We welcome, Joel Westra, Department Chair, Professor, Director, Pre-Law Program, Calvin University After World War II ended, countries created the United Nations Charter, which was meant to help organize the world and prevent future conflict. Since that time, governments have worked through these international organizations to manage shared global challenges like humanitarian crises, environmental […]
Join us for informal Lunch & Learn sessions tied to the World Affairs Council’s Great Decisions global discussion series, co-hosted with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation and Museum. Each session includes lunch, a 30-minute Foreign Policy Association video on the week’s topic, and a guided discussion led by World Affairs Council and […]
We welcome Ambassador Bridget A. Brink, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine. What does it mean to defend democracy while living under daily missile attacks? Drawing on her experience leading the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv during Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ambassador Bridget Brink discusses Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty and the challenges of sustaining democratic resilience during […]
We welcome Bill Moseley, Dewitt Wallace Professor of Geography, Macalester College This presentation examines the evolution of food security and agricultural development in post-colonial Africa and outlines a more sustainable path forward. Challenging the long-held assumption that increased production alone can end hunger, it argues for rethinking agriculture as a valued livelihood rather than […]
Join us for informal Lunch & Learn sessions tied to the World Affairs Council’s Great Decisions global discussion series, co-hosted with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation and Museum. Each session includes lunch, a 30-minute Foreign Policy Association video on the week’s topic, and a guided discussion led by World Affairs Council and […]
We welcome Hardy Merriman, former President of the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict (ICNC) A powerful autocratic wave is sweeping the globe. According to various measures, authoritarian governments have risen and democracies have declined worldwide over the past two decades. To ensure long-term peace, security, and human rights for billions of people, it is […]
We welcome Ambassador (ret.) Michael McKinley, senior counselor, the Cohen Group What does it mean for the United States to navigate a world of intensifying conflicts, shifting alliances, and renewed great-power competition? From ongoing wars to economic and technological rivalry, U.S. foreign policy is being reshaped in real time. This program explores the current […]
Join us for informal Lunch & Learn sessions tied to the World Affairs Council’s Great Decisions global discussion series, co-hosted with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation and Museum. Each session includes lunch, a 30-minute Foreign Policy Association video on the week’s topic, and a guided discussion led by World Affairs Council and […]
NOTE: THIS EVENT IS POSTPONED, RESCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, MAY 12. We welcome Page Stoutland, former consultant, NTI The risk of nuclear weapon use is widely viewed as higher today than at any point since the Cold War. Long-standing security alliances appear to be weakening, prompting additional states to consider developing their own nuclear capabilities. […]
We welcome Randy Thelen, President & CEO of The Right Place and Bradley T. French, Member and Chief Strategy Officer, Bodman PLC. From manufacturing exports and international investment to supply chains and trade policy, global forces play a powerful role in shaping regional economic futures. How do the current global economic trends affect our current […]
Join us for our next Global Mixer, 'A Taste of Munich' at the Küsterer Brauhaus on Wednesday, March 25 at 6pm. Guests will enjoy a selection of German charcuterie skewers, Kraut Knödel (balls) with dressing, Pretzel Bites with Bierkäse (cheese) and three 5oz Bier tastings with a little history presentation and tour. The Küsterer Brauhaus […]
Vandenberg Prize with General (ret.) H.R. McMaster April 7 @ 12:00-1:45 P.M. Huizenga Grand Room @ the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Networking from 11:30-Noon, with program beginning at Noon. Vandenberg Award Recipient: General (ret.) H. R. McMaster Hillman/Orr Award Recipient: To be announced The World Affairs Council of Western Michigan […]
