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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240911T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240911T170000
DTSTAMP:20260508T090304
CREATED:20240819T225716Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250416T180853Z
UID:37410-1726074000-1726074000@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:Webinar | China's Use of Armed Coercion to Win Without Fighting
DESCRIPTION:China’s Use of Armed Coercion to Win Without Fighting\n\n\n\nWednesday\, September 11th | 12:00pm – 1:00pm \n\nOver the past 20 years\, China’s international status as a “great power” has become undeniable. China’s “peaceful rise” has included substantial investments in military modernization and an increasingly assertive regional posture. While China has not waged war\, it has frequently resorted to what the US State Department has referred to as “gangster tactics” – threats\, intimidation\, and armed confrontation – to advance its strategic aims. China’s regional ambitions are evident from how it has asserted itself militarily\, especially within the maritime “nine-dash line” and concerning several ongoing territorial disputes with its neighbors. China’s efforts to project power are intended to intimidate its smaller neighbors and to push back against US military presence and freedom of action in the region. \nRegister Now\n  \nSpeaker:\n \n\n\nJames A. Siebens is a Fellow with Stimson Center’s Reimagining U.S. Grand Strategy program\, where he leads the Defense Strategy and Planning project. He is the editor of China’s Use of Armed Coercion: To Win Without Fighting (Routledge 2023)\, a study on China’s use of military and paramilitary forces for purposes of coercion. He is also co-editor of Military Coercion and U.S. Foreign Policy: The Use of Force Short of War (Routledge 2020)\, a book on U.S. strategy and military operations since the end of the Cold War. Siebens is also affiliated with Stimson’s Cyber program and Russia program. His research focuses on grand strategy\, military coercion\, and gray zone conflict. \nSiebens previously served as a Research Associate and Special Assistant to the President and CEO at the Stimson Center. Prior to joining Stimson\, he was a Data Analyst at the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) at the University of Maryland\, where he contributed to a DoD-sponsored study on gray zone conflict. Siebens is a Term Member of the Council on Foreign Relations and holds an M.A. in International Affairs with a concentration in Global Security from American University’s School of International Service. \nModerator:\n \nJeremy Goldkorn is an editor and writer whose work has focused on China. He co-founded the Sinica Podcast in 2010 and was editor-in-chief of The China Project from 2016 to 2023. Goldkorn moved from his hometown of Johannesburg\, South Africa\, to China in 1995 and became managing editor of Beijing’s first independent English-language entertainment magazine. He later edited and founded several other publications\, including the website Danwei\, which tracked Chinese media\, markets\, politics\, and business\, acquired in 2013 by the Financial Times. \nWhile in China\, he lived in a worker’s dormitory\, produced a documentary film about African soccer players in Beijing\, and rode a bicycle from Peshawar to Kathmandu via Kashgar and Lhasa. He moved to Nashville\, Tennessee\, in 2015. He is a graduate of the University of Cape Town. \n \n\n \nOUR MISSION: \nAs a nonpartisan nonprofit organization\, we aim to promote international awareness\, understanding\, and connections to enhance the region’s global stature and prepare Tennesseans to thrive in our increasingly complex and connected world. \nOUR VISION: \nTo create a well-informed community that thinks critically about the world and the impact of global events. \n\n\n  \nRegister Now\nInternational Career Panel | April 3\, 2024\n \n\n\n\n  \n\n 
URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/chinas-use-of-armed-coercion-to-win-without-fighting/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Webinar
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241002T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241002T180000
DTSTAMP:20260508T090304
CREATED:20240802T182943Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250428T192835Z
UID:37251-1727886600-1727892000@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:New International Horizons
DESCRIPTION:The Tennessee World Affairs Council\nis proud to present\nNew International Horizons\n\nLuncheon at\n\n\nWednesday\, October 2\, 2024\n11:30 AM – 1:00 PM\nBass Berry and Sims -Nashville. 150 Third Avenue South Suite 2800 \,\nNashville\, Tennessee\, USA\, TN 37201\n\n  \nDouglas Kreulen will address Nashville International Airport’s expansion plans and its role in fostering new international connections\, highlighting opportunities for economic growth and cultural exchange through enhanced air connectivity\, contributing to Nashville’s global standing.\n \n\n  \nSpeaker:\nDOUGLAS KREULEN\n\nPresident and CEO – Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority \nDouglas Kreulen serves as the President and CEO of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority\, overseeing strategic development and international partnerships at Nashville International Airport. His visionary leadership has been instrumental in expanding the airport’s global footprint and enhancing its role as a key hub for international travel and commerce. \n  \n\n\nRegister Now\nInternational Career Panel | April 3\, 2024\n \n\n\n\n\n\n  \n  \n  \n \n\nTHE MISSION of the nonprofit\, nonpartisan Tennessee World Affairs Council is to promote international awareness\, understanding and connections to enhance the region’s global stature and to prepare Tennesseans to thrive in our increasingly complex and connected world. \nTHE VISION of  the Tennessee World Affairs Council is a well-informed community that thinks critically about the world and the impact of global events.
URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/new-international-horizons/
CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.tnwac.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/New-International-Horizons.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241009T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241009T180000
DTSTAMP:20260508T090304
CREATED:20240802T184711Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250428T192835Z
UID:37257-1728491400-1728496800@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:Energy to Expand Our Global Impact
DESCRIPTION:The Tennessee World Affairs Council\nis proud to present\nEnergy to Expand Our Global Impact\n\nLuncheon at\n\n\n\nWednesday\, October 9\, 2024\n11:30 AM – 1:00 PM\nBass Berry and Sims -Nashville. 150 Third Avenue South Suite 2800 \,\nNashville\, Tennessee\, USA\, TN 37201\n  \nThe global economic impact of the Tennessee Valley region has never been more evident\, as national and international companies and emerging industries are flourishing here. As the region’s energy supplier\, the Tennessee Valley Authority is partnering with local\, regional\, and state leaders to attract these industries. Through these efforts\, we are helping to fuel billions in economic investment taking place in our communities. While affordable\, reliable\, and clean energy attracts new business and industry\, TVA continues to work to ensure we meet the needs of our existing customers and prepare for future development — providing energy that is expandable\, sustainable and innovative. TVA’s investments will power this region in building on its economic success\, attracting and retaining the jobs of the future\, and helping organizations meet their clean energy goals in the next decades. These investments also will assist in cementing the Tennessee Valley region as the home of global growth industries from new nuclear generation to advanced manufacturing to electric vehicle production. Join us to learn more about how the Tennessee Valley region and TVA are partnering to deliver the energy for global leadership.\n \n\n\n  \nSpeaker:\nJEFF LYASH\n\nPresident and CEO of TVA – Tennessee Valley Authority \nJeff Lyash is president and chief executive officer of the Tennessee Valley Authority. Appointed by the Board of Directors in February 2019\, Lyash leads the nation’s largest public utility in its mission of serving the people of the Tennessee Valley to make life better. He is also chairman of the Nuclear Energy Institute executive committee providing oversight to NEI on policy affairs on behalf of the U.S. nuclear industry. His leadership focuses on energy policy\, environmental stewardship\, and regional economic development. Under his guidance\, TVA has championed sustainable energy initiatives that drive innovation and resilience across the region. \n  \n\n\nRegister Now\nInternational Career Panel | April 3\, 2024\n \n\n\n\n\n SPONSORS\n \n  \nTHE MISSION of the nonprofit\, nonpartisan Tennessee World Affairs Council is to promote international awareness\, understanding and connections to enhance the region’s global stature and to prepare Tennesseans to thrive in our increasingly complex and connected world. \nTHE VISION of  the Tennessee World Affairs Council is a well-informed community that thinks critically about the world and the impact of global events.
URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/energy-to-expand-our-global-impact/
CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.tnwac.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Energy-to-Expand-Our-Global-Impact.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241023T223000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241024T000000
DTSTAMP:20260508T090304
CREATED:20240802T190327Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250428T192835Z
UID:37262-1729722600-1729728000@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:Stabilizing US-China Relations in a Time of Tension
DESCRIPTION:The Tennessee World Affairs Council\nis proud to present\nStabilizing US-China Relations in a Time of Tension\n at\n\n\nWednesday\, October 23\, 2024\n5:50 PM – 7:00 PM\nBelmont University. Town Hall in partnership with the Center for Global Citizenship\n  \nAmbassador Randt first visited Beijing in 1974 and has witnessed the monumental changes that have occurred. That the US and China have profound differences is hardly surprising considering China’s different national circumstances\, 5\,000 years of history\, culture and\, ultimately values. As the most consequential relationship in the world\, it is essential that both sides work constructively to manage these differences. With a population of 1.4 billion people\, a prosperous China at peace with itself and its neighbors is not only good for China\, but good for the US and the world. Both the US and China want peace\, stability\, and prosperity for our respective peoples. Taiwan\, the South China Sea\, intellectual property\, human rights\, military buildups\, cyber-security\, and certain technology transfers are among the many sources of tension that must be managed. Such management requires understanding and continuous engagement.\n \n\n  \nSpeaker:\nAMBASSADOR CLARK T. RANDT JR.\n\nFormer Ambassador to China \nAmbassador Clark T. Randt Jr.\, former Ambassador to China\, brings extensive diplomatic experience and deep insights into U.S.-China relations. His tenure in Beijing and subsequent engagements provide unique perspectives on stabilizing bilateral ties amidst global tensions. Ambassador Randt’s strategic vision and nuanced understanding of geopolitical complexities inform his advocacy for constructive engagement and dialogue between the two superpowers. \n  \n  \n\n\nRegister Now\nInternational Career Panel | April 3\, 2024\n \n\n\n\n\n \nTHE MISSION of the nonprofit\, nonpartisan Tennessee World Affairs Council is to promote international awareness\, understanding and connections to enhance the region’s global stature and to prepare Tennesseans to thrive in our increasingly complex and connected world. \nTHE VISION of  the Tennessee World Affairs Council is a well-informed community that thinks critically about the world and the impact of global events.
URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/stabilizing-us-china-relations-in-a-time-of-tension/
CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.tnwac.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Stabilizing-US-China-Relations-in-a-Time-of-Tension.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241030T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241030T180000
DTSTAMP:20260508T090304
CREATED:20240919T181459Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250416T180853Z
UID:37629-1730307600-1730311200@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:Webinar | Reform in Central Asia: Shifting Frameworks and Dynamics
DESCRIPTION:presents \n\n\nReform in Central Asia: Shifting Frameworks and Dynamics\n \n  \n\n\n\nWednesday\, October 30th | 12:00pm – 1:00pm \n\nMr. Mark Reese will discuss how historical reforms in Central Asia hold profound implications for our understanding of the region and its influence on geopolitics. He will explore\nthe shifting theoretical frameworks and leadership models deployed to conceptualize and govern the Central Asian Republics. The webinar will pay special attention to current cultural initiatives in the Republic of Uzbekistan that hold greater credibility and influence\, especially among youth populations. Mr. Reese will offer a broad outline of the challenges still faced in Central Asia– along with the solutions being implemented by its populations.\n  \nRegister Now\nSpeaker:\n \nMark Reese began his thirty-year career in Central Asia as the first Peace Corps volunteer to serve in Kokand\, Uzbekistan\, from 1994-1996. Through the University of Washington\, he subsequently established and managed a Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs program centered around Islamic studies and curricula reform in Uzbekistan through the Department of State’s Uzbekistan Partnership Program in Islamic Studies. Mr. Reese managed translation and cultural advisement task orders for a broad spectrum of government and private industry clients. \nOver seven years\, he conducted groundbreaking work through dynamic educational program development as Founding Director for the Center for Regional Studies at the United States Naval Academy. His flagship work surrounds his translation of Abdullah Qodiriy’s O’tkan Kunlar\, the first full-length novel in the Uzbek language. For his efforts\, the Republic of Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev awarded Mr. Reese the Presidential Order of Do’stlik for furthering awareness of the Uzbek language and culture. \nIn 2023\, he was awarded the Tourism Fo’ydasi for developing tourism content in Tashkent\, Uzbekistan. As CEO of Suhbat LLC\, Mark is currently engaged in strategic communications and cultural program development for a variety of clients in Central Asia. \n\n\nModerator:\n \nPatrick Ryan is President Emeritus and founder of the Tennessee World Affairs Council. In 2007\, Mr. Ryan organized a group of concerned citizens to launch Tennessee’s first World Affairs Council to bring global awareness to education programs and resources in communities and schools in the state. The Council\, responding to the statewide interest in its programs\, moved from its first home in Cookeville to Nashville\, where it is hosted on the campus of Belmont University. \nMr. Ryan was born and raised in New York City. At age 17 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served a 26-year career\, assigned first in the Persian Gulf in 1973 followed by assignments in the Submarine Service where he attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer. Mr. Ryan received a BA degree at the University of South Carolina\, in 1981\, majoring in International Studies followed by commissioning in the Navy as an Ensign. Mr. Ryan served aboard numerous ships\, headquarters staffs and overseas assignments before retiring in 1998 as a Lieutenant Commander. Among his assignments were the Joint Staff in the Pentagon\, the Center for Naval Analyses\, and US Central Command headquarters. He has lived and worked in Bahrain\, Italy and Japan and has traveled to about 50 countries for work and leisure. \nPatrick Ryan was the President and founder of Ryan & Associates\, an editorial consulting firm based in Nashville\, from 1999-2015\, specializing in on-line global affairs information resources\, especially covering developments in the Middle East. Mr. Ryan also serves as founding President of the Tennessee Submarine Memorial Association\, on the National Geographic State Advisory Board and on the U.S. Global Leadership Council’s Tennessee State Committee. \n\n \nOUR MISSION: \nAs a nonpartisan nonprofit organization\, we aim to promote international awareness\, understanding\, and connections to enhance the region’s global stature and prepare Tennesseans to thrive in our increasingly complex and connected world. \nOUR VISION: \nTo create a well-informed community that thinks critically about the world and the impact of global events. \n\n\n  \nRegister Now\nInternational Career Panel | April 3\, 2024\n \n\n\n\n  \n\n 
URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/reform-in-central-asia/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.tnwac.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/TNWAC-Webinar-10-30-2024-Rectangle.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241030T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241030T180000
DTSTAMP:20260508T090304
CREATED:20240919T181459Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250416T180853Z
UID:44262-1730307600-1730311200@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:Webinar | Reform in Central Asia: Shifting Frameworks and Dynamics
DESCRIPTION:presents \n\n\nReform in Central Asia: Shifting Frameworks and Dynamics\n \n  \n\n\n\nWednesday\, October 30th | 12:00pm – 1:00pm \n\nMr. Mark Reese will discuss how historical reforms in Central Asia hold profound implications for our understanding of the region and its influence on geopolitics. He will explore\nthe shifting theoretical frameworks and leadership models deployed to conceptualize and govern the Central Asian Republics. The webinar will pay special attention to current cultural initiatives in the Republic of Uzbekistan that hold greater credibility and influence\, especially among youth populations. Mr. Reese will offer a broad outline of the challenges still faced in Central Asia– along with the solutions being implemented by its populations.\n  \nRegister Now\nSpeaker:\n \nMark Reese began his thirty-year career in Central Asia as the first Peace Corps volunteer to serve in Kokand\, Uzbekistan\, from 1994-1996. Through the University of Washington\, he subsequently established and managed a Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs program centered around Islamic studies and curricula reform in Uzbekistan through the Department of State’s Uzbekistan Partnership Program in Islamic Studies. Mr. Reese managed translation and cultural advisement task orders for a broad spectrum of government and private industry clients. \nOver seven years\, he conducted groundbreaking work through dynamic educational program development as Founding Director for the Center for Regional Studies at the United States Naval Academy. His flagship work surrounds his translation of Abdullah Qodiriy’s O’tkan Kunlar\, the first full-length novel in the Uzbek language. For his efforts\, the Republic of Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev awarded Mr. Reese the Presidential Order of Do’stlik for furthering awareness of the Uzbek language and culture. \nIn 2023\, he was awarded the Tourism Fo’ydasi for developing tourism content in Tashkent\, Uzbekistan. As CEO of Suhbat LLC\, Mark is currently engaged in strategic communications and cultural program development for a variety of clients in Central Asia. \n\n\nModerator:\n \nPatrick Ryan is President Emeritus and founder of the Tennessee World Affairs Council. In 2007\, Mr. Ryan organized a group of concerned citizens to launch Tennessee’s first World Affairs Council to bring global awareness to education programs and resources in communities and schools in the state. The Council\, responding to the statewide interest in its programs\, moved from its first home in Cookeville to Nashville\, where it is hosted on the campus of Belmont University. \nMr. Ryan was born and raised in New York City. At age 17 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served a 26-year career\, assigned first in the Persian Gulf in 1973 followed by assignments in the Submarine Service where he attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer. Mr. Ryan received a BA degree at the University of South Carolina\, in 1981\, majoring in International Studies followed by commissioning in the Navy as an Ensign. Mr. Ryan served aboard numerous ships\, headquarters staffs and overseas assignments before retiring in 1998 as a Lieutenant Commander. Among his assignments were the Joint Staff in the Pentagon\, the Center for Naval Analyses\, and US Central Command headquarters. He has lived and worked in Bahrain\, Italy and Japan and has traveled to about 50 countries for work and leisure. \nPatrick Ryan was the President and founder of Ryan & Associates\, an editorial consulting firm based in Nashville\, from 1999-2015\, specializing in on-line global affairs information resources\, especially covering developments in the Middle East. Mr. Ryan also serves as founding President of the Tennessee Submarine Memorial Association\, on the National Geographic State Advisory Board and on the U.S. Global Leadership Council’s Tennessee State Committee. \n\n \nOUR MISSION: \nAs a nonpartisan nonprofit organization\, we aim to promote international awareness\, understanding\, and connections to enhance the region’s global stature and prepare Tennesseans to thrive in our increasingly complex and connected world. \nOUR VISION: \nTo create a well-informed community that thinks critically about the world and the impact of global events. \n\n\n  \nRegister Now\nInternational Career Panel | April 3\, 2024\n \n\n\n\n  \n\n 
URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/reform-in-central-asia-2/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.tnwac.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/TNWAC-Webinar-10-30-2024-Rectangle.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241107T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241107T190000
DTSTAMP:20260508T090304
CREATED:20240802T192828Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250428T192834Z
UID:37277-1731000600-1731006000@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:LTG ANTHONY HALE
DESCRIPTION:The Tennessee World Affairs Council\n\n\n\n(Coming Soon)\n\n\nSpeaker:\nLTG ANTHONY HALE\n\nLieutenant General \nLieutenant General Anthony R. Hale is the current Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence (G-2) of the United States Army. Prior to his current role\, LTG Hale served as the Commanding General and Commandant of the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence at Fort Huachuca\, Arizona\, from August 2020 to July 2023. He also held the position of Director of Intelligence\, J-2\, at the United States Special Operations Command and served in various intelligence capacities during operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. LTG Hale holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from North Carolina State University and a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. \n  \n  \n\n\nRegister Now\nInternational Career Panel | April 3\, 2024\n \n\n\n\n\n \nTHE MISSION of the nonprofit\, nonpartisan Tennessee World Affairs Council is to promote international awareness\, understanding and connections to enhance the region’s global stature and to prepare Tennesseans to thrive in our increasingly complex and connected world. \nTHE VISION of  the Tennessee World Affairs Council is a well-informed community that thinks critically about the world and the impact of global events.
URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/ltg-anthony-hale/
CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.tnwac.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Speaker_
LTG-ANTHONY-HALE.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241112T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241112T190000
DTSTAMP:20260508T090304
CREATED:20240802T182328Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250428T192834Z
UID:37247-1731432600-1731438000@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:NATO’s Ambitious Agenda—Preparing for the Future
DESCRIPTION:“NATO’s Ambitious Agenda—Preparing for the Future”\n\nAs NATO celebrates its 75 years of Collective Defense\, the Tennessee World Affairs Council (TNWAC) will host a discussion featuring Major General William Hickman\, US Army (retired)\, a veteran with extensive NATO experience. The event will focus on NATO’s evolution since the Cold War and its current focus on a 360-degree approach to deterrence and defense. The discussion will revolve around the NATO 2022 Strategic Concept and the 2023 Strategic Foresight Analysis\, both important documents outlining the Alliance’s future. He assisted in drafting NATO’s first Military Strategy since the Cold War\, started the initial work for NATO’s Warfighting Capstone Concept\, and represented ACT in NATO’s Defense Planning focused on long-term military capabilities.\n \n  \nTuesday\, November 12\, 2024 I 11:30 am – 1:00 pm \n* Luncheon Event * \nBass\, Berry & Sims\n150 3rd Ave. South Suite 2800\nNashville\, TN 37201 \n\n  \nSPEAKER:\nMajor General William Hickmann – US Army (Retired) \nMajor General William B. Hickman\, US Army (Retired)\, brings decades of military leadership and strategic insight to his role as a commentator on defense and security issues. As a former NATO’s Director of Strategic Plans and Policy\, Hickman is well-versed in alliance dynamics and global security challenges. His distinguished career underscores his commitment to advancing international security cooperation and readiness. \n\n\n  \nRegister Now\n  \nSpecial Needs\, Accommodations\, and Event Questions: \nWe strive to be open and inclusive with our events. Please contact us at either info@TNWAC.org or at (309) 550-0782 if you need any accommodations\, special requests\, or have additional event-related questions. \nInternational Career Panel | April 3\, 2024\n \n\n\n\n\n \nOUR MISSION: \nAs a nonpartisan nonprofit organization\, we aim to promote international awareness\, understanding\, and connections to enhance the region’s global stature and prepare Tennesseans to thrive in our increasingly complex and connected world. \nOUR VISION: \nTo create a well-informed community that thinks critically about the world and the impact of global events. \nRegister Now \n 
URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/natos-ambitious-agenda-preparing-for-the-future-2/
LOCATION:Bass\, Berry & Sims\, 150 Third Avenue South Suite 2800\, Nashville\, TN\, 37201\, United States
CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241114T233000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241115T013000
DTSTAMP:20260508T090304
CREATED:20240919T192445Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250428T192834Z
UID:37632-1731627000-1731634200@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:NATO AT 75: THE WAY AHEAD (Memphis)
DESCRIPTION:In partnership with Rhodes College Presents \n“NATO AT 75: THE WAY AHEAD “\n \n\nThursday\, November 14\, 2024 I 5:30pm – 7:30pm \n** free event ** \nRhodes College (Buckman Hall in Blount Auditorium) \n2000 North Parkway – Memphis\, TN 38112 \nSpecial Needs\, Accommodations\, and Event Questions: \nWe strive to be open and inclusive with our events. Please contact us at either info@TNWAC.org or at (309) 550-0782 if you need any accommodations\, special requests\, or have additional event-related questions. \nRegister Now\n\n\nSPEAKERS:\nMajor General William Hickman – US Army (Retired) \nHickman served 36 years in the United States Army\, much of which was spent deployed to Europe and the Middle East. He commanded troops in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. In 2005-2006\, he was a senior leader in the Train and Assist Command in Iraq. In 2007-2008\, he commanded troops during the surge in Baghdad. He finished his Army service\, first as the deputy commander of US Army Central in Kuwait\, supporting operations across the Middle East with an emphasis on Iraq\, Syria\, and Afghanistan. \nHis final assignment was as the Director of Strategic Plans and Policy at the Allied Command Transportation\, Norfolk\, Virginia. Since retiring from the US Army\, Hickman has published a political science textbook\, Understanding the US Military\, as a co-editor. Additionally\, as a Lecturer in Political Science\, he co-taught a Vanderbilt undergraduate class on the Iraq War (Spring Semester 2024). \nHickman earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Vanderbilt University and was commissioned as a second lieutenant through the ROTC program. He later earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Vanderbilt University and a Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. \n \n\n\nProfessor Yannis A. Stivachtis \n\n\nYannis A. Stivachtis is Professor of Political Science and holder of the Jean Monnet Chair at Virginia Tech. He also serves as the Director of the Center for European & Transatlantic Studies (CEUTS)\, which is recognized by the European Commission as a Jean Monnet Center of Excellence. His research and teaching interests include the study of regional international systems in Europe and Eurasia; international/European security; and EU’s strategy\, and foreign and security policy. He is the editor of the Critical European Studiesbook series (Routledge) and co-editor of the Athens Journal of Mediterranean Studies. He currently serves as Senior Advisor of the Center for European and Mediterranean Affairs (CEMA) of the Athens Institute for Education & Research (ATINER\, Greece); Advisory Board member of the Center for Intelligence and Security Studies (Bellevue University); and Senior Advisor of the Research Institute for European & American Studies (RIEAS\, Greece). He has authored and edited several books and has published numerous journal articles and book chapters. \nPrior to arriving in Virginia Tech in 2005\, Professor Stivachtis served initially as Research Fellow and later on as Consultant at the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) where he was involved in UNIDIR’s European Security Program that focused on the implementation of the INF and CFE treaties\, as well as in the institution’sMiddle East Peace Program that investigated the possibility of cooperative security and non-offensive defense arrangements in the region as a way to achieve regional peace and stability. Later on\, he served as Research Fellow at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) focusing on issues related to cooperative security and arms control. He also served as Research Fellow at the Institute for Strategic Studies of the Austrian Ministry of Defense and Research Fellow at the Austrian Institute of European & Security Policy. \n  \n \nMajor General Albert C. Harvey \nMr. Harvey\, of counsel\, at Lewis Thomason’s Memphis office\, is a senior member of the firm. He has an extensive practice in federal and state courts defending doctors\, lawyers\, architects\, engineers\, and other professionals. He is involved in complex business litigation\, intellectual property disputes\, and securities cases. Mr. Harvey has a special interest in national security and governmental affairs and frequently lectures\, teaches\, and consults with clients on these matters. In addition\, he has served at the state and national levels on setting ethical standards for lawyers and judges. Mr. Harvey recently retired from the United States Marine Corps Reserve with the rank of Major General. \nAFFILIATIONS\n• American Bar Association\n• Tennessee Bar Association\n• Memphis Bar Association \nPROFESSIONAL HONORS AND ACTIVITIES\n• Member\, Irish Legal 100\n• Member\, American Bar Association House of Delegates\n• Selected by American Lawyer Media and Martindale-Hubbell as Elite Lawyer of the South\n• Former law clerk to Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Larry Creson\n• Former Assistant Public Defender for Shelby County\n• Listed in “Who’s Who in America”\n• Listed in Mid-South Super Lawyers\n• Named to The Best Lawyers in America®\, Ethics & Professional Responsibility Law\, Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants and Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants\n• Holds the highest rating\, AV\, from the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory\n• Former president of both the Memphis and Tennessee Bar Associations\n• Former member\, Board of Governors of the American Bar Association\n• Served on the Committee on the Model Rules of Professional Conduct (Ethics 2000) and on the council of the litigation section.\n• Fellow\, American College of Trial Lawyers\n• Fellow and chair\, Tennessee Bar Foundation\n• Master of the American Inns of Court\n• Member\, American Board of Trial Advocacy\n• Recipient\, Lawyer’s Lawyer Award\, Memphis Bar Association\, 2008 \nModerator:\n \nDr. Kevin Galambos \nDr Kevin Galambos is Assistant Professor of International Studies and the J.S. Seidman Research Fellow at Rhodes College in Memphis\, Tennessee. Dr Galambos completed his undergraduate degree in Mathematics and Political Science from Emory University in Atlanta\, Georgia. He recently completed his PhD in Government at the University of Texas\, Austin (hook ‘em) where he was a Graduate Fellow with the Clements Center for National Security. Dr Galambos was previously a Postdoctoral Research Associate for the Aspiring Powers Initiative at the University of Arizona and has served as the Managing Editor for the academic journal Conflict Management and Peace Science. He currently teaches undergraduate courses on International Relations and Security Studies. \nDr Galambos’ research broadly looks at questions of international security\, foreign policy\, and war. His dissertation project\, focused on military exercises\, addresses questions about the conditions under which war games take place; their influence on public opinion in countries hosting exercises; and how multinational training socializes soldiers to rules of war and respect for human rights. He is interested in explaining international cooperation at the local\, regional\, and global levels and ramification of these events regarding alliances\, arms trade\, and conflict.   His research uses quantitative research designs like network analysis\, Monte Carlo simulations\, and formal game theory. Dr Galambos has presented his research at various conferences of the American Political Science Association\, Southern Political Science Association\, International Studies Association\, and International Peace Science Society; and has been published in International Studies Quarterly and International Theory. A native of Oak Ridge\, Tennessee\, he is happy to be back in the Volunteer State and looks forward to collaborating with scholars and policymakers with similar research interests. \n\n\n  \n \nInternational Career Panel | April 3\, 2024\n \n\n\n\n\n OUR MISSION: \nAs a nonpartisan nonprofit organization\, we aim to promote international awareness\, understanding\, and connections to enhance the region’s global stature and prepare Tennesseans to thrive in our increasingly complex and connected world. \nOUR VISION: \nTo create a well-informed community that thinks critically about the world and the impact of global events. \nRegister Now \n 
URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/nato-at-75-the-way-ahead-memphis/
LOCATION:Rhodes College\, 2000 North Parkway\, Memphis\, TN\, 38112\, United States
CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241209T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241209T190000
DTSTAMP:20260508T090304
CREATED:20241119T184056Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250416T180853Z
UID:38383-1733767200-1733770800@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:THE WORLD AHEAD 2025: TOP 10 TRENDS TO WATCH (webinar)
DESCRIPTION:“THE WORLD AHEAD 2025: TOP 10 TRENDS TO WATCH”\n \n\n  \nMonday\, December 9\, 2024 I 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm \nAfter an unprecedented year of elections\, new leaders around the globe who have promised change will be expected to deliver in 2025. The world will also be coming to terms with the outcome of America’s elections in November and the implications for global security\, trade\, and climate policy. New alliances are forming\, and old ones are fraying in an increasingly tense and dangerous world. But the adoption of green tech continues to outpace the most optimistic forecasts\, even as concerns grow over artificial intelligence and its voracious appetite for chips\, energy\, water\, and data. Tom Standage\, Deputy Editor of The Economist and editor of The World Ahead 2025\, will consider these and other trends and their implications for geopolitics\, business\, and culture in the coming year. \n\n\nSpecial Needs\, Accommodations\, and Event Questions: \nWe strive to be open and inclusive with our events. Please contact us at either info@TNWAC.org or at (309) 550-0782 if you need any accommodations\, special requests\, or have additional event-related questions. \nRegister Now\n\n  \n\nSPEAKER: Tim Douglas (Deputy Editor of The Economist and editor of The World Ahead 2025)\n \n\n\nTom Standage is Deputy Editor of The Economist and editor of its future-gazing annual\,\nThe World Ahead. He joined The Economist as science correspondent in 1998 and was\nsubsequently appointed technology editor\, business editor and digital editor. He is the\nauthor of seven history books\, including “Writing on the Wall” (2013)\, “The Victorian\nInternet” (1998) and the New York Times bestsellers “A History of the World in 6 Glasses” (2005) and “An Edible History of Humanity” (2009). His latest book\, “A Brief History of Motion”\, was published in 2021. Tom studied engineering and computer science at Oxford University and has written for other publications including the New York Times\, the Guardian and Wired\, taking a particular interest in technology’s social and historical impact. \n\n\n  \nModerator: Tim Douglas (Regional Director of Private Banking at FirstBank)\n \nTim graduated from Montgomery Bell Academy in 1973 and from Tulane University’s Engineering School in 1977. He received a Master of Arts in International Commerce from the Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce at The University of Kentucky in December\, 1978 – and he then moved to New York City to begin his career in finance. In 1983\, he received an Accounting Certificate from NYU’s Stern School of Business. \nIn 1979\, he joined Euro Brokers Harlow as a Eurodollar and Eurodollar CD broker; and he later transitioned to Bankers Trust Company\, working in their bond department.\nTim married the former Alison Schmidlapp from Oyster Bay\, LI; and in 1985\, they moved back to Nashville where they raised three children. He joined Nelson Capital Corporation\, a diversified merchant banking firm that advised corporate clients on debt and equity financings. In 1995\, he purchased a distributor and fabricator of adhesive products\, selling the business to a private equity firm in August\, 2008. He then joined Covenant Surgical Partners where he managed surgery centers. \nHe subsequently entered the insurance industry; and then\, FirstBank contacted him and offered him the position of Nashville Market President. He has now been with FirstBank since 2016 where he currently serves as Senior VP and Regional Director of Private Banking. \nTim served as President of Belle Meade Country Club in 2012 where he continues to enjoy playing golf. He started the “Boulevard Bolt\,” a Thanksgiving Day run/walk benefitting the Homeless. He has also served on the Board of various civic entities\, was on the Board of Zoning Appeals for the City of Belle Meade and City of Forrest Hills – and was elected Commissioner for the City of Forrest Hills. \n  \n\n\nOUR MISSION: \nAs a nonpartisan nonprofit organization\, we aim to promote international awareness\, understanding\, and connections to enhance the region’s global stature and prepare Tennesseans to thrive in our increasingly complex and connected world. \nOUR VISION: \nTo create a well-informed community that thinks critically about the world and the impact of global events. \nRegister Now
URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/the-world-ahead-2025-top-10-trends-to-watch-webinar/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Webinar
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250115T171500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250115T184500
DTSTAMP:20260508T090304
CREATED:20241216T181753Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250428T192834Z
UID:38426-1736961300-1736966700@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:Luncheon with Consul General Galloway
DESCRIPTION:PRESENTS \n \n  \nWednesday\, January 15\, 2025 I 11:15am – 12:45pm\nat \nBradley (11th Floor)\n1221 Broadway Ste. 2400\nNashville\, TN 37203\nSpecial Needs\, Accommodations\, and Event Questions: \nWe strive to be open and inclusive with our events. Please contact us at either info@TNWAC.org or at (309) 550-0782 if you need any accommodations\, special requests\, or have additional event-related questions. \nRegister Now\n\nSpeaker:\n \nAs Consul General\, Rachel Galloway is the senior UK official in the Atlanta Consulate General\, which is a subordinate office to the Embassy. The Consul General represents the UK government and is typically responsible for consular\, visa\, and trade activities in their city or region. \nGalloway came to Atlanta following a three-year tour as Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of North Macedonia. An outspoken leader\, she called for reforms of the judiciary and public administration to help the country on its eventual application for membership of the EU. She supported projects to develop youthful talents in information technology and to reduce pollution\, lending a hand herself in cleaning the streets. \nHer prior tour was as Chair\, Mashrek Maghreb Working Group\, European External Action Service. Previously\, she headed the Neighbourhoods Team\, UK Permanent Representation to the EU (UKREP)\, Brussels. In 2008 – 2011 at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)\, she was Deputy Head of the International Organisations Department. \nIn the 2000s\, Galloway served a tour in the Washington DC Embassy; followed by development and reconstruction posts in conflicted places: Darfur and Helmand (Afghanistan). She also served in HM Treasury’s Counter Terrorism review team. \nModerator:\n \nKARL DEAN \nKarl Dean served as the sixth Mayor of Nashville and Davidson County.  He was elected in 2007 and re-elected in 2011. Dean first held public office when he was elected as Nashville’s Public Defender in 1990.  He was re-elected in 1994 and 1998.  He served as Metro Law Director from 1999 to January 2007\, when he resigned to run for the office of mayor. Karl Dean has taught at Vanderbilt Law School\, Belmont University\, and Boston University. \n  \n  \n  \n\n \n\nOUR MISSION: \nAs a nonpartisan nonprofit organization\, we aim to promote international awareness\, understanding\, and connections to enhance the region’s global stature and prepare Tennesseans to thrive in our increasingly complex and connected world. \nOUR VISION: \nTo create a well-informed community that thinks critically about the world and the impact of global events. \nDonate
URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/consul-general-galloway/
LOCATION:Bradley\, 1221 Broadway Suite 2400\, Nashville\, TN\, 37203\, United States
CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250205T171500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250205T190000
DTSTAMP:20260508T090304
CREATED:20250114T194131Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250416T175824Z
UID:38460-1738775700-1738782000@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:Author Preview - "Getting Russia Right"
DESCRIPTION:PRESENTS \n \n  \nWednesday\, February 5th I 11:15am – 1:00pm\nat \nBobby Hotel – 230 4th Ave N\, Nashville\, TN 37219\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCan President Trump End the Russia-Ukraine War?\nThree years ago\, Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a brutal war against Ukraine. What\nhe thought would be a blitzkrieg has turned into a bloody war of attrition\, pitting Russia against a\nThe West actively backs Ukraine. Why did Putin choose war? What national interests did he\nbelieve were at stake\, and what personal ambitions drove him? Why did he believe Russia\ncould achieve a quick victory? How and why did he miscalculate Ukrainian resilience\, Western\nresolve\, and Russian might? \nToday\, President Donald Trump wants to resolve this conflict within six months. How can he\npersuade Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to negotiate seriously? What might\nbe the outlines of an enduring settlement? At a moment when Putin believes he is making\nsteady progress toward his goal of subjugating Ukraine\, can Trump craft a peace deal that\nsecures Ukraine as a sovereign state\, deters Russia from further aggression\, and burnishes his\nreputation as a statesman and peacemaker? \n*Following the event\, all attendees will receive a free copy of his book Getting Russia Right \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeaker:\n \nThomas E. Graham is a distinguished fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. His book\, Getting Russia Right\, was published in September\, 2023. He is a cofounder of Yale University’s Russian\, East European\, and Eurasian studies program and sits on its faculty steering committee. He is also a research scholar at Yale’s MacMillan Center. He has been a lecturer in global affairs and political science since 2011\, teaching courses on U.S.-Russian relations and Russian foreign policy\, as well as cybersecurity and counterterrorism. Graham was special assistant to the president and senior director for Russia on the National Security Council staff from 2004 to 2007\, during which he managed a White House-Kremlin strategic dialogue. He was director for Russian affairs on the staff from 2002 to 2004. \nGraham served as an advisor to Kissinger Associates from 2008 to 2021. He was a Foreign Service officer for fourteen years. His assignments included two tours of duty at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow in the late Soviet period and in the middle of the 1990s\, during which he served as head of the political internal unit and acting political counselor. Between tours in Moscow\, he worked on Russian and Soviet affairs on the policy planning staff at the U.S. Department of State and as a policy assistant in the office of the undersecretary of defense for policy. \nGraham serves on the advisory board of Russia Matters\, a project of the Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs with the goal of enhancing the understanding of Russia among policymakers and the interested public. Graham holds a BA in Russian studies from Yale University and an MA in history and a PhD in political science from Harvard University. \nModerator:\n \n  \nBreck Walker pursued a twenty years’ career international business\, law\, and finance\,\nbefore turning to academia. For several years\, he taught foreign policy courses at\nSewanee\, The University of the South\, and worked as a contract historian for the Office\nof the Secretary of Defense Historical Office\, researching and writing on early Pentagon\npolicies in the computer security and cyber areas. Dr. Walker is currently retired. \n  \n 
URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/author-preview-getting-russia-right/
LOCATION:Bobby Hotel\, 230 4th Ave N\, Nashville\, 37219\, United States
CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250206T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250206T180000
DTSTAMP:20260508T090304
CREATED:20250113T160352Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250416T175709Z
UID:38450-1738859400-1738864800@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:A Conversation on Israel\, Iran\, Syria\, and the Shifting Geopolitics of the Middle East (webinar)
DESCRIPTION:A Conversation on Israel\, Iran\, Syria\, and the Shifting Geopolitics of the Middle East (Webinar)\n \n\n\nDoes it feel like the Middle East is changing faster than you can keep pace with?\nJoin TNWAC and The World Affairs Council of Miami on Thursday\, February 6th from 10:30am – 12:00pm CST for a free virtual Distinguished Speaker conversation on Israel\, Iran\, Syria\, and the Shifting Geopolitics of the Middle East.
URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/a-conversation-on-israel-iran-syria-and-the-shifting-geopolitics-of-the-middle-east-webinar/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.tnwac.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/6-Feb-2025-Conversation-on-Israel-Iran-Syria-WACM-copy.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250213T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250213T190000
DTSTAMP:20260508T090304
CREATED:20250128T180542Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250410T214328Z
UID:38497-1739469600-1739473200@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:Reshaping of The Middle East (webinar)
DESCRIPTION:Presents\n \n  \nReshaping of The Middle East\nTuesday\, February 13th – 12:00pm-1:00pm\nPresident Donald Trump returned to office on January 20\, 2025 facing a Middle East that has witnessed historic and tectonic shifts in the four years since he left office. The Israel-Hamas war\, broader conflicts and tensions in the region\, and major changes in Syria and Lebanon are among the events that have reshaped the regional landscape. What are the Trump administration’s likely priorities for the Middle East in the coming year\, and what dynamics and issues within the region will present the biggest challenges and opportunities? Please join the Tennessee World Affairs Council for an online discussion with Brian Katulis\, senior fellow at the Middle East Institute\, as part of its Global Dialog Webinar Series. \n\n\nSpeaker: Brian Katulis (Senior Fellow for U.S. Foreign Policy)\nBrian Katulis is a Senior Fellow for US Foreign Policy at the Middle East Institute. He was formerly a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress (CAP)\, where he built the Center’s Middle East program and also worked on broader issues related to U.S. national security. \nHe has produced influential studies that have shaped important discussions around regional policy\, often providing expert testimony to key congressional committees on his findings. Katulis has also conducted extensive research in countries such as Egypt\, Israel\, Jordan\, and the Palestinian territories. His past experience includes work at the National Security Council and the U.S. Departments of State and Defense. \nEducation\nMaster in Public Affairs\, Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs Bachelor of Arts in history and Arab and Islamic studies\, Villanova University Fulbright scholar in Jordan\, 1994 – 1995 \nRegions of Expertise\nEgypt\, Israel\, the Palestinian territories\, Jordan \nIssues of Expertise\nNational security\, U.S. foreign policy\, diplomacy \nModerator: Dr. Breck Walker\n \n  \nBreck Walker pursued a twenty years’ career international business\, law\, and finance\,\nbefore turning to academia. For several years\, he taught foreign policy courses at\nSewanee\, The University of the South\, and worked as a contract historian for the Office\nof the Secretary of Defense Historical Office\, researching and writing on early Pentagon\npolicies in the computer security and cyber areas. Dr. Walker is currently retired. \n  \n 
URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/reshaping-of-the-middle-east-webinar/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Webinar
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250305T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250305T190000
DTSTAMP:20260508T090304
CREATED:20250211T153159Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250410T214247Z
UID:38595-1741197600-1741201200@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:Geopolitical Divergences on the Korean Peninsula (Webinar)
DESCRIPTION:Presents\n \nGeopolitical Divergences on the Korean Peninsula\nWednesday\, March 5th – 12:00pm-1:00pm\nIn recent months\, North and South Korea have seen a divergence in their geopolitical fortunes. On December 3\, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol briefly declared martial law\, setting off a political crisis that has seen President Yoon impeached and hindered Seoul’s ability to coordinate with the new Trump administration. In contrast\, North Korea continues to deepen its relationship with Russia to which it has exported 9 million artillery shells and provided more than 10\,000 troops in exchange for food\, fuel\, and advanced military technology. Please join the Tennessee World Affairs Council for a discussion of the current state of affairs in North and South Korea\, as well as how they are adapting to changes in geopolitics.  \n\n\n\nFeatured Speaker:\n\nTroy Stangarone (Director of the Hyundai Motor-Korea Foundation Center for Korean History and Public Policy; Deputy Director of the Indo-Pacific Program at The Wilson Center)\nTroy Stangarone is the Director of the Hyundai Motor-Korea Foundation Center for Korean History and Public Policy and the Deputy Director of the Indo-Pacific Program at the Wilson Center. Mr. Stangarone specializes in economic and foreign policy relations on the Korean Peninsula and the Indo-Pacific region. \nIn addition to his work at the Wilson Center\, Mr. Stangarone is columnist for The Korea Times and a contributing author for The Diplomat. He is also a member of the Steering Committee for the North Korea Economic Forum at the George Washington Institute for Korean Studies\, a member of the Korea-America Student Conference’s National Advisory Committee and on the Board of the International Council of Korean Studies. \nPrior to joining the Wilson Center\, Mr. Stangarone was Senior Director and Fellow at the Korea Economic Institute of America (KEI) where he oversaw the Institute’s programmatic initiatives and focused on issues pertaining to economic and foreign policy on the Korean Peninsula. During his time at KEI\, he was also a 2012-2013 Council on Foreign Relations International Affairs Fellow in South Korea\, sponsored by the Asan Institute for Policy Studies\, and a Posco Visiting Fellow at the East-West Center. Mr. Stangarone also previously worked on Capitol Hill for Senator Robert Torricelli on issues relating to foreign affairs and trade. \nMr. Stangarone holds an MSc. in International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a B.A. in Political Science and Economics from the University of Memphis. \nModerator:\nNatalie Thibault (Talent Executive | NBJ 40 Under 40 | Nashville Emerging Leader | MBA Candidate)\nNatalie is an Award-Winning Global Leader with expertise in talent strategy and operational excellence. For 17+ years\, Natalie delivered high impact results in one of the most complex\, matrixed\, fastest growing\, and innovative Fortune 10 tech companies in the world. She is now pursuing her MBA at Belmont University in Nashville\, Tennessee. \nNatalie values immersive international experiences to learn first-hand about politics\, food\, art\, geography\, global economics\, etc. At 68 countries and counting\, she believes it builds an almost instant connection when you can say ‘I know something about where you are from’. One of her favorite local hobbies is Salsa Dancing each week at Plaza Mariachi. \n\n\n 
URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/geopolitical-divergences-on-the-korean-peninsula-webinar/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Webinar
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250318T161500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250318T180000
DTSTAMP:20260508T090304
CREATED:20250128T182250Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250410T214202Z
UID:38503-1742314500-1742320800@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:The Middle East on Fire
DESCRIPTION:Presents\n \nThe Middle East on Fire\nThe Middle East is witnessing the almost total collapse of deterrence as both state and non-state actors take huge risks amid the region’s deepening cycles of conflict and violence. Continued escalation lays bare the reality of a region that has grown profoundly more perilous since Hamas’s October 7 terror attack and the ensuing Gaza conflict. The Middle East is no longer bound by established rules of engagement and modes of deterrence. Assumptions undergirding the behavior and risk calculus of many state and nonstate actors in the region are increasingly obsolete. Clear redlines and mutually accepted rules of the game are glaringly absent. So\, too\, are reliable channels through which the warring parties can de-escalate. \nThe United States can rebuild its waning influence and play a decisive role in restoring deterrence in a region where countries and militant groups now feel able to act recklessly. But it has to recognize first that its current policies are inadequate and outdated. It continues to rely largely on conventional military approaches to deterrence that fail to account for the shifts roiling the region: emboldened nonstate actors\, unrestrained state actors\, and disruptive technologies. Washington must help all parties minimize the likelihood of miscalculation and work to stop the erosion of deterrence that has inflamed violence. If it does not do so\, it will risk being drawn into a regionwide conflict with global implications. \nTuesday\, March 18th I 11:15 am – 1:00 pm\n* Luncheon Event *\nVenue:\nBelmont University – Massey Rogers Boardroom (Parking on Inman Center)\n1601-1603 Wedgewood Av. Nashville\, TN 37201 \n\n  \n\n\nSpeaker: Mona Yacoubian (VP of Middle East North Africa Center\, United States Institute of Peace)\nMona Yacoubian is vice president of the Middle East and North Africa center at USIP. She brings more than 30 years of experience working on the Middle East and North Africa. Her work has centered on conflict analysis\, governance and stabilization challenges\, and conflict prevention. \nSince returning to USIP as a senior advisor in 2017\, her work has focused on Syria\, Lebanon and Iraq. Additional research interests include Russia’s role in the Middle East and violent extremism. In 2019\, she served as executive director of the Congressionally-appointed Syria Study Group\, which USIP was mandated to facilitate. \nYacoubian joined the U.S. Institute of Peace after serving as deputy assistant administrator in the Middle East Bureau at USAID from 2014 to 2017\, where she had responsibility for Iraq\, Syria\, Jordan and Lebanon. Prior to joining USAID\, Yacoubian was a senior advisor at the Stimson Center focusing on the Arab uprisings with an emphasis on Syria. Prior to joining the Stimson Center\, she served as a special advisor on the Middle East at the U.S. Institute of Peace\, where her work focused on Lebanon and Syria as well as broader issues related to democratization in the Arab world. From 1990 to 1998\, Yacoubian served as the North Africa analyst in the State Department’s Bureau of Intelligence and Research. \nYacoubian was a Fulbright scholar in Syria where she studied Arabic at the University of Damascus from 1985 to 1986. She has held an international affairs fellowship with the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) and is currently a CFR member. She earned a master’s in public administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and a bachelor’s in public policy from Duke University. \n 
URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/the-middle-east-on-fire/
LOCATION:Belmont University – Barbara Massey Rogers Center Board Room\, 1900 Belmont Blvd.\, Nashville\, TN\, 37212\, United States
CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250325T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250325T180000
DTSTAMP:20260508T090304
CREATED:20250204T223459Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250410T214011Z
UID:38565-1742920200-1742925600@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:The Dollar is the Globe’s Reserve Currency: Once you lose it\, you never get it back
DESCRIPTION:Presents \n \n  \nThe Dollar is the Globe’s Reserve Currency: Once you lose it\, you never get it back\nJoin us for AllianceBernstein’s President and CEO Seth Bernstein for an insightful discussion on the importance of the dollar for the U.S. and the rest of the world. Seth Bernstein (no relation to the firm) has led AllianceBernstein since 2017. AllianceBernstein is a leading global investment management firm that offers diversified investment services to institutional investors\, individuals\, and private wealth clients in major world markets. \nTuesday\, March 25th I 11:15am – 1:00pm\nat \nHolland & Knight \n511 Union Street Suite 2700 Nashville\, TN 37219 \n\n\n\nSpeaker: Seth Bernstein (President and CEO\, AllianceBernstein)\n \nSeth Bernstein was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of AllianceBernstein (AB) in 2017. In 2018\, he was appointed Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Asset Management of Equitable Holdings. Prior to his appointment at AB\, Bernstein had a distinguished 32-year career at JPMorgan Chase\, most recently as managing director and global head of Managed Solutions & Strategy at J.P. Morgan Asset Management. In this role\, he was responsible for the management of all discretionary assets within the Private Banking client segment. Among other roles\, Bernstein served as managing director and global head of Fixed Income & Currency for 10 years\, concluding in 2012. Prior to that\, he held the position of CFO at JPMorgan Chase’s Investment Management and Private Banking division. \nBernstein holds a BA in political science and economics from Haverford College. He is Vice-Chair of Haverford College’s Board of Managers and the Clerk of the board’s Investment Committee. Bernstein is also a member of the Council of Foreign Relations in New York\, as well as a Board of Trustees member of the Brookings Institution and a governor of the Investment Company Institute\, both in Washington\, DC. In addition\, he serves as a trustee of Cheekwood Estate & Gardens in Nashville\, TN. \nModerator: Karl Dean\n \nKarl Dean served as the sixth Mayor of Nashville and Davidson County.  He was elected in 2007 and re-elected in 2011. Dean first held public office when he was elected as Nashville’s Public Defender in 1990.  He was re-elected in 1994 and 1998.  He served as Metro Law Director from 1999 to January 2007\, when he resigned to run for the office of mayor. Karl Dean has taught at Vanderbilt Law School\, Belmont University\, and Boston University. \n  \n  \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/the-dollar-is-the-globes-reserve-currency/
LOCATION:Holland & Knight\, 511 Union Street Suite 2700\, Nashville\, TN\, 37219\, United States
CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250331T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250331T170000
DTSTAMP:20260508T090304
CREATED:20250315T203532Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250410T214108Z
UID:45524-1743436800-1743440400@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:Foreign Policy Town Hall (webinar)
DESCRIPTION:Presents\n \nForeign Policy Town Hall\nMonday\, March 31 – 11:00pm CT – 12:00pm CT\nJoin Senator Murphy and fellow citizens across the nation for a town hall on U.S. Foreign Policy. We’ll address the massive changes to the State Department\, the role of the U.S. in conflicts around the world\, and relationships with allies and adversaries alike. \n\n  \n\n\nFeatured Speaker:\n\n\nU.S. Senator Chris Murphy\nU.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT)\, is a member of the Foreign Relations Committee; the Health\, Education\, Labor\, and Pensions Committee; and the Appropriations Committee. He previously served three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives\, representing Connecticut’s fifth congressional district. Before being elected to Congress\, he served for eight years in the Connecticut state legislature. \n 
URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/foreign-policy-town-hall/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Webinar
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250408T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250408T180000
DTSTAMP:20260508T090304
CREATED:20250213T152243Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250410T213755Z
UID:38612-1744129800-1744135200@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:Diplomacy in the 21st Century
DESCRIPTION:Presents\n \nDiplomacy in the 21st Century\nIn an increasingly interconnected world\, U.S. diplomats face a growing array of complex global challenges—from climate change and cyber threats to geopolitical tensions and humanitarian crises. As these challenges evolve\, the question arises: Are our diplomats equipped with the tools\, resources\, and support they need to navigate them effectively? Against the backdrop of a transitioning administration\, this discussion will explore the state of the U.S. Foreign Service\, the key role diplomats play in safeguarding American interests\, and what the future holds for diplomacy in a rapidly changing global landscape. \nTuesday\, April 8th I 11:15 am – 1:00 pm\n* Luncheon Event *\nVenue:\nBass Berry & Sims\n21 Platform Way South\, Suite 3500 Nashville\, TN 37203 \n\nSpeaker: Thomas Yazdgerdi (President\, American Foreign Service Association)\n \nA member of the Senior Foreign Service\, Tom Yazdgerdi served from 2019 to 2023 as the AFSA State VP and is proud of the many wins that AFSA has gotten for our members. Before that\, he was special envoy for Holocaust issues in the European and Eurasian Bureau at the Department of State. \nMr. Yazdgerdi has served as director of the Office of South Central European Affairs\, political counselor at U.S. Embassy Kabul\, head of U.S. Consulate Kirkuk\, and deputy political counselor for Iran affairs at U.S. Embassy Baghdad. He also served as deputy chief of mission and political economic chief at U.S. Embassy Pristina during the run-up to and aftermath of Kosovo independence. \nBefore joining the Foreign Service in 1991\, Mr. Yazdgerdi worked on Capitol Hill. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Cornell University and a master’s degree in Central European history\, security studies\, and American diplomatic history from The Fletcher School at Tufts University.
URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/diplomacy-in-the-21st-century/
LOCATION:Bass\, Berry & Sims – New Location\, 21 Platform Way South\, Suite 3500\, Nashville\, TN\, 37203\, United States
CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250409T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250409T193000
DTSTAMP:20260508T090304
CREATED:20250317T182247Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250428T192652Z
UID:45601-1744223400-1744227000@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:International Careers Panel (Hybrid Event)
DESCRIPTION:presents \n \nInternational Careers Panel\nThe International Careers Panel is part of our Global Dialogue Webinar Series. This event will bring distinguished professionals together to share their experiences and insights and discuss the preparation and transition from college to careers\, including the tools\, skills\, and competencies needed to enter the profession\, the upsides and downsides of working in those jobs\, and internship opportunities in their organizations. These panels are aimed at college\, high school\, and young professionals\, but they’re open to everyone\, including TNWAC members and partner institutions across Tennessee. \nWednesday\, April 9 I 1:30pm CT / 2:30pm ET – 2:30pm CT / 3:30pm ET\nVenue:\nUniversity of Tennessee (Toyota Auditorium)\n1640 Cumberland Ave Knoxville\, TN 37996 \nSpecial Needs\, Accommodations\, and Event Questions: \nWe strive to be open and inclusive with our events. Please contact us at either info@TNWAC.org or at (309) 550-0782 if you need any accommodations\, special requests\, or have additional event-related questions. \n_______________________________________ \nModerator:\nDr. Gretchen Neisler\, PhD (University of Tennessee Vice Provost for International Affairs\, Director\, Center for Global Engagement)\nGretchen Neisler\, Vice Provost for International Affairs at the University of Tennessee\, works with faculty\, staff\, students and key stakeholders to understand and deepen their engagement as global citizens. Dr. Neisler has successfully managed over $120 million in grant funding to support the work of international research and development. Gretchen believes higher education must support students in understanding their role as global citizens and use the institutional strength of knowledge creation to solve global challenges the world faces. Additionally\, she feels the role of higher education in a community is to understand its societal needs and work collaboratively to meet those needs. Gretchen has worked for 20 years to build global networks that enhance research productivity and preparing a new generation of leaders to take the world’s stage by understanding that problems span geographic boundaries. Her passion is derived from the belief that science has the power to positively impact society and higher education is vital to sharing this knowledge with community stakeholders. Gretchen is an experienced leader with strengths in organizational change and team development. She holds a PhD. in higher education administration from Michigan State University. \nPanelists:\nMajor General William B. Hickman\, US Army (Retired)\nHickman served 36 years in the United States Army\, much of which was spent deployed to Europe and the Middle East. He commanded troops in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. In 2005-2006\, he was a senior leader in the Train and Assist Command in Iraq. In 2007-2008\, he commanded troops during the surge in Baghdad. He finished his Army service\, first as the deputy commander of US Army Central in Kuwait\, supporting operations across the Middle East with an emphasis on Iraq\, Syria\, and Afghanistan. His final assignment was as the Director of Strategic Plans and Policy at the Allied Command Transportation\, Norfolk\, Virginia. \nSince retiring from the US Army\, Hickman has published a political science textbook\, Understanding the US Military\, as a co-editor. Additionally\, as a Lecturer in Political Science\, he co-taught a Vanderbilt undergraduate class on the Iraq War (Spring Semester 2024). \nHickman earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Vanderbilt University and was commissioned as a second lieutenant through the ROTC program. He later earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Vanderbilt University and a Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. \nCasey Santos is the (Chief Technology Officer at Caliber)\nCasey Santos is the CTO of Caliber\, a family of automotive repair and service brands. She also is an independent board director\, and advisor with expertise in leveraging AI\, data analytics\, and cloud technologies to drive innovation and business value while managing cybersecurity\, resiliency\, and regulatory compliance. Formerly the Chief Information Officer at Asurion\, SVP of Business Process Innovation at AllianceBernstein\, and CIO at General Atlantic\, she began her career at NASA’s Mission Control as an aerospace engineer and later transitioned into IT consulting and senior technology leadership roles at McKinsey\, and McKinsey’s private investment office.\nMs. Santos serves on the boards of Omnicom\, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (as Audit Compliance and Risk Committee Chair)\, and Nashville Electric Service\, and is a Special Advisor for Generative AI at Vanderbilt University. She has also held leadership and advisory roles with organizations such as the Nashville Technology Council\, AWS\, Zoom\, and Writer. A recipient of honors from HITEC\, Nashville Tech Council\, WomenTech\, and Constellation Research\, she holds degrees from MIT (B.S.)\, Wharton (M.B.A.)\, and the Lauder Institute (M.A.). \nDr. Krystyne Savarese (Associate Vice Provost and Executive Director\, UT Knoxville Center for Career Development and Academic Exploration)\nIn her role as associate vice provost and executive director of the Center for Career Development and Academic Exploration\, Krystyne Savarese strives to ensure all UT students are set up for success in achieving their goals. In this role\, she leads the unit’s efforts including career services\, employer development\, exploration\, and the implementation of the Vol Edge. \nKrystyne has served in a variety of roles in over 20 years in higher education. She started her career at Ohio State University in residence life\, later serving in the Center for the Study of Student Life\, and finally in the Office of Legal Affairs where she managed the university’s policy portfolio. Prior to her time at UT Knoxville\, Krystyne served as the senior director of residence life at Rutgers University\, New Brunswick. \nOriginally from Southern California\, Krystyne has a B.A. in English from the University of California\, Irvine\, and a Master of Arts in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University. She holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education and Student Affairs from The Ohio State University. \n 
URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/international-careers-panel-2025/
LOCATION:University of Tennessee – Toyota Auditorium\, 1640 Cumberland Ave\, Knoxville\, TN\, 37996\, United States
CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series,Webinar
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250423T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250423T130000
DTSTAMP:20260508T090304
CREATED:20250204T182933Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250428T170842Z
UID:38556-1745407800-1745413200@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:Innovation\, Creativity\, Character: Equipping People for Transformative Leadership in the 21st Century
DESCRIPTION:Presents\n \nInnovation\, Creativity\, Character: Equipping people for Transformative Leadership in the 21st Century\nHigher education at its best prepares students both for their first jobs and for opportunities well into the future. Currently the curricula and mindsets of too many institutions reflect an orientation toward 1995 rather than 2050. We need frameworks that blend innovation (and an entrepreneurial mindset)\, creativity\, and character to enable students to become equipped for the leadership the world needs. \n                Belmont has long had a focus on innovation\, creativity\, and character. We are now doubling down on the importance of those themes and especially their intersections. We are focused on equipping students with the mindsets\, skills\, and character to prepare them both for their first jobs and for lifelong learning so they are equipped for jobs\, roles\, and leadership we can’t even anticipate yet – both locally and globally. \n\n  \nSpeaker: Dr. L. Gregory Jones – President of Belmont University\n \nGregory Jones is President of Belmont University. Prior to serving at Belmont Greg served in a variety of faculty and administrative leadership roles at Duke University. Greg is known as a leader and strategist whose creative engagement has helped institutions across the world and in local communities to create transformational resource models. He is known for an entrepreneurial mindset as well as emphases on character and purpose in higher education\, emphases in his leadership at Belmont. He is the author or editor of 19 books\, and has authored more than 200 essays/articles. He is known for books on forgiveness (Embodying Forgiveness and the co-authored Forgiving as We’ve Been Forgiven)\, Christian leadership (the co-authored Resurrecting Excellence) and social innovation (Christian Social Innovation). His most recent book is the co-authored Navigating the Future: Traditioned Innovation for Wilder Seas (2021). \n 
URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/innovation-creativity-character/
LOCATION:Belmont University Janet Ayers Academic Center Fourth Floor Conference Space C\, 1803 15th Ave S\,\, Nashville\, TN\, 37212\, United States
CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250507T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250507T193000
DTSTAMP:20260508T090304
CREATED:20250408T174108Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250523T144720Z
UID:45926-1746639000-1746646200@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:Global Eats: India - An Evening at Jashan Indian Brasserie
DESCRIPTION:  \n \npresents \nGlobal Eats: India – An Evening at Jashan Indian Brasserie\n  \n \nWednesday\, May 7 I 5:30pm – 7:30pm\nOur “Global Eats” events offer a unique cultural and culinary experience that brings the world to your plate. Join us as we explore authentic cuisines from around the globe at local restaurants featuring rich and exotic flavors. These events go beyond dining\, offering rich conversations about the featured country’s history\, culture\, and traditions\, often with guest speakers or cultural demonstrations. Led by a host country representative\, “Global Eats” is the perfect blend of food\, culture\, and learning\, providing a delightful way to connect with diverse perspectives while enjoying a shared meal with fellow globally-minded individuals.\n** Dinner will be served family-style. Your $40 ticket includes non-alcoholic drinks\, your entree\, and gratuity.**  \nDinner Menu Includes: \nSamosa\, Pomegranate Bhel\, Kung Pao Chicken\, Dal Tadka\, Paneer Saag\, Chicken Tikka Masala\, Naan / Garlic Naan\, Basmati Rice\, Gulab Jamun \nRegister Now \n  \n\nFeatured Speaker:\n             Akki Grover (Operating Partner\, Jashan Mahati LLC) \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n\n \n  \nOUR MISSION: \nAs a nonpartisan nonprofit organization\, we aim to promote international awareness\, understanding\, and connections to enhance the region’s global stature and prepare Tennesseans to thrive in our increasingly complex and connected world. \nOUR VISION: \nTo create a well-informed community that thinks critically about the world and the impact of global events. \nDonate
URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/global-eats-india-an-evening-at-jashan-indian-brasserie/
LOCATION:Jashan Indian Brasserie\, 2100 21st Ave. South\, Nashville\, TN\, 37212\, United States
CATEGORIES:Global Eats
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250513T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250513T180000
DTSTAMP:20260508T090304
CREATED:20250430T203829Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250922T171149Z
UID:46112-1747155600-1747159200@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:The power of the Olympic brand and the geopolitics of global sport (Webinar)
DESCRIPTION:presents \n \nThe power of the Olympic brand and the geopolitics of global sport (webinar)\nTues. May 13 – 12:00 pm-1:00 pm\nView Recording\n  \n\n\nFeatured Speaker:\n  \nTerrence H. Burns (Chairman and Owner\, T. Burns Sports Group\, LLC)\nTerrence H. Burns is a seasoned international sports and Olympic marketing executive with over 30 years of experience in marketing communications\, brand management\, and sponsorship marketing. As the Chairman and Owner of T. Burns Sports Group\, LLC\, based in Nashville\, TN\, he specializes in global sports consulting\, working with high-profile clients such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC)\, United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee\, and bids for major events like the Salt Lake City 2034 Winter Games\, Saudi Arabia 2034 FIFA World Cup\, and Doha 2030 Asian Games. His career highlights include contributing to six winning Olympic bids (Beijing 2008\, Vancouver 2010\, Sochi 2014\, PyeongChang 2018\, Los Angeles 2028\, Salt Lake City 2034) and two FIFA World Cup bids (2018\, 2026). \nFeatured Moderator:\n  \n \nKarl Dean\nKarl Dean served as the sixth Mayor of Nashville and Davidson County.  He was elected in 2007 and re-elected in 2011. Dean first held public office when he was elected as Nashville’s Public Defender in 1990. He was re-elected in 1994 and 1998.  He served as Metro Law Director from 1999 to January 2007\, when he resigned to run for the office of mayor. Karl Dean has taught at Vanderbilt Law School\, Belmont University\, and Boston University. \n  \n 
URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/the-power-of-the-olympic-brand-and-the-geopolitics-of-global-sport-webinar/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Webinar
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250514T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250514T130000
DTSTAMP:20260508T090304
CREATED:20250408T180301Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250523T144551Z
UID:45935-1747222200-1747227600@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:Global Geopolitics 2025: What is happening\, why\, and where is this all likely to go?
DESCRIPTION:presents \n \n  \nGlobal Geopolitics 2025: What is happening\, why\, and where is this all likely to go?\nWednesday\, May 14 I 11:30 am – 1:00 pm\n* Luncheon Event *\nVenue:\nOmni Hotel (Broadway Ballroom West)\n250 Rep. John Lewis Way South\,  Nashville\, TN 37203 \n*Parking is not included in your ticket price. Valet parking is available at the hotel for $25** \nRegister Now \n  \n\n  \nSpeaker: ADMIRAL MICHAEL S. ROGERS\, U.S. NAVY (RETIRED)\n Admiral Rogers is a member of the Board of Directors or Advisory Board to multiple companies in the private sector. He also works in the consulting and venture capital arenas across the globe while also speaking internationally to various business and academic groups in the areas of cyber security\, geopolitics\, technology\, leadership\, and crisis response. He can be seen on major media outlets across the globe on occasion addressing those same issues. He is a Senior Fellow and Adjunct Professor with Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management’s and works with DoD in the mentoring and professional development of its General and Flag officers. \nMike served in the U.S. Navy for nearly 37 years ending his service as a four-star admiral. Admiral Rogers retired from the U.S. Navy in 2018 and culminated his career in uniform with a four plus year tour as both the Commander of U.S. Cyber Command and Director\, National Security Agency – creating the DoD’s then newest combatant command (the senior-most war-fighting organizations within the DoD) and leading the largest intelligence organization in the free world. In those roles\, he worked with the senior-most leadership of the U.S. government\, the DoD and the Intelligence community as well as their international counterparts in the conduct of cyber and intelligence activity across the globe. He also assisted in the development of national and international policy with respect to cyber\, intelligence\, privacy and technology – including extensive work with corporate leadership in the finance\, IT\, telecommunications and technology – and global security more broadly. \nPrior to his final duties he also served as Commander\, U.S TENTH FLEET/Fleet Cyber Command and the Director of Intelligence for the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the INDO-PACIFIC Command. He served afloat and ashore around the world during his career. \nHe is a graduate of Auburn University and holds a Masters in National Security (East Asia) and is a distinguished graduate of the National War College and a graduate of highest distinction from the Naval War College. He is also an MIT Seminar XXI Fellow and a Harvard Senior Executive in National Security alum. \n  \n\n  \n \n  \n 
URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/global-geopolitics-2025-what-is-happening-why-and-where-is-this-all-likely-to-go/
LOCATION:Omni Hotel\, 250 Rep. John Lewis Way South\, Nashville\, TN\, 37203\, United States
CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series,Luncheon
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250820T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250820T180000
DTSTAMP:20260508T090304
CREATED:20250630T163415Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250825T152109Z
UID:46542-1755705600-1755712800@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:China's Push for Superpower Status in a World in Turmoil
DESCRIPTION:  \n \n \nWednesday\, August 20 I 11:00 am – 1:00 pm\n* Luncheon Event *\nVenue: \nHolland & Knight \n511 Union St. #2700 Nashville\, TN 37219 \nIs China the Next Global Superpower? \nChina is on the move—vying with the U.S. for dominance in trade\, technology\, and global influence. As American alliances waver and Beijing aligns with powers like Russia and Iran\, China is making strategic advances across Africa\, Latin America\, and the global South. Meanwhile\, cutting-edge technologies like DeepSeek AI and EV supremacy suggest a “Sputnik moment” for the U.S. \nBut the story isn’t one-sided. Inside China\, mounting debt\, a shrinking workforce\, and rising youth unemployment paint a more complex picture. How is President Xi’s tech-driven vision reshaping the economy\, and what does it mean for the rest of the world? \nIn this timely and provocative discussion\, China expert Dexter Tiff Roberts will unpack: \n· China’s strategy to challenge U.S. global leadership \n· Emerging tech and economic rivalries \n· Beijing’s growing influence in the Global South \n· Internal economic pressures threatening China’s rise \n· What does it all mean for global stability\, trade\, and power dynamics \nThis is a must-attend for anyone interested in global affairs\, U.S.-China relations\, and the forces reshaping the 21st century. Whether you’re a student\, policymaker\, business leader\, or globally curious\, you’ll leave with sharper insights into the world’s most consequential geopolitical rivalry. \n  \n\n \nSpeaker: Dexter Tiff Roberts\n \nDexter Tiff Roberts is a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council Global China Hub; publisher of Trade War\, a weekly on US-China relations and the Chinese economy; instructor in Chinese politics at the University of Montana; author of The Myth of Chinese Capitalism (St. Martin’s Press\, 2020). He is the founder and publisher of Trade War\, a weekly newsletter on Chinese business and politics\, with over 5\,000 subscribers from government\, finance\, and academia\, a nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council's Global China Hub\, and an instructor in Chinese politics and history at the University of Montana. He is a sought-after commentator on the Chinese economy and U.S.-China relations\, with his analysis featured in Foreign Affairs\, The Washington Post\, Politico\, The Wall Street Journal\, Bloomberg\, NPR\, the BBC\, and CNN. \nRoberts served for more than two decades as China bureau chief and Asia News Editor at Bloomberg Businessweek\, based in Beijing\, where he covered China’s accession to the World Trade Organization\, the impact of the Global Financial Crisis\, and the rise of authoritarian leader Xi Jinping. He has reported from all of China’s provinces and regions\, including Tibet and Xinjiang\, as well as from Mongolia\, Cambodia\, and North Korea. Previously\, he was director of China affairs at the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center. \nRoberts has won numerous journalism honors for his writing\, including Overseas Press Club and Society of Publishers in Asia editorial excellence awards. He is regularly asked to share his views on China. He has spoken at the Council on Foreign Relations\, the National Endowment for Democracy\, the Asia Society\, the Commonwealth Club of San Francisco\, the Contemporary Centre for China Affairs at India’s Ministry of External Affairs\, as well as at numerous universities in the U.S.\, China and Hong Kong. He has lectured on Chinese disinformation at the Foreign Service Institute at the U.S. Department of State\, and provided testimony on the Chinese economy to the congressionally mandated U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission and the UK Cabinet Office. \nRoberts holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Stanford University and a Master of International Affairs\, with a focus on China\, from the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs. He studied at National Taiwan Normal University’s Mandarin Training Center in Taipei and speaks fluent Chinese. Roberts’ first book\, The Myth of Chinese Capitalism: the Worker\, the Factory and the Future of the World (St. Martin’s Press)\, was chosen as one of The Economist’s “best books of the year” for 2020\, and was a best seller in Chinese\, published by Taiwan’s Gusa Publishing. \nModerator: Jeremy Goldkorn\n \n\nJeremy Goldkorn is an editorial fellow at the Asia Society’s ChinaFile\, the editor of The China Week\, and founder of the Rhyming Chaos podcast. He co-founded the Sinica Podcast in 2010\, and was editor-in-chief of The China Project from 2016 to 2023. Goldkorn moved from his hometown of Johannesburg\, South Africa to China in 1995 and became managing editor of Beijing’s first independent English-language entertainment magazine. He later edited and founded several other publications\, including the website Danwei\, which tracked Chinese media\, markets\, politics and business\, which was acquired in 2013 by the Financial Times. While in China\, he lived in a workers’ dormitory\, produced a documentary film about African soccer players in Beijing\, and rode a bicycle from Peshawar to Kathmandu via Kashgar and Lhasa. He moved to Nashville\, Tennessee in 2015. He is a graduate of the University of Cape Town. \n\n\n\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n		\n\n 
URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/chinas-push-for-superpower-status/
LOCATION:Holland & Knight\, 511 Union Street Suite 2700\, Nashville\, TN\, 37219\, United States
CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250824T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250824T170000
DTSTAMP:20260508T090304
CREATED:20250717T192250Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250829T200239Z
UID:46668-1756051200-1756054800@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:Greenland and the Geopolitics of the Arctic (Webinar)
DESCRIPTION:presents \n \nGreenland and the Geopolitics of the Arctic\n(webinar)\nSunday\, August 24 – 11:00 am-12:00 pm\nAs climate change accelerates the melting of Arctic ice\, the region is rapidly emerging as a new geopolitical frontier. The Arctic holds immense strategic value due to its untapped natural resources—estimated to include 13% of the world’s undiscovered oil and 30% of its natural gas—as well as critical rare earth minerals essential for modern technologies. Melting ice is also opening new maritime routes that could significantly shorten global shipping times\, increasing the region’s economic and military importance. \nMajor powers\, including the United States\, Russia\, and China\, are expanding their presence in the Arctic\, viewing it as a key arena for influence\, resource competition\, and military positioning. The Arctic’s role in global security is further underscored by its proximity to the Greenland-Iceland-United Kingdom (GIUK) gap\, a vital chokepoint for NATO defense strategy. \nWithin this broader context\, the Trump Administration renewed U.S. focus on Greenland as a strategic asset. Greenland’s geographic location makes it a cornerstone of Arctic defense\, prompting the administration to place its military installations under U.S. Northern Command in 2025. The island’s vast reserves of rare earth minerals also attracted attention\, particularly as the U.S. sought to counter China’s dominance in critical supply chains. \nPresident Trump’s controversial proposal to purchase Greenland from Denmark\, while dismissed by both Danish and Greenlandic leaders\, reflected a broader ambition to assert U.S. dominance in the Arctic. However\, this approach drew criticism for marginalizing Greenlandic voices and treating the territory as a geopolitical commodity rather than recognizing its people as autonomous actors. As Greenland moves toward greater self-determination\, future U.S. engagement will need to balance strategic interests with respect for local governance and aspirations. \nThe World Affairs Council of Atlanta speaks with the authors of the book “Greenland – A Journey from the Earliest Times to a Modern Society\,” published in March 2025. Mira Kleist is Head of the Greenland Practice\, Kaya Partners. Jens Heinrich\, Ph.D. is Head of Mission\, Greenland Representation in Denmark. Bo Lidegaard\, Ph.D. is Co-founder\, Kaya Partners. \n\nSpeakers:\nMira Kleist is a Greenland native\, based in Nuuk\, and is a former diplomat with a decade of expertise in global Arctic affairs\, Greenland–EU relations\, indigenous peoples’ rights\, and security policy. Mira’s background includes roles as a civil servant at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greenland\, a posting to the Greenlandic EU Representation in Brussels\, a Social Affairs Associate at the UN headquarters in New York\, and a Senior Advisor at the Danish Ministry of Defence. Mira is currently the Head of Greenland Practice and the climate policy advisory\, Kaya Partners. \nJens Heinrich\, Ph.D. is a Greenlandic-Danish historian\, trained at the University of Greenland. His phd-thesis was on the modernization of Greenland during and following World War II. He has worked on historical enquiries\, been a member of the Greenland Reconciliation Commission and has been an external lecturer at the University of Greenland and University of Copenhagen.  Heinrich is head of the Greenland Representation in Copenhagen\, Government of Greenland \nBo Lidegaard\, Ph.D. is an historian\, author and political advisor\, formerly long serving Danish diplomat and top foreign affairs\, national security and climate change advisor to consecutive Danish Prime Ministers. After leaving public service in 2011\, he served as editor in chief for the leading daily Politiken and in 2022 he co-founded Kaya Partners where he has since devoted his time\, presently running offices in Copenhagen\, Nuuk and London. Lidegaard has published several bestselling volumes on contemporary history\, including the US – Greenland – Denmark triangle since WWII.    
URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/greenland-and-the-geopolitics-of-the-arctic/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Webinar
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250827T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250827T180000
DTSTAMP:20260508T090304
CREATED:20250701T195415Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250925T164044Z
UID:46583-1756314000-1756317600@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:The power of the Olympic brand and the geopolitics of global sport (Webinar)
DESCRIPTION:presents \n \nThe power of the Olympic brand and the geopolitics of global sport (webinar)\nWednesday\, August 27 – 12:00 pm-1:00 pm\n\nWhat do the Olympics reveal about international influence\, branding\, and global power? Join TNWAC on Wednesday\, August 27th\, for a fascinating webinar moderated by Karl Dean featuring Terrence H. Burns (Chairman and Owner\, T. Burns Sports Group\, LLC). \n\nTerrence will explore how the Olympic Games transcend sport to shape geopolitics\, national identity\, and global narratives.\n\nWhat You’ll Learn: \n– How the Olympic brand has become a tool of soft power \n– The intersection of global sports\, politics\, and diplomacy \n– Real-world insights into international branding and influence \n\n\nView Recording \n\n\nFeatured Speaker:\n  \nTerrence H. Burns (Chairman and Owner\, T. Burns Sports Group\, LLC)\nTerrence H. Burns is a seasoned international sports and Olympic marketing executive with over 30 years of experience in marketing communications\, brand management\, and sponsorship marketing. As the Chairman and Owner of T. Burns Sports Group\, LLC\, based in Nashville\, TN\, he specializes in global sports consulting\, working with high-profile clients such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC)\, United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee\, and bids for major events like the Salt Lake City 2034 Winter Games\, Saudi Arabia 2034 FIFA World Cup\, and Doha 2030 Asian Games. His career highlights include contributing to six winning Olympic bids (Beijing 2008\, Vancouver 2010\, Sochi 2014\, PyeongChang 2018\, Los Angeles 2028\, Salt Lake City 2034) and two FIFA World Cup bids (2018\, 2026). \nFeatured Moderator:\n  \n \nKarl Dean\nKarl Dean served as the sixth Mayor of Nashville and Davidson County.  He was elected in 2007 and re-elected in 2011. Dean first held public office when he was elected as Nashville’s Public Defender in 1990. He was re-elected in 1994 and 1998.  He served as Metro Law Director from 1999 to January 2007\, when he resigned to run for the office of mayor. Karl Dean has taught at Vanderbilt Law School\, Belmont University\, and Boston University. \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/the-power-of-the-olympic-brand-and-the-geopolitics-of-global-sport-webinar-2/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Webinar
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250903T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250903T180000
DTSTAMP:20260508T090304
CREATED:20250630T180541Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250905T162332Z
UID:46551-1756915200-1756922400@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:Truly a Turning Point?  Europe’s New View of Transatlantic Security
DESCRIPTION:  \n \n\nTruly a Turning Point?  Europe’s New View of Transatlantic Security\n\nWednesday\, September 3 I 11:00 am – 1:00 pm\n* Luncheon Event *\n\nThree years ago\, Germany’s leader said Russia’s invasion of Ukraine marked a turning point.  Europe could no longer count on the framework of postwar international agreements to keep war from its borders.  In February of 2022\, it seemed Europe’s threat perception had changed for good.  Three and a half years on\, we’ll examine whether that holds true.  How has Europe’s approach to security changed — and can European countries sustain it? How can we measure change in the years ahead?  What will transatlantic security look like five years from now?  Join us for a discussion about what changes we can (and can’t) expect — and what it means for the United States.\n\nVenue: \nBass Berry & Sims \n21 Platform Way S Suite 3500 Nashville\, TN 37203 \n  \n  \n\nSpeaker: Robin Quinville\n \nRobin Quinville spent more than 30 years as a U.S. diplomat\, serving primarily inEurope. Her postings included two multilateral organizations (the Organization onSecurity and Cooperation in Europe and NATO) and bilateral postings to Cyprus (2000-2003)\, Bosnia (2004-2006)\, Greece (2006-2008)\, the United Kingdom (2009-2012)\, andthree postings to Germany (1988-89; 2012-2015; 2018-2021). She also spent a year(2008-2009) in Baghdad\, Iraq. In Washington\, she directed the Office of WesternEuropean Affairs at the Department of State and spent a year as a Wilson Center State Fellow. Quinville’s last diplomatic assignment was as DCM and then Charge d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Berlin; she left the diplomatic service after returning to Washington in July 2021. Quinville then spent a semester as the Sol M. Linowitz Visiting Professor of International Affairs at Hamilton College in Clinton\, New York in the spring of 2022; she also taught for the Bush School of Government in Washington\, D.C. in the summer of 2022. She joined the Wilson Center as Director of the Global Europe Program in May 2022. A native of California\, Quinville lives in Arlington\, Va. \n  \n\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n		\n\n  \n 
URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/europes-new-view-of-transatlantic-security/
LOCATION:Bass\, Berry & Sims – New Location\, 21 Platform Way South\, Suite 3500\, Nashville\, TN\, 37203\, United States
CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250918T161000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250918T180000
DTSTAMP:20260508T090304
CREATED:20250630T183031Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250922T163552Z
UID:46557-1758211800-1758218400@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:Trump 2.0: US Policy Shifts Amid a Changing Middle East Landscape
DESCRIPTION:  \n \nTrump 2.0: US Policy Shifts Amid a Changing Middle East Landscape\n  \nEight 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 major policy shift to lift sanctions on Syria and meet with Syria’s de facto leader\, Ahmed Al-Sharaa; U.S. military strikes against Iran’s nuclear sites along with U.S. support for a 12-day Israeli military campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear program\, military leadership\, and infrastructure; and diplomacy in the region led by prominent Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Tom Barrack. \nThe impact of these significant actions by the United States in the Middle East remains mixed. Close U.S. partners in the Middle East\, particularly the countries Trump visited in May\, have seen new opportunities to deepen strategic\, economic\, energy\, technological\, and military ties with the United States. However\, the impact of Trump’s tariffs and broader trade war may ultimately undercut these openings to strengthen bilateral relations and incentivize regional partners to diversify their global economic relationships. \nIran\, Israel-Palestine\, and the Houthis in Yemen remain the three major unresolved variables in the Middle East equation. While Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure suffered considerable damage\, it is unclear if these actions will produce a lasting resolution to concerns about Iran’s nuclear program and destabilizing actions. The weakest link in U.S. policy in the Middle East remains the Israel-Palestinian front as the war between Israel and Hamas continues. In contrast\, Syria and Lebanon present key opportunities for U.S. policy and engagement\, but this will require sustained U.S. diplomatic engagement over the months and years ahead. \nThis presentation will assess whether Trump 2.0’s overall foreign policy approach—characterized by transactional diplomacy\, selective military engagement\, and attempts to use America’s economic power to gain global leverage—is likely to produce a more durable and sustainable security environment in the Middle East\, amid a rapidly evolving regional landscape. \nThursday\, September 18th I 11:10 am – 1:00 pm\n* Luncheon Event *\n  \nVenue: \nHolland & Knight \n511 Union St. #2700 Nashville\, TN 37219 \n  \n  \n\nSpeaker: Brian Katulis\n \nBrian Katulis is a Senior Fellow for US Foreign Policy at the Middle East Institute. He was formerly a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress (CAP)\, where he built the Center’s Middle East program and also worked on broader issues related to U.S. national security. \nHe has produced influential studies that have shaped important discussions around regional policy\, often providing expert testimony to key congressional committees on his findings. Katulis has also conducted extensive research in countries such as Egypt\, Israel\, Jordan\, and the Palestinian territories. His past experience includes work at the National Security Council and the U.S. Departments of State and Defense. \nEducationMaster in Public Affairs\, Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs Bachelor of Arts in history and Arab and Islamic studies\, Villanova University Fulbright scholar in Jordan\, 1994 – 1995 \nRegions of ExpertiseEgypt\, Israel\, the Palestinian territories\, Jordan \nIssues of ExpertiseNational security\, U.S. foreign policy\, diplomacy \nModerator: Dr. Breck Walker\nBreck Walker pursued a twenty-year career in international business\, law\, and finance\,before turning to academia. For several years\, he taught foreign policy courses atSewanee\, The University of the South\, and worked as a contract historian for the Officeof the Secretary of Defense Historical Office\, researching and writing on the early Pentagonpolicies in the computer security and cyber areas. Dr. Walker is currently retired. \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/trump-2-0-us-policy-shifts-amid-a-changing-middle-east-landscape/
LOCATION:Holland & Knight\, 511 Union Street Suite 2700\, Nashville\, TN\, 37219\, United States
CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250919T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250919T180000
DTSTAMP:20260508T090304
CREATED:20250909T160848Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250922T165444Z
UID:46928-1758301200-1758304800@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:Nashville at the Crossroads: Global Growth\, Local Challenges\, and Future Opportunities (webinar)
DESCRIPTION:  \n \nNashville at the Crossroads: Global Growth\, Local Challenges\, and Future Opportunities\nNashville is experiencing rapid growth\, bringing with it both unprecedented opportunities and pressing challenges. On the local front\, issues such as workforce readiness\, housing affordability\, and infrastructure—particularly transportation—remain at the center of public concern. These challenges are compounded by broader economic uncertainty and federal policy disruptions. \nAt the same time\, Nashville is positioned for transformative opportunities. The redevelopment of the East Bank presents one of the city’s most significant growth prospects\, while international connections continue to expand. From new international flights and an ambitious tourism push\, to showcasing Nashville globally through its music\, culinary scene\, and cultural assets\, the city is actively elevating its international profile. \nMiddle Tennessee is also witnessing the steady expansion of international companies and an influx of foreign investment\, further reinforcing its role as an emerging global hub. Together\, these dynamics highlight Nashville’s dual reality: a city balancing the demands of sustainable local growth with the potential of international opportunity. \nThis talk will explore the critical intersection of these trends\, asking what Nashville’s future could look like as it strives to overcome challenges and seize opportunities on both the local and global stage. \nFriday\, September 19 I 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm\n* Webinar Event *\nView Recording\n\n \nFeatured Speaker: Lori Becker (Market President and Publisher of the Nashville Business Journal)\n \nLori Becker is a strategic executive leader with a track record of driving growth\, innovation and civic impact. As market president and publisher of the Nashville Business Journal\, she leads the region’s most influential business media company. Under her leadership\, the organization has achieved double-digit profit and top-line revenue growth\, launched scalable innovations adopted across 45+ markets\, and built nationally recognized teams. She is a trusted advisor to business and civic leaders across industries\, recognized for shaping Nashville’s economy through collaborative\, high-impact initiatives. \nA native of Bowling Green\, KY.\, and graduate of Western Kentucky University\, Lori joined NBJ in 2008 after a decade as a reporter with daily newspapers. \nLori is a board member and past chairwoman for the March of Dimes’ Middle Tennessee chapter\, an executive board member for Scouting America Middle Tennessee Council and a member of the 2019 class of Leadership Nashville. \nShe and her husband\, Michael\, live in Franklin with their two children\, ages 13 and 11\, and two rescue dogs. \nModerator: Karl Dean\n \nKarl Dean served as the sixth Mayor of Nashville and Davidson County.  He was elected in 2007 and re-elected in 2011. Dean first held public office when he was elected as Nashville’s Public Defender in 1990. He was re-elected in 1994 and 1998.  He served as Metro Law Director from 1999 to January 2007\, when he resigned to run for the office of mayor. Karl Dean has taught at Vanderbilt Law School\, Belmont University\, and Boston University. \n  \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/nashville-at-the-crossroads/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Webinar
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