Distinguished Speaker Series

  Trump 2.0: US Policy Shifts Amid a Changing Middle East Landscape   Eight months into the second Trump administration, the Middle East has become a more prominent focus of overall U.S. foreign policy. This first eight months was one of high operations tempo for the United States and included President Trump’s Gulf trip; a […]

Presents The Frontlines of Trade: Why Global Supply Chains Are America’s National Interest Join GEODIS CEO Mike Honious as he explores why supply chains are no longer just a business function—they're a national priority. From pharmaceuticals to electronics equipment, discover how resilient logistics systems fuel America's economy, security, and independence. Learn what every leader must […]

    The Global Country Music Scene in 2025 The global influence of Country Music is expanding at an extraordinary pace, unlocking unprecedented opportunities for artists around the world. This presentation will explore how the Country Music Association (CMA) is leading the way in building international connections, opening new markets, and driving growth across borders. […]

  This event is sold out Leading through Partnership: Tennessee’s Strategy for Global Investment Join TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter on November 6 as he delivers the keynote address for the Tennessee World Affairs Council Distinguished Speaker Series. He will highlight how Tennessee’s focus on building strong, long-term relationships has made it a trusted partner […]

U.S. and Japan: Allies in Security, Partners in Economic Prosperity The Tennessee World Affairs Council, in partnership with the University of Tennessee Knoxville, is hosting a panel discussion about Japan and its close relationship with the US. Panelists from Kobe University in Japan and the Hudson Institute in Washington, DC will discuss the longstanding alliance […]

      With the 2026 Milan–Cortina Olympic Winter Games just weeks away, the Olympics are once again at the center of global attention. But what most people see on television is only the surface. Behind the athletes and ceremonies is one of the most powerful global brands in the world—shaping diplomacy, national image, corporate […]

      Ambassador McKinley will address how the political and economic landscape of Latin America has changed over the past decade, with an emphasis on challenges and opportunities. He will also examine Latin America’s growing international importance and its relations with the United States. -------------- Wednesday, February 4, 2026 I 11:00am-1:00pm * Luncheon Event […]

      Africa’s growing geopolitical importance is reshaping global dynamics in ways that increasingly affect the United States at home. As the continent emerges as a major driver of economic growth, innovation, and demographic expansion, its role in global trade, energy security, supply chains, and diplomatic influence continues to expand. At the same time, […]

  In 2025, the United States and South Korea negotiated a new framework for economic relations. Under the new understanding, South Korea has committed to investing $150 billion in the US shipbuilding industry and an additional $200 billion in other US industries, potentially including the new Korea Zinc smelter in Clarksville. Please join the Tennessee […]

    America's February 27 attacks in Iran once again displayed the U.S. ability to project power seemingly, and sometimes literally, overnight. America's ability to deliver its military force anywhere in the world in a matter of hours remains a key asymmetric advantage that its adversaries just cannot match. This is a maneuver at a […]

        Foreign policy during the Cold War served as a model for the US even after the collapse of the Soviet Union, but recent years have shown increased dissatisfaction with US international leadership and alliance management—whether you look at Obama's reduction in US commitment to NATO, Biden's withdrawal from Afghanistan, or Trump's […]

      Liechtenstein companies play vital roles in the U.S. domestic economy. They are market leaders in their respective sectors, such as automotive, construction, dental, audio-visual, and more. As Liechtenstein seeks to increase its U.S. economic footprint, one area of focus is establishing apprenticeship and vocational training programs. On the foreign policy front, Liechtenstein, […]