This Week

TNWAC This Week

October 21, 2021

Dear Members and Friends:

China…

Earlier this week one email in the pile included a note from Foreign Affairs editor Daniel Kurtz-Phelan with word of their new issue. In the tease he wrote this:

“In September, in his first address to the UN General Assembly as president, Joe Biden pledged that the United States was not “seeking a new cold war or a world divided into rigid blocs.” That pledge was echoed, in different words, by Biden’s Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, and reinforced by warnings from a slew of other leaders about the grim consequences of a world split into warring camps. Yet rather than offering reassurance, this chorus served mostly to highlight just how dismal the geopolitical reality has become, with suspicion and acrimony threatening to sink trust and cooperation even in the face of shared existential challenges.”

Meanwhile, Hal Brands and John Lewis Gaddis were writing about, “The New Cold War: America, China and the Echoes of History.”

THAT is the US-China relationship in 2021.

It is important that you know what’s going on there.

And so, we commend to your attention this week’s China Town Hall + — the plus was our local experts providing background, context and analysis of US-China relations, commercial ties and strains, regional defense concerns and alliances and what all this means to Tennessee and our communities. The second half of the program was a broadcast from the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations featuring CNN anchor and author Fareed Zakaria.

You can find a recording of the China Town Hall, both ends of the program, at our YouTube.com.tnwac channel and in our “Global Tennessee” series of Podcasts wherever you get your Pods

I am also recommending you join the “Cover to Cover” program on October 28th with Carla Power, author of “Home, Land, Security: Deradicalization and the Journey Back from Extremism.” It’s an issue and enduring challenge for security forces around the world, not just the Middle East. Extremism is expanding at home and abroad. “Cover to Cover” is presented by our friends at the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA) and a benefit we enjoy by being a member of the network. I was pleased to be invited as the program host and look forward to talking about this important issue with Ms. Power.

Wishes for a safe and prosperous week and, as always, thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

MARK THE CALENDAR

AMBASSADOR OF JAPAN TO U.S. KOJI TOMITA GLOBAL TOWN HALL

On November 2nd you’ll want to be at Belmont University as the World Affairs council welcomes Ambassador and Mrs. Tomita to Nashville. Join us for an IN-PERSON conversation on Japan-U.S. relations, the impact of Japanese investment on Tennessee, security issues in East Asia and building bridges between Japanese and Americans. [Details/Registration]

Note: Guests will be asked to comply with Covid-19 public health measures — full vaccinations and masks indoors (See below).

BUSINESSES… limited sponsorships available. [Details]

STUDENTS AND YOUNG PROFESSIONALS | INTERNATIONAL CAREERS | WEDNESDAY AND OCT 27

Join us on October 27th for a conversation with a distinguished panel of women working in global business fields. They will share with you what preparation they undertook to pursue their careers, what the day to day life is like in their jobs and the pros and cons of the work they undertake.  [Link]

CHINA TOWN HALL: LOCAL CONNECTIONS, NATIONAL REFLECTIONS

Did you miss this terrific program Tuesday? This year’s China Town Hall on October 19th featured Fareed Zakaria, CNN host and author, in a national broadcast that was part of our TNWAC program. Professor Thomas Schwartz, John Scannapieco and Jeremy Goldkorn shared their expertise on U.S. foreign policy, commercial relations and current developments. Check out this program for an exceptional virtual deep dive into U.S.-China relations. [Video Link] You can also here the program on our “Global Tennessee” Pod series wherever you get your Podcasts.

BELMONT PRESIDENT JONES TALKS WITH “GLOBAL NASHVILLE”

The World Affairs Council and Belmont University have enjoyed a partnership that goes back over a decade, bringing distinguished visiting speakers to the community and hosting high school students in our education outreach. We’re pleased to note that our home base has a new leader, President L. Gregory Jones. On October 26 at 7pm CT Jones will be our guest for the “Global Nashville with Karl Dean” Webinar program. They’ll talk about Jones’ approach to global engagement, Belmont’s mission for students to “engage and transform” the world, and the connections among the University, the city and the state with the world. [Registration Link]

ACADEMIC WORLDQUEST

We have our topics for the 2021-2022 season of our Anne Smedinghoff Academic WorldQuest global affairs challenge. Our practice match and championship match as well as the WACA national competition will be based on these topics:

1. Where Climate and Migration Meet
2. Afghanistan: End of the 20-Year U.S.-Led Intervention
3. A Human-Centered Agenda for the Future of Work
4. CDC and the Global Health Agenda
5. Technology and Democracy: Threat or Promise?
6. Great Decisions
7. 21st Century Money: Dollars to Digital Currencies
8. Working for Peace Through Legacies of War: The Case of Vietnam
9. Insecurity in China’s Neighborhood
10. Current Events

High school students and teachers be ready to start our Academic WorldQuest season, named in honor of Anne Smedinghoff, an American diplomat who was killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan. The study guide will be out this week. Our first practice match is set for Belmont University on Sunday, December 5th. The TNWAC championship match will be held in early February 2022. Be on the lookout for details on forming teams and getting ready for WorldQuest!

COVID-19 IN-PERSON PROGRAMS AND EVENTS POLICY

As we go back to hosting in-person programs and events, the Tennessee World Affairs Council will require our attendees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In addition, masks will be required indoors except when eating and drinking. TNWAC will continue following the recommendations of the CDC and local health department to ensure that we can make our in-person programs and events as safe as possible for everyone. We look forward to seeing you in person this fall. Your understanding and continued support are important to the TNWAC. Thank you. 

VOLUNTEERS

The Tennessee World Affairs Council invites you to consider becoming a volunteer. TNWAC programs, development and administration are managed by a (very) small staff. We’re always on the lookout for people who are interested in our mission — bring the world to our fellow citizens — and have an opportunity to share their time and talents. There’s a great need so if you’re interested drop us an email. [pat@tnwac.org]

YOU SHOULD SPONSOR THESE PROGRAMS

• World Affairs Council of Kentucky and Southern Indiana hosts Josh Rogin, author, columnist for the Global Opinions section of the Washington Post and a political analyst with CNN, for “America, China, and the Battle for the 21st Century“ (In Person)
• World Affairs Council of Rhode Island hosts Dr. Glorieuse Uwizeye, a trained psychiatric nurse and survivor of the Rwandan Genocide, for “Rwanda: Intergenerational Health Impacts of Genocide“
• WorldOregon hosts Ambassador (Ret.) Vicki Huddleston, retired career Senior Foreign Service Officer and former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, for “Tigray Crisis: Perspectives, Reckoning, and Paths Ahead“
• Los Angeles World Affairs Council & Town Hall hosts Roger McNamee, investor and author, for “Social Media’s Dark Side“
• World Affairs (Northern California) hosts James Russell, Associate Professor at the Department of National Security Affairs of the Naval Postgraduate School, for “Afghanistan and the Aftermath of America’s Defeat“
• World Affairs Council of Sonoma County hosts Keith McCormick, career Foreign Service Officer and diplomat, for “What Biden Faces: The U.S. and the World After Afghanistan“
• WorldDenver hosts a panel of specialists for “Al Amal Mission to Mars” (In Person
• Savannah Council on World Affairs hosts John Deni, Research Professor of Security Studies at the U.S. Army War College’s Strategic Studies Institute and Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council, for “Coalition of the Unwilling and Unable: European Realignment and the Future of American Geopolitics“
• Peoria Area World Affairs Council hosts a panel for “Filipino-Americans: Weaving into the Rich Tapestry of the United States“
• World Affairs Council of Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky hosts a panel of young professionals for “The Value of Global Competence: Views from Young Professionals“
• Worcester World Affairs Council hosts David Kramer, Senior Fellow in the Václav Havel Program for Human Rights and Diplomacy at Florida International University, for “The Kremlin’s Threat to Democracy“
• International Affairs Forum (Traverse City) hosts Vanessa Acker, Political Unit Chief at the Office of Russian Affairs, U.S. State Department, for “RUSSIA: Conflict, Cooperation, or Containment?“
• International Relations Council (Kansas City) presents “Soundscapes in the City“ (In Person)
• Foreign Policy Association hosts Robert Pozen, Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, for “FPA Live“
• Montana World Affairs Council hosts Ardeshir Kia, Professor at the University of Montana, for “Centrality of Central Asia“
• Montana World Affairs Council presents “Connect Montana: Our Afghan Allies in America“
• World Affairs Council of Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky hosts a panel of specialists for “The Value of Global Competence: Views From Young Professionals“
• World Affairs Council of Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky hosts Wolfgang Mӧssinger, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany Chicago Office, for “Flash Chat“
• World Affairs Council of Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky presents “Food is Essential: Examining COVID’s Impact on the Global Supply Chain and Food Insecurity“
• World Affairs Council of Harrisburg presents “Vaccine Hesitancy Webinar“
• World Affairs Council of Austin presents “The Globalist Coffeehouse: A Cross-Cultural Look at Cars“”
• World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth hosts Michael O’Hanlon, Senior Fellow and Director of Research in Foreign Policy at the Brookings Institution, for “The Art of War in an Age of Peace: Grand Strategy and Resolute Restraint“
• World Affairs Council of Greater Houston hosts Stephen Slick, former Director for Intelligence Programs for the NSC, Special Assistant to the President & CIA Operations Officer, for “The State of U.S. Intelligence & the Challenges of the Years to Come“ (In Person)
• Olympia World Affairs Council hosts James Lin, Professor at the Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies, University of Washington, for “The Most Dangerous Place on Earth? A Discussion of Taiwan and China Relations“

• World Affairs Council of the Desert hosts Glenn E. Robinson, Professor in the Defense Analysis Department at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), for “Global Jihad: A Movement of Rage“
• World Affairs Council of Hilton Head hosts Amb. (Ret.) Jeff Levine, former U.S. Ambassador to Estonia, for “Russia and the Baltics – Past & Present“ (In Person)

• Global Ties Arizona presents “Dining for Diplomacy Featuring China“ (In Person)
• World Affairs Council of Jacksonville hosts Jennifer Griffin, national security correspondent for Fox News Channel, and Greg Myre, national security correspondent for NPR, for “National Security: Global Hotspots and Blind Spots“ (In Person)