World Affairs Conversations

Jim Hake, founder and CEO of Spirit of America, talks about an unprecedented partnership with the U.S. Dept. of Defense, "patriotism without politics," and why the untapped power of the American people may be one of our greatest national security assets.

John Powers leads the Office of the Historian at the U.S. Department of State, where his team of historians and information professionals decides which chapters of America's foreign policy history are ready for the public to read.

Retired Major General Jami Shawley unpacks the evolving landscape of U.S. strategy in Africa—from rising investment and great power competition to persistent security challenges and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how high-stakes policy decisions are made, with candid leadership lessons for the next generation in complex, uncertain environments.

With government spending on social needs and services declining worldwide, the role of civil society is more crucial than ever. John Hewko, general secretary and CEO of Rotary Int'l and the Rotary Foundation, speaks to the important role of global organizations in filling the gap to promote peace and address social needs and services at all levels.

Amb. Jimmy Story provides a real-time perspective on prospects for democracy in Venezuela and the Western Hemisphere

Rolf and Rosie Mowatt-Larssen offer a fascinating glimpse into their careers in the CIA, as employees and spouses.

A conversation with Andy Alexander,  award-winning journalist and news industry leader, about threats and challenges to journalists around the globe – and here at home.

A conversation about a region in turmoil as the Administration upends traditional international relations and the functioning of our diplomatic corps.

The president of the American Foreign Service Association on the challenges facing our diplomats in a time of unprecedented change and the rewards of a diplomatic career

A conversation with Liza Tobin on the strategic economic competition and rivalry between the U.S. and China as we transition to a new administration.

A leading expert on Russia shares a unique insight into Vladimir Putin's perspective on Russian history, its place in the world, and how he thinks about other great powers.

The next President faces extraordinary international challenges, including regional conflict, great power jockeying, and decisions about America's place in the world. Council members with distinguished foreign service careers provide a unique perspective.

One of the world's leading experts on terrorism and insurgency provides an insightful update on this global threat.

One of the world's foremost experts in demographic trends explores the changing nature, shape, size and movement of global populations, one of the vital questions of our time.

Recent attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea—launched by the Houthis in Yemen—are wreaking havoc on global trade. Drawing on his distinguished career with the State Dept., Al Thibault speaks about history, geography and geopolitical risk factors in a part of the world that has suddenly grabbed international attention.

Michael Miklaucic, the editor of the National Defense University journal PRISM, shares thoughts on current national and international security threats and what to do about them.

Christopher Day, professor of political science at the College of Charleston, a former relief worker with Doctors Without Border, and veteran observer of African politics, economy, and society offers his thoughts on this distinct and compelling region.

Rolf Mowatt-Larssen challenges us with his fasten your seatbelts presentation on the complex issue of intelligence in which he discusses spies, nukes, emerging science and technology, climate change and fake news.

Ambassador Earl Anthony Wayne served as U.S. Ambassador to Argentina and as Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs under three Secretaries of State, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs, and Deputy Ambassador in Afghanistan. Ambassador Wayne is presently Distinguished Diplomat in Residence at American University in Washington, DC, and holds senior positi...

Charleston World Affairs Council member George Pope discusses what he considers China's two Achilles Heel issues--water and food.

A young woman arrested for taking off her hijab (mandatory head covering for woman) dies in police custody. The backlash, especially women, has rattled religious leaders. In addition, Iran is supplying drones to Moscow for the war in Ukraine. Iran's nuclear program is moving ahead. U.S. and western sanctions have crippled the economy. Is Iran's regime in trouble. Charleston World affairs Council P...

U. S. Institute of Peace analysts Brian Harding and Camilla Pohle-Anderson discuss Washington's concern over China's aggressive outreach into the Pacific Island region.

World Affairs Council of Charleston member and retired senior diplomat Al Thibault discusses the always volatile and ever-changing situation in Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Retired senior US diplomat and World Affairs Council of Charleston member Jon Gundersen who has extensive experience working in Russia and Ukraine explains, updates, and offers 'indicators' to follow regarding the Russia/Ukraine war.

Brian Norris, Professor of Political Science at Lincoln University of Missouri, discusses his recent Fulbright Future Scholars Grant wherein over three years he will study rural development programs in Colombia and Mozambique. Dr. Norris will also discuss his recent visit to Colombia where he monitored the presidential election and reviewed the current economic situation in light of some two milli...