Mid-Hudson Valley World Affairs Council

Great Decisions: The Gray Zone Dilemma – Irregular Warfare in the South China Sea
2026-05-19 16:30 - 17:30 (America/New_York) | Woodstock Public Library District, 10 Dixon Ave, Woodstock, NY, 12498, United States
May 19, 2026, 4:30 pm
Woodstock Library, 10 Dixon Ave., Woodstock, NY
Facilitator 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.

Middle East Update: Iran and Lebanon-Israel Security Talks
2026-06-04 17:00 - 18:00 | NY
Please join the World Affairs Council of the Mid-Hudson Valley for a timely and important online conversation with Ambassador Fred Hof:
Thursday, June 4 at 5:00 p.m. EDT – Online
This special online event is reserved for the members and supporters whose generosity makes our work possible. And if you are not yet a member or donor, we warmly invite you to join us today. Your support helps sustain thoughtful public dialogue and educational programming throughout the region.
At a moment of profound uncertainty in the Middle East, Ambassador Fred Hof will share unique firsthand insights into ongoing unofficial efforts to advance security arrangements between Israel and Lebanon. The efforts are aimed at helping communities on both sides of the border live in safety and stability.
Ambassador Fred Hof brings decades of diplomatic, military, and academic experience to this discussion. Ambassador Hof is the author of numerous works on Middle East diplomacy, including Reaching for the Heights (USIP, 2022), which recounts his 2010–2011 efforts to broker peace between Israel and Syria.
Please RSVP for this event by emailing wacmhv@gmail.com.

Great Decisions: American and the World - Trump 2.0 Foreign Policy
2026-06-08 18:30 - 19:30 | Boardman Library, 141 Boardman Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY, 12603, United States
Monday, June 8, 6:30 pm, Boardman Road Library, Poughkeepsie
Facilitator 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.

Great Decisions: Ukraine and the Future of European Security
2026-11-09 18:30 - 19:30 | Boardman Library, 141 Boardman Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY, 12603, United States
Monday, November 9, 6:30 pm, Boardman Road Library, Poughkeepsie.
Facilitator 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.
