matters and demonstrate into why the\ncurrent strategy stands out. Departing from decades of precedent\, the new NSS shifts strategic attention\ntoward the Western Hemisphere\, deemphasizes Europe\, and places economics at the center of national\nsecurity through concepts like economic statecraft and the integration of defense and diplomacy into\nU.S. economic policy. The discussion will explore how and why these changes matter\, with particular\nattention to their implications for U.S. engagement in the Asia-Pacific. Attendees are encouraged to read\nthe new NSS in advance to enrich the conversation. \nAbout the Speakers\nMalia Du Mont — Former Director of Strategy in the Office of the Secretary of Defense\, currently\nserving as Chief of Staff and Vice President for Strategy and Policy at Bard College\nMichael Hauser — Former Executive\, Political-Military Bureau and Foreign Area Officer\, U.S.\nDepartment of State and US Army Infantry Lieutenant Colonel and Military Attaché.\nModerated by Ambassador Donna Welton. \nPresented by the World Affairs Council of the Mid-Hudson Valley in partnership with Woodstock Library \n 
URL:https://wacmhv.org/event/assessing-the-trump-administrations-new-national-security-strategy/
LOCATION:Woodstock Public Library District\, 10 Dixon Ave\, Woodstock\, NY\, 12498\, United States
CATEGORIES:2026 Past Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260306T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260306T180000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133334
CREATED:20260130T161642Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260330T184949Z
UID:2628-1772814600-1772820000@wacmhv.org
SUMMARY:Great Decisions: Global Cooperation in an Era of Competition: Can Multilateralism Survive?
DESCRIPTION:March 6\, 2026\, 4:30 – 6:00 pm \nAmbassador Donna Welton will address the question of global cooperation. Can multilateralism survive amid shifting global power and rising nationalism? What will the future hold for global cooperation across trade\, health\, and finance? This pressing topic derives from the Foreign Policy Association’s “Great Decisions” program.
URL:https://wacmhv.org/event/great-decisions-global-cooperation-in-an-era-of-competition-can-multilateralism-survive/
LOCATION:Woodstock Public Library District\, 10 Dixon Ave\, Woodstock\, NY\, 12498\, United States
CATEGORIES:2026 Past Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260307T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260307T133000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133334
CREATED:20260111T002304Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260317T224835Z
UID:2595-1772874000-1772890200@wacmhv.org
SUMMARY:Academic WorldQuest 2026
DESCRIPTION:March 7\, 2026 \nTime: 9:00 – 1:30 pm \nLocation: Henry A. Wallace Center\, FDR Library\, Albany Post Road (Rt 9)\, Hyde Park\, NY \nJoin us to watch this challenging international affairs quiz-bowl. This is our 20th year of holding the competition! High school students (grade 9-12) in Dutchess\, Ulster and Orange counties will compete in teams of four to answer question in 10 topic areas. Students prepare for months leading up to this event\, and the winning team will represent our region at the national competition in Washington\, D.C. in April. \nIf you have a question or would like to register\, please contact Karen Nichols (karen.nichols722@gmail.com) by February 1st to request a spot for your team(s)
URL:https://wacmhv.org/event/academic-worldquest-2026/
LOCATION:Henry A. Wallace Visitor and Education Center\, 4079 Albany Post Rd\, Hyde Park\, NY\, 12538\, United States
CATEGORIES:2026 Past Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260329T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260329T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133334
CREATED:20260126T011803Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260330T184935Z
UID:2600-1774796400-1774803600@wacmhv.org
SUMMARY:Music and Diplomacy Panel Discussion and Musical Performance
DESCRIPTION:March 29\, 2026\, 3-5 pm \nOld Dutch Church\, Kingston\, NY \nBard College\, together with the City of Kingston Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs and the World Affairs Council of the Mid-Hudson Valley\, will host “Music and Diplomacy” – a panel discussion and musical performance. This event is part of Kingston’s USA250 series of celebrations. It aims to explore how music has served as an important element of intercultural exchange and American soft power throughout the country’s history. \nThe panel discussion will be moderated by Malia Du Mont\, vice president for strategy and policy and chief of staff at Bard College. It will feature Jim Ketterer\, jazz musician and former diplomat who served in the State Department and on the National Security Council. The panel will also feature Phil Tappan\, deputy commander of the West Point Band\, and Jindong Cai\, director of Bard’s US-China Music Institute. \nThe panel discussion will be followed by a musical performance by musicians from the local community\, Bard College and Jim Ketterer.
URL:https://wacmhv.org/event/music-and-diplomacy-panel-discussion-and-musical-performance/
LOCATION:Old Dutch Church\, Kingston\, NY\, 272 Wall Street\, Kingston\, 12401
CATEGORIES:2026 Past Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260330T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260330T193000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133334
CREATED:20260103T200910Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T023626Z
UID:2579-1774895400-1774899000@wacmhv.org
SUMMARY:Great Decisions: Rethinking Nuclear Energy
DESCRIPTION:Monday\, March 30\, 6:30 pm\, Boardman Road Library\, Poughkeepsie \nEdward A. Friedman of the World Affairs Council of the Mid-Hudson Valley will discuss next generation nuclear energy and unique opportunities for this technology to mitigate global warming. Dr. Friedman will draw upon his recently published book for a lay audience\, “Nuclear Energy: Boom\, Bust\, and Emerging Renaissance\,” which recounts early optimism for nuclear energy followed by a clear account of the consequential nuclear accidents. He then explains the newly emerging designs and how they promise to curb previously unmanageable carbon emissions. He will place these developments into an international context where China and Russia exploit their nuclear dominance. \nEdward A. Friedman holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Physics from MIT and Columbia University as well as an Honorary Doctorate in Mathematics from Sofia University in Bulgaria. He served as Dean of Undergraduate Studies at Stevens Institute of Technology (1973-1986) and Director of a USAID Program to develop an indigenous college of engineering in Kabul\, Afghanistan (1970-73). He received the Albert Einstein Education Medal from the State of New Jersey and the National Education Medal from the King of Afghanistan. He served as a member of the American University of Bulgaria’s Board of Trustees (2017-2025).
URL:https://wacmhv.org/event/great-decisions-rethinking-nuclear-energy/
LOCATION:Boardman Library\, 141 Boardman Rd\, Poughkeepsie\, NY\, 12603\, United States
CATEGORIES:2026 Past Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacmhv.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot-2026-03-30-at-9.57.58 PM.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260427T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260427T193000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133334
CREATED:20260103T201226Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T020606Z
UID:2581-1777314600-1777318200@wacmhv.org
SUMMARY:Great Decisions: The Gray Zone Dilemma - Irregular Warfare in the South China Sea
DESCRIPTION:Monday\, April 27\, 6:30 pm\, Boardman Road Library\, Poughkeepsie \nFacilitator Michael Hauser for the World Affairs Council of the Mid-Hudson Valley.  Since World War II\, the term Irregular Warfare (IW) has become an increasingly common aspect in the study of warfare and statecraft. Comprising concepts such as guerrilla warfare\, counterterrorism\, unconventional warfare\, and counterinsurgency\, IW today is seemingly ubiquitous as major powers utilize IW strategy to exploit the “gray zone” between peace and war. This presentation will summarize the scope of IW and focus on the South China Sea as a case study for modern IW.  There is no assigned reading for this presentation\, however\, the Great Decisions materials are available for checkout from the library should you wish to read up on the topic before the talk.  No Registration Required.
URL:https://wacmhv.org/event/great-decisions-irregular-warfare-in-the-south-china-sea/
LOCATION:Boardman Library\, 141 Boardman Rd\, Poughkeepsie\, NY\, 12603\, United States
CATEGORIES:Upcoming Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260518T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260518T193000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133334
CREATED:20260103T201557Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260103T201557Z
UID:2583-1779129000-1779132600@wacmhv.org
SUMMARY:Great Decisions: Ukraine and the Future of European Security
DESCRIPTION:Monday\, May 18\, 6:30 pm\, Boardman Road Library\, Poughkeepsie. \nFacilitator Rick Levitt of the World Affairs Council of the Mid-Hudson Valley. With reduced U.S. support for NATO and Ukraine\, Europe faces strategic uncertainty. The Trump administration has signaled an intention to reduce its security role in Europe. What are America’s stakes in NATO and Europe’s strategic dilemmas\, and how might Europe respond?  There is no assigned reading for this presentation\, however\, the Great Decisions materials are available for checkout from the library should you wish to read up on the topic before the talk. No Registration Required.
URL:https://wacmhv.org/event/great-decisions-ukraine-and-the-future-of-european-security/
LOCATION:Boardman Library\, 141 Boardman Rd\, Poughkeepsie\, NY\, 12603\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260519
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260521
DTSTAMP:20260403T133334
CREATED:20260120T210604Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T021214Z
UID:2598-1779148800-1779321599@wacmhv.org
SUMMARY:Great Decisions: The Gray Zone Dilemma – Irregular Warfare in the South China Sea
DESCRIPTION:Rescheduled – Date/Time TBD (May 19 or 20). Please check back closer to the date. \nWoodstock Library\, 10 Dixon Ave.\, Woodstock\, NY \nFacilitator Michael Hauser for the World Affairs Council of the Mid-Hudson Valley.  Since World War II\, the term Irregular Warfare (IW) has become an increasingly common aspect in the study of warfare and statecraft. Comprising concepts such as guerrilla warfare\, counterterrorism\, unconventional warfare\, and counterinsurgency\, IW today is seemingly ubiquitous as major powers utilize IW strategy to exploit the “gray zone” between peace and war. This presentation will summarize the scope of IW and focus on the South China Sea as a case study for modern IW.  There is no assigned reading for this presentation\, however\, the Great Decisions materials are available for checkout from the library should you wish to read up on the topic before the talk.  No Registration Required.
URL:https://wacmhv.org/event/great-decisions-the-gray-zone-dilemma-irregular-warfare-in-the-south-china-sea/
LOCATION:Woodstock Public Library District\, 10 Dixon Ave\, Woodstock\, NY\, 12498\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260608T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260608T193000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133334
CREATED:20260103T202127Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260103T202127Z
UID:2585-1780943400-1780947000@wacmhv.org
SUMMARY:Great Decisions: American and the World - Trump 2.0 Foreign Policy
DESCRIPTION:Monday\, June 8\, 6:30 pm\, Boardman Road Library\, Poughkeepsie \nFacilitator Rick Levitt of the World Affairs Council of the Mid-Hudson Valley.Trump’s return has marked a break from 80 years of U.S. foreign policy leadership\, embracing an “America First” approach. This topic explores the risks of isolation and diminished influence in relation to Trump 2.0 foreign policy. There is no assigned reading for this presentation\, however the Great Decisions material is available for checkout at the library should you wish to read up on the topic before the talk.  No Registration Required.
URL:https://wacmhv.org/event/great-decisions-american-and-the-world-trump-2-0-foreign-policy/
LOCATION:Boardman Library\, 141 Boardman Rd\, Poughkeepsie\, NY\, 12603\, United States
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