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DTSTAMP:20260507T225402
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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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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250115T171500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250115T184500
DTSTAMP:20260507T225402
CREATED:20241216T181753Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250428T192834Z
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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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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241209T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241209T190000
DTSTAMP:20260507T225402
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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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241114T233000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241115T013000
DTSTAMP:20260507T225402
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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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241112T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241112T190000
DTSTAMP:20260507T225402
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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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241107T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241107T190000
DTSTAMP:20260507T225402
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
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LTG-ANTHONY-HALE.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241030T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241030T180000
DTSTAMP:20260507T225402
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
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241030T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241030T180000
DTSTAMP:20260507T225402
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241023T223000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241024T000000
DTSTAMP:20260507T225402
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
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241009T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241009T180000
DTSTAMP:20260507T225402
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241002T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241002T180000
DTSTAMP:20260507T225402
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240911T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240911T170000
DTSTAMP:20260507T225402
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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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240829T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240829T203000
DTSTAMP:20260507T225402
CREATED:20240802T180440Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250428T192835Z
UID:37234-1724959800-1724963400@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:PANEL ON ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL RELATIONS BETWEEN SOUTH KOREA AND THE U.S. (TN)
DESCRIPTION:  \nThe Tennessee World Affairs Council\, in partnership with The Stimson Center\, The University of Tennessee Knoxville\, and The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce\nare proud to present \nPANEL ON ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL RELATIONS BETWEEN SOUTH KOREA AND THE U.S. (TN)\n\n\nThursday\, August 29th I 2:30pm – 3:30pm \n* Free Event – Registration Not Required * \nThe University of Tennessee – Baker School Toyota Auditorium \n1640 Cumberland Ave Knoxville TN \n  \nThe panel will discuss the interplay between economic cooperation and cultural diplomacy in shaping the relationship between South Korea and the U.S.\, exploring opportunities and challenges in both realms to strengthen bilateral ties and foster mutual understanding. \n\n\n  \nSpeakers:\nKevin L. Miller – President – KDVA Georgia\nKevin L. Miller is originally from Franklin\, Pennsylvania and entered the United States Army in 1990. He completed Basic Training and Advance Individual Training with 2nd Bn 54th Infantry at Fort Benning\, GA as an Infantryman.  His first duty station was with the 1st Bn 506th Infantry of the 2nd Infantry Division at Camp Greaves on the Korean DMZ.  Following 18 months with the 5th Infantry Division at Fort Polk\, LA\, he attended Airborne School at Fort Benning\, GA.  His final duty station was with the 2nd Bn 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg\, NC. \nOn 23 March 1994\, while serving with the 2nd Bn 504th PIR\, Kevin was injured at a mass casualty event on Pope Air Force Base commonly known as the Disaster at Green Ramp. 24 Paratroopers lost their lives and over 60 were injured and required medical support at Fort Bragg\, NC with many being further transferred to the burn ward at Fort Sam Houston\, TX. Due to their permanent nature\, Kevin’s injuries required him to separate from the United States Army in 1996\, and he relocated to Atlanta\, GA.   \nFor the past 25 years\, Kevin has served in middle and senior management roles within the defense industry and international sales markets.  He is currently a featured speaker and a consultant to multiple industries. As a proud member of the Korea Defense Veterans Association\, Kevin was honored to be appointed as the President of the KDVA Georgia Chapter in October 2022.  He was also selected to participate in the first Revisit Program for Korean Defense Veterans presented by the ROK MPVA and KDVA in November 2021. Kevin joined the Georgia Veterans Day Parade Association of Atlanta as a Director in 2001. He has served as President since 2010 and oversaw its transformation to the Georgia Veterans Day Association to better identify its expanded role. \n\nHe is a Life Member of the National Infantry Association\, 82nd  Airborne Division Association\, 504th  Parachute Infantry Regiment Association\, 2nd  Infantry Division Association\, and the DAV.\nKevin is married to his wife of 23 years\, Cecilia\, and they have one daughter\, Tina. \n  \nScott Laska – Business Development Director – SL Tennessee\nScott is a dynamic and results-driven Business Development Director with over 22 years of experience in the automotive industry. As a key player at SL Tennessee  a leading tier-one automotive supplier based in Clinton\, Tennessee with headquarters Daegu\, South Korea\, Scott is passionate about driving growth and forging strategic partnerships. leading to SL Tennessee growth from 30\,000 sqft and 3 employees in 2000 to currently 1000 employees\, 800\,000 sqft and sales of $700 million dollars. \n  \n\n  \n  \nJenny Town – Senior Fellow at the Stimson Center & Director of Stimson’s Korea Program \nJenny Town is a Senior Fellow at the Stimson Center and the Director of Stimson’s Korea Program and 38 North. Her areas of expertise include North Korea\, US-DPRK relations\, US-ROK alliance relations and extended deterrence\, and Northeast Asia regional security. She was named one of Worth Magazine’s “Groundbreakers 2020: 50 Women Changing the World” and one of Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business in 2019 for her role in co-founding and managing 38 North\, which provides policy and technical analysis on North Korea. \n\nMs. Town is also an Associate Fellow at the Foreign Policy Institute at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS)\, a Member of the National Committee on North Korea\, and an Associate Member of the Council of Korean Americans. She serves on the Editorial Board for Inkstick\, an online foreign policy journal for emerging scholars. She previously served as the Assistant Director of the US-Korea Institute at SAIS (2008-2018) and an expert reviewer for North and South Korea for Freedom House’s Freedom in the World Index (2010-2023)\, where she previously worked on the Human Rights in North Korea Project. \n\nMs. Town holds a BA in East Asian Studies and International Relations from Westmar University and a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs. She is a frequent commentator for a range of print\, radio and television news\, including Reuters\, BBC\, CNN\, Financial Times\, Deutche Welle\, Voice of America\, Japan Times\, NHK\, CGTN\, BBC World Radio\, and more. And has been featured on a number of podcasts including Asia Matters\, The President’s Inbox\, the Impossible State\, Today Explained\, The DSR Daily Brief\, and more.\n \n  \nModerator:\nIliana Ragnone – Research Associate for the Korea Program \nIliana Ragnone is a Research Associate for the Korea Program and Producer of 38 North at the Stimson Center. Prior to joining Stimson\, she was a Program Assistant at the Foreign Service Institute\, a part of the Department of State. She holds a B.A. in International and Area Studies and Chinese Language and Culture from Washington University in St. Louis. \n  \n  \n  \n\n\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/panel-on-economic-and-cultural-relations-between-south-korea-and-the-u-s-tn/
CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240828T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240828T180000
DTSTAMP:20260507T225402
CREATED:20240716T230538Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250428T192835Z
UID:37069-1724862600-1724868000@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:The Importance and the Impact of the Strategic Partnership between the US and South Korea
DESCRIPTION:The Tennessee World Affairs Council\, in partnership with The Stimson Center\, The University of Tennessee Knoxville\, and The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce\nare proud to present \n“The Importance and the Impact of the  Strategic Partnership between the US and South Korea”\nThe Tennessee World Affairs Council and the Stimson Center’s Korea Program\, in partnership with the University of Tennessee Knoxville and the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce\, are pleased to host a panel discussion on the status\, future\, and importance of the upgraded alliance between the US and South Korea (ROK). The strength of the US-South Korean Alliance holds enduring value for the US and local communities against the backdrop of today’s evolving geopolitical challenges and in the pursuit of our collective goals of freedom\, democracy\, security\, and economic prosperity. Conversation will delve into the ways the US-ROK Alliance reflects these shared aims and values\, through all facets of the relationship—military\, economic\, and diplomatic—and the benefit this relationship has for the American population. A range of discussion topics will encompass the future of extended deterrence on the Korean Peninsula\, the Alliance’s role in US Indo-Pacific strategy\, multi-domain security cooperation\, and the expansion of strategic trade. \nWednesday\, August 28th I 11:30 am – 1:00 pm \n* Luncheon Event – Registration Required * \nBelmont University – Massey Rogers Boardroom (Parking on Inman Center)\n1601-1603 Wedgewood Av.\nNashville\, TN 37201 \n\n\n\n\n\nRegister Now \n  \nSpeakers:\nKevin L. Miller – President – KDVA Georgia\nKevin L. Miller is originally from Franklin\, Pennsylvania and entered the United States Army in 1990. He completed Basic Training and Advance Individual Training with 2nd Bn 54th Infantry at Fort Benning\, GA as an Infantryman.  His first duty station was with the 1st Bn 506th Infantry of the 2nd Infantry Division at Camp Greaves on the Korean DMZ.  Following 18 months with the 5th Infantry Division at Fort Polk\, LA\, he attended Airborne School at Fort Benning\, GA.  His final duty station was with the 2nd Bn 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg\, NC. \n\nOn 23 March 1994\, while serving with the 2nd Bn 504th PIR\, Kevin was injured at a mass casualty event on Pope Air Force Base commonly known as the Disaster at Green Ramp. 24 Paratroopers lost their lives and over 60 were injured and required medical support at Fort Bragg\, NC with many being further transferred to the burn ward at Fort Sam Houston\, TX. Due to their permanent nature\, Kevin’s injuries required him to separate from the United States Army in 1996 and he relocated to Atlanta\, GA.   \nFor the past 25 years\, Kevin has served in middle and senior management roles within the defense industry and international sales markets.  He is currently a featured speaker and a consultant to multiple industries. As a proud member of the Korea Defense Veterans Association\, Kevin was honored to be appointed as the President of the KDVA Georgia Chapter in October 2022.  He was also selected to participate in the first Revisit Program for Korean Defense Veterans presented by the ROK MPVA and KDVA in November 2021. Kevin joined the Georgia Veterans Day Parade Association of Atlanta as a Director in 2001. He has served as President since 2010 and oversaw its transformation to the Georgia Veterans Day Association to better identify its expanded role. \n\nHe is a Life Member of the National Infantry Association\, 82nd  Airborne Division Association\, 504th  Parachute Infantry Regiment Association\, 2nd  Infantry Division Association\, and the DAV.\nKevin is married to his wife of 23 years\, Cecilia\, and they have one daughter\, Tina. \n  \nScott Laska – Business Development Director – SL Tennessee\nScott is a dynamic and results-driven Business Development Director with over 22 years of experience in the automotive industry. As a key player at SL Tennessee  a leading tier-one automotive supplier based in Clinton\, Tennessee with headquarters Daegu\, South Korea\, Scott is passionate about driving growth and forging strategic partnerships. leading to SL Tennessee growth from 30\,000 sqft and 3 employees in 2000 to currently 1000 employees\, 800\,000 sqft and sales of $700 million dollars. \n  \n\n  \n  \nJenny Town – Senior Fellow at the Stimson Center & Director of Stimson’s Korea Program\nJenny Town is a Senior Fellow at the Stimson Center and the Director of Stimson’s Korea Program and 38 North. Her areas of expertise include North Korea\, US-DPRK relations\, US-ROK alliance relations and extended deterrence\, and Northeast Asia regional security. She was named one of Worth Magazine’s “Groundbreakers 2020: 50 Women Changing the World” and one of Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business in 2019 for her role in co-founding and managing 38 North\, which provides policy and technical analysis on North Korea.\nMs. Town is also an Associate Fellow at the Foreign Policy Institute at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS)\, a Member of the National Committee on North Korea\, and an Associate Member of the Council of Korean Americans. She serves on the Editorial Board for Inkstick\, an online foreign policy journal for emerging scholars. She previously served as the Assistant Director of the US-Korea Institute at SAIS (2008-2018) and an expert reviewer for North and South Korea for Freedom House’s Freedom in the World Index (2010-2023)\, where she previously worked on the Human Rights in North Korea Project.\nMs. Town holds a BA in East Asian Studies and International Relations from Westmar University and a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs. She is a frequent commentator for a range of print\, radio and television news\, including Reuters\, BBC\, CNN\, Financial Times\, Deutche Welle\, Voice of America\, Japan Times\, NHK\, CGTN\, BBC World Radio\, and more. And has been featured on a number of podcasts including Asia Matters\, The President’s Inbox\, the Impossible State\, Today Explained\, The DSR Daily Brief\, and more.\n \n  \nModerator:\nIliana Ragnone – Research Associate for the Korea Program\nIliana Ragnone is a Research Associate for the Korea Program and Producer of 38 North at the Stimson Center. Prior to joining Stimson\, she was a Program Assistant at the Foreign Service Institute\, a part of the Department of State. She holds a B.A. in International and Area Studies and Chinese Language and Culture from Washington University in St. Louis. \n  \n  \n  \n\n\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
URL:https://www.tnwac.org/event/the-importance-and-the-impact-of-the-strategic-partnership-between-the-us-and-south-korea/
CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.tnwac.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Speaker-Series-8-28-2024-1620-x-924-px.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240702T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240702T180000
DTSTAMP:20260507T225402
CREATED:20240614T125128Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250428T192835Z
UID:37025-1719937800-1719943200@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:The Road to Washington: NATO at 75 - Luncheon with Peter Rough
DESCRIPTION:The Tennessee World Affairs Council \nin partnership with the Nashville Chamber\, and Bass Berry & Sims\nis proud to present\n\n\nThe Road to Washington: NATO at 75\n\n\n\nin person\n \n\nTuesday\, July 2\, 2024\n11:30 p.m.-1:00 p.m. CT\nLuncheon at Bass Berry and Sims \n150 3rd Ave S\, Nashville\nPresident Biden has invited 31 allied leaders along with partners from around the world to Washington from July 10-11 to celebrate 75 years of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. This is a working Summit\, however\, as the alliance looks not only to celebrate the past but also to tackle the challenges of today. From Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on NATO’s eastern flank to the scourge of terrorism emanating from the alliance’s southern flank of North Africa and the Middle East\, the U.S. and its allies face a darkening security environment. Please join Peter Rough\, senior fellow at the Washington-D.C. based Hudson Institute\, for a discussion on NATO and how the United States aims to make the alliance fit for purpose today.\n \n\n\nRegister Now \n\nPeter Rough\n\nPeter Rough is a senior fellow and director of the Center on Europe and Eurasia at Hudson Institute. In that capacity\, he writes and comments on US foreign policy and regularly briefs official delegations\, news media\, public intellectuals\, academics\, and business leaders from around the world. Mr. Rough also convenes several track 1.5 dialogues.\nMr. Rough is a regular commentator on major radio and television and speaker in public forums. While at the institute\, he has been named a next generation leader at the Munich Security Conference\, Atlantik-Brücke\, the Center for New American Security\, and the American Institute for Contemporary German Studies. He has also helped edit Hudson’s journal\, Current Trends in Islamist Ideology.\nMr. Rough is also principal and founder of Hilltop Solutions\, a limited liability company that performs writing and research services for academics\, executives\, and political professionals. Previously\, as director of research in the Office of George W. Bush\, Mr. Rough assisted the former president with his memoir\, Decision Points. In 2014\, his highly acclaimed collaboration with Leila Fawaz on a social history of World War I in the Middle East\, A Land of Aching Hearts\, was published by Harvard University Press.\nFrom 2007 to 2009\, Mr. Rough served as associate director in the White House Office of Strategic Initiatives\, where he helped coordinate political strategy and outreach to key stakeholders. He has also completed stints as a policy analyst at the US Agency for International Development\, where he was staff briefer to Administrator Henrietta Fore\, and as an advisor to US Army Special Operations Command\, where he analyzed unconventional warfare doctrine for the commanding general’s Strategic Initiatives Group. In 2012\, he was responsible for US-Russia bilateral relations as a member of the Romney for President Russia Working Group. In 2016\, he served as a member of the Rubio for President Middle East Working Group.\nMr. Rough began his career at the Republican National Committee specializing in political research. A proud native of Des Moines\, Iowa\, he holds his BA\, summa cum laude\, from the George Washington University and MA in law and diplomacy from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University\, where he was a Cabot corporation scholar.\nHe is a member of the board of the American Main Street Initiative and previously was a commissioner of the Radio in the American Sector (RIAS) Commission in Berlin. Mr. Rough is also a member of the Friends of Ukraine Network’s (FOUN) Task Force on National Security and vice chair of the Reagan Institute’s Foreign for American Leadership Europe group.\nMr. Rough is a native German speaker.\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/the-road-to-washington-nato-at-75-luncheon-with-peter-rough/
CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240619T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240619T180000
DTSTAMP:20260507T225402
CREATED:20240529T145914Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250416T180853Z
UID:37011-1718816400-1718820000@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:Webinar | The Lithuanian Perspective on Russian Aggression in Ukraine | June 19\, 2024
DESCRIPTION:The Tennessee World Affairs Council\nis proud to present\n\n\nThe Lithuanian Perspective on Russian Aggression in Ukraine\n\n\n\nvia Zoom\n \n\nWednesday\, June 19\, 2024\n12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. CT\nLithuania’s political past and borders have been anything but stable since the 13th century when the semblance of a cohesive state began. Now\, with Russia’s war in Ukraine\, which is less than 800 miles southeast of Lithuania\, it seems that instability in Central Europe is rearing its head again and could threaten Lithuania and other nations in the Baltic region. In 1940 after a short 22 years of independence\, Lithuania was invaded by the Soviet Union which absorbed this small\, proud country the size of West Virginia. It remained occupied by Soviet forces until 1991 when the Soviet Union finally recognized Lithuania’s independence. Though facing plenty of political turmoil after its past occupations by both Nazi and Soviet forces\, Lithuania’s reconstruction and independence seemed more certain to a now westward-leaning state in the early 2000s. Lithuania joined the UN\, NATO\, and the EU. But\, in 2014\, Russia\, now led by Vladimir Putin\, invaded the Crimean Peninsula\, and on February 24\, 2022\, began its invasion of Ukraine. What do Lithuanians think about their past and the recent years of independence from Russian control and influence? What do they think now about the war in Ukraine and their own future as an independent nation with a neighbor like Russia? Why does history have a way of repeating itself in this region of the world?\n \n\n\nRegister Now \n  \n\nLinas Zabaliunas\n\nMy name is Linas Zabaliunas born in 1979 in Lithuania\, I graduated my primary school still under the Soviet occupation. At the age of 10\, my school year were the first generation in school to refuse to join the Soviet Pioneer organization\, as the Lithuanian Freedom movement was catching speed.\nIn 1993\, with my family\, I lived in England for 9 months. My dad was a University teacher in Lithuania and was taking a qualification course at the University of Plymouth. During this time\, we lived in Devon\, we saw all the busy B&Bs and got the idea of developing one in Lithuania. Individual\, private hospitality existed only on the Lithuanian coast at that time.\nSo\, upon return to Lithuania\, we bought a half-built house in the suburbs of Kaunas (second largest city in Lithuania) and we set about converting it into a guesthouse with 9 double ensuite rooms for the guests. Our neighbors could not understand why the Zabaliunas family are building a house with 14 toilets\, and they were visiting the building site as the attraction!\nWhile building work continued\, we opened a grocery shop in the ground floor of the building\, for the community to shop. I was responsible for the deliveries\, going to cash and carry\, before my lectures at university started. These were big steps for us\, as we left Soviet life behind and opened up to private business.\nWe welcomed our first guests (mostly family friends from UK) in 1999. My favorite year was 2004 when my parents retired from the university and went to the USA visiting friends and relatives. Me and Jurga (girlfriend then\, wife now!) were running the whole show at Nemunas Tour Guest House and after the successful marketing campaign in Finnish newspaper we had an invasion of Finnish guests that year!\nOur guesthouse joined the Lithuanian Countryside Tourism Association the same year. Off season\, I started spending more time at Lithuanian Countryside Tourism Association. In 2005 was elected the head of Kaunas region\, in 2007 elected as member of the Board of the Association\, in 2009 was elected as the Chairman of the Board and in 2011 started in the position of President of Lithuanian Countryside Tourism Association – uniting over 300 members and having around 10\,000 beds. Together with 9 other tourism associations in 2014 we have established The Chamber of Tourism of the Republic of Lithuania and we have rotated the Presidency every 2 years.\nDuring all this time I was already working for Lithuanian Holidays (a UK based specialist tour operator) and they were expanding to become Baltic Holidays (www.balticholidays.com) to cover the 3 Baltic States. I hosted British and international guests and guided them in Lithuania during their tour. Jurga and I also got married and had daughters Ema and Kamile. And\, seeing a niche in the domestic and international market for good quality camping facilities\, Jurga and I opened our first campsite in 2012 in Kaunas (www.campinn.lt).\nIn 2014\, Jurga and I\, along with our business partner Sally Chambers\, bought out our old friend Baltic Holidays. Sally had been at Baltic Holidays from the very early days and managed its growth to become the leading specialist tour operator for tailor-made private tours to the Baltic States and surrounding countries. Sally is British and based in the Lake District\, UK\, but previously lived in Lithuania and has immense knowledge and experience of the Baltic tourism industry after more than 20 years expert involvement. Linas\, Jurga\, Sally & our small sales team are highly regarded in the regions tourism industry.\nFor me\, in 2020 I have resigned from the role of President of the Countryside Tourism Association but remain as Chairman of the Board. 2020 also saw us open our second campsite in the pretty spa town of Birštonas in Lithuania (www.naturcamp.lt). Of course\, Baltic Holidays and the Campsite has been quiet during the pandemic and have ready for action when our guests return in post Covid life! But….\nAs our old wisdom says – no one can choose his neighbors and 2022 02 24 has proven it well.\nDuring my activities in tourism have been involved in many initiatives and one of them has a really strong connection with Nashville\, TN. Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville and LSMU gymnasium in Kaunas\, Lithuania has come a long\, nice way since the first visit of MBA teachers to from Lithuania following in the footsteps of world renown writer from Nashville – Rūta Sepetys. Have been involved in bridging this partnership sine the first day with a great help of good friend Emmett Russell and Rūta Sepetys as well as active communities of teachers and students in both schools.\nIt will be a great pleasure for me to visit Nashville next week and have a great reunion with since the pre covid days!\n \n  \nEmmett Russell\n\nA native Nashvillian\, Emmett Russell attended Montgomery Bell Academy for high school. He graduated from Rhodes College with BA in English in 1992 and from Middlebury College’s Bread Loaf School of English with an MA in Literature in 2004. At Rhodes he fell in love with literature\, history\, and travel while attending the British and European Studies summer programs in Oxford\, England. In the fall of 1992\, he began his teaching and coaching career at Memphis University School. Later\, he worked in the admissions office of the Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School in northeast Georgia before returning to teach and coach at Montgomery Bell Academy in 1996. He has been there for 28 years and began leading trips with teachers and students to Lithuania in 2014. \n  \n\n\nRegister Now\nInternational Career Panel | April 3\, 2024\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/ukraine-lithuanian-perspective/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Webinar
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240522T230000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240523T010000
DTSTAMP:20260507T225402
CREATED:20240424T032314Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250428T193114Z
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SUMMARY:Global Eats - UZBEKISTAN An Evening at OSH Restaurant and Grill | May 22\, 2024
DESCRIPTION:The Tennessee World Affairs Council presents:\nGlobal Eats: UZBEKISTAN\nAn Evening at OSH Restaurant and Grill  \n \n\nWednesday\, May 22\, 2024\n6:00 p.m. CT\n216 Thompson Lane\, Nashville\n\n  \n\n\nRegister Now\n\n\n  \nWith Mark Reese:\nFounding Director for the Center for Regional Studies at the United States Naval Academy\, Mark established programs centered around Islamic studies and curricula reform in Uzbekistan\, managed translation and cultural advisement task orders in both Afghanistan and the United States for a broad spectrum of government and private industry clients. Awarded the Presidential Order of Do’stlik by the Republic of Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev for furthering awareness of the Uzbek language and culture through translation of Uzbek novel\, O’tkan Kunlar.   \nAs President and CEO of Suhbat LLC\, Mark is currently engaged in strategic communications and cultural programs on behalf of Central Asian clients. \nMark holds an M.A. in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations from the University of Washington. \n\n  \nAbout OSH Restaurant and Grill:\nRestaurant featuring cuisine from Uzbekistan ranks in top 10 of Yelp’s U.S. restaurant list\n“Nashville! Listen up! If you like central Asian food\, or don’t even know if you do or not\, do yourself a favor and go to OSH!”  \n“Everything was so delicious\, and the recommendations were so helpful. I highly recommend this place for good food\, service & ambiance.” \n“The people cooking are cooking true family recipes and the food is absolutely authentic. “ \nYelp Reviews \n  \n\n\nInternational Career Panel | April 3\, 2024\n \n\n\n\nRegister Now \n\n  \nIf not already a TNWAC member this is a great time to join — follow the registration link sign up for both membership and dinner.  New Member Benefits \nTo register a GUEST\, complete second registration and use “GUEST” in place of Last Name \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/global-eats-uzbekistan-an-evening-at-osh-restaurant-and-grill-may-22-2024/
LOCATION:OSH Restaurant and Grill\, 216 Thompson Lane\, Nashville\, 37211\, United States
CATEGORIES:Global Eats
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240521T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240521T180000
DTSTAMP:20260507T225402
CREATED:20240418T135647Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250416T180853Z
UID:36855-1716310800-1716314400@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:Webinar | Gaza and its Regional Reverberations: A Crucible for the Emerging Order in the Middle East? | May 21\, 2024
DESCRIPTION:The Tennessee World Affairs Council\nis proud to present\n\n\nGaza and its Regional Reverberations: \nA Crucible for the Emerging Order in the Middle East?\n  \n\n\n\nvia Zoom\n \n\nTuesday\, May 21\, 2024\n12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. CT\nThe Middle East is at a hinge moment. The old order is collapsing\, and a new one has yet to emerge. While the region’s tectonic shifts predate Hamas’s terror attack on Oct. 7\, the ensuing conflict in Gaza and its reverberations across the region are the crucible in which the new contours of the Middle East will take shape. USIP’s Mona Yacoubian will provide insights on the regional flashpoints that have erupted in the wake of the Gaza conflict as well as the broader implications for a region in a state of enormous flux. \n\n\nRegister Now \n  \n\nMONA YACOUBIAN \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  \n\nLT. CMDR. PATRICK RYAN\nLt.Cmdr. Patrick Ryan is President Emeritus and founder of the Tennessee World Affairs Council.  He served in the U.S. Navy for over 26 years as a Submariner and Intelligence Officer. He was a specialist in Middle East affairs\, residing in the Persian Gulf and working as an analyst at the Joint Staff in the Pentagon\, the Center for Naval Analyses and the U.S. Central Command\, as well as numerous ship deployments to the region. In his post-military career Ryan founded and managed a publishing business focused on Middle East issues for 15 years. \n  \n\n\nRegister Now\nInternational Career Panel | April 3\, 2024\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/webinar-gaza-usip-mona-y-may-21-2024/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Webinar
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240506T223000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240507T000000
DTSTAMP:20260507T225402
CREATED:20240414T171628Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250428T191835Z
UID:36807-1715034600-1715040000@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:Ukraine: How it Can Win\, and Why it Matters to the United States - Global Town Hall with Daniel Bischof| May 06
DESCRIPTION:PRESENTS\n\n\n\nIn Person\nat \n\n\n\n\nBelmont University\nMonday\, May 06\, 2024\n5:30 Registration and Networking6:00-7:00 Keynote Address \n  \n\n\nUkraine: How it Can Win\, and Why it Matters to the United States\nRussian President Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 rattled the international order that the United States helped establish and lead since World War II. Today\, the threat of further aggression in Europe continues to galvanize U.S. and international support for Ukraine. Dan Bishof\, the Department of State’s Director for Eastern Europe\, will join the Tennessee World Affairs Council to share insights and exchange views on what factors have influenced U.S. decision-making over the evolution of the war\, which has seen Ukraine fight back from the near-loss of Kyiv to recapture significant amounts of its own territory and inflict significant blows on Russia in the Black Sea. Mr. Bishof will discuss the mechanisms the U.S. government has established for tracking and providing oversight of U.S. assistance to Ukraine\, and how that assistance impacts the security of not only Ukraine\, but also that of Europe and the United States. Questions will be welcomed. \n  \nRegister Now \n  \n \nAbout the speaker: \nDaniel Bischof  \nDaniel Bischof is the Director for Eastern European Affairs at the Department of State\, the office responsible for U.S. policy toward Ukraine\, Belarus\, and Moldova. \nWith more than 20 years in the Foreign Service\, he recently served as Acting Deputy Chief of Mission and Counselor for Economic and Political Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Singapore for three years.  Until 2019\, he was Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Dili\, Timor-Leste.  \nHe also served as the Deputy Director of the Office of Korean Affairs from 2014-16. He was a Senior Watch Officer in the State Department’s Operations Center. In U.S. Embassies in Seoul and Manila\, Daniel covered political-military affairs\, and in Washington\, D.C.\, was responsible for Malaysian Affairs in the Office of Maritime Southeast Asia.  He also adjudicated non-immigrant visas in Seoul and served as the General Services Officer in Vientiane\, Laos.\n\nDaniel is fluent in Thai and has studied Korean and Lao. Prior to joining the Department of State\, he practiced law in Florida.  He is a graduate of the Henry W. Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia and Northwestern School of Law at Lewis & Clark College. Daniel is married to Jane Kim. \n  \nRegister Now \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/daniel-bischof-may-06/
LOCATION:Belmont University – Barbara Massey Rogers Center Board Room\, 1900 Belmont Blvd.\, Nashville\, TN\, 37212\, United States
CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series,Webinar
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240411T223000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240412T000000
DTSTAMP:20260507T225402
CREATED:20240311T042729Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250428T191835Z
UID:36613-1712874600-1712880000@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:Frank Langfitt | Town Hall | Eyewitness to History: Lessons from Two Decades Covering the World | April 11
DESCRIPTION:AND\n \nPRESENT\n\n\n\nIn Person\nat \n\n\n\n\nBelmont University\nThursday\, April 11\, 2024\n5:30 Registration and Networking6:00-7:00 Keynote Address \n\n\n\nEyewitness to History: Lessons from Two Decades Covering the World\nNPR’s Frank Langfitt has reported from more than 50 countries and territories since the late 1990s. In a video and audio presentation\, Frank recounts the history he’s witnessed through the people he’s met and how that history has shaped today’s challenging geo-political landscape. Frank will explain what he learned driving a free taxi in Shanghai and tracking elephants in South Sudan. He’ll also discuss reporting in Ukraine during Russia’s 2022 invasion and covering the Israel/Gaza war. \n  \nRegister Now \n  \n \nAbout the speaker: \nFrank Langfitt \nFrank Langfitt is NPR’s Global Democracy correspondent based on the Investigations desk in Washington\, D.C. He covers threats to democracy at home and abroad. Previously\, Langfitt spent nearly two decades as an international correspondent reporting from more than 50 countries and territories. Based most recently in London\, he covered Brexit\, the war in Ukraine and its implications in Europe. Before that\, he was based in Shanghai\, Nairobi and Beijing. While in China\, he drove a free taxi for a series on a changing China as seen through the eyes of ordinary people. Langfitt expanded his reporting into a book\, The Shanghai Free Taxi: Journeys with the Hustlers and Rebels of the New China (Public Affairs\, Hachette). Langfitt is a graduate of Princeton and was a Nieman Fellow at Harvard. \n  \n \nAbout the moderator: \nDavid Plazas \nDavid Plazas is the Opinion and Engagement Director for the USA TODAY Network Tennessee. He writes editorials and columns\, edits guest essays and leads opinion strategy for The Tennessean in Nashville\, The Commercial Appeal in Memphis and The News Sentinel in Knoxville. \nHis editorial writing has earned him the Society of Professional Journalists Sigma Delta Chi Award and Bronze Medallion\, multiple Tennessee Press Association first-place awards and a National Headliner Award. He served as a juror for the Pulitzer Prizes in 2023 and 2024\, and he contributed an essay in the book\, “Reinventing Journalism to Strengthen Democracy\,” focusing on his statewide work with The Tennessean’s Civility Tennessee campaign. He is a frequent event moderator and co-emceed The Nashville Mayoral Debates four-part series in 2023. \nPlazas writes two opinion newsletters weekly and hosts the Tennessee Voices video show\, which has produced nearly 400 episodes of conversations with leaders\, thinkers and doers since 2020\, and he delivered a TEDx Talk on having “adult” conversations. \nHe has served on several industry boards and has mentored student and young journalists in formal training programs for a decade and a half. \nA Chicago native\, Plazas holds a B.A. in political science and Spanish and a master’s in journalism from Northwestern University\, and an MBA with a marketing concentration from Florida Gulf Coast University. He previously worked as a reporter\, Spanish-language editor\, community conversations editor and digital engagement editor for The News-Press in Fort Myers\, Florida. \nHe and his family moved to Nashville in 2014. \n  \nRegister Now \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/frank-langfitt-town-hall-april-11-2024/
LOCATION:Belmont University – Barbara Massey Rogers Center Board Room\, 1900 Belmont Blvd.\, Nashville\, TN\, 37212\, United States
CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series,Webinar
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240409T233000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240410T010000
DTSTAMP:20260507T225403
CREATED:20240408T032617Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250428T193254Z
UID:36799-1712705400-1712710800@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:CHINA Town Hall with National Committee on U.S. - China Relations
DESCRIPTION:and\n \n  \nInvite you to attend \n2024 CHINA Town Hall \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCHINA Town Hall (CTH)\, a two-part program that provides a snapshot of the current U.S.-China relationship and examines how that relationship reverberates at the local level – in our towns\, states\, and nation\, connects Americans around the country with U.S. policymakers and thought leaders on China. \nSince CTH began in 2007\, the National Committee has proudly partnered with a range of institutions and civic groups\, colleges and universities\, trade and business associations\, world affairs councils\, and think tanks to convene town halls and bring this important national conversation to local communities around America (and a few overseas). \nThe 2024 CHINA Town Hall program will take place on Tuesday\, April 9\, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET\, with featured speaker Dr. Kurt Campbell\, Deputy Secretary of State. \n  \n\nRegister Now \n  \nSpeaker \nDr. Kurt M. Campbell\n\nDr. Kurt M. Campbell was confirmed by the Senate on February 6\, 2024\, and sworn in as the 22nd Deputy Secretary of State on February 12\, 2024. Prior to assuming this position\, Deputy Secretary Campbell served as Deputy Assistant to the President and Coordinator for Indo-Pacific Affairs on the National Security Council.\n \nHe was previously founding chairman and CEO of The Asia Group\, LLC\, a strategic advisory and capital management group. From 2009 to 2013\, Campbell served as the Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs. Earlier\, he was the CEO and co-founder of the Center for a New American Security and concurrently served as the director of the Aspen Strategy Group and chairman of the Editorial Board of the Washington Quarterly. Among the other positions he has held during his distinguished career\, Campbell served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Affairs\, White House Fellow at the Treasury Department\, and as Director of the Democracy Office at the National Security Council during the Clinton Administration.  \n \nCampbell was an associate professor of public policy at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and served in the U.S. Navy Reserves. He is the author or editor of ten books including The Pivot: The Future of American Statecraft in Asia\, Difficult Transitions: Why Presidents Fail in Foreign Policy at the Outset of Power\, and Hard Power: The New Politics of National Security.  \n \nCampbell received his B.A. from the University of California\, San Diego\, and his doctorate in international relations from Brasenose College at Oxford University where he was a Distinguished Marshall Scholar. He is the recipient of numerous awards\, including the Secretary of State’s Distinguished Service Award.  \n  \n\nRegister Now \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/china-town-hall-with-national-committee-on-u-s-china-relations/
CATEGORIES:Town Hall
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240403T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240403T180000
DTSTAMP:20260507T225403
CREATED:20230829T052327Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250428T191616Z
UID:35523-1712161800-1712167200@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:Webinar | International Careers Panel | April 3\, 2024
DESCRIPTION:The Tennessee World Affairs Council\n\n\nInternational Careers Panel\n\n\n\nvia Zoom\n \n\nWednesday\, April 3\, 2024\n11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. CT\n  \nPANELISTS:  Dr. Sarah F. Gardial\, Louis Fintor\, Penelope Thomas\, Soo Koo\nMODERATOR: Dr. Gretchen Neisler\n  \nDo you wonder what jobs and careers there are in international affairs?  There’s more than you think.  Every Fall and Spring the World Affairs Council assembles diplomats\, business people\, NGO officials\, returned Peace Corps volunteers and more to talk about their experiences and insights and to answer your questions at this very popular panel.  \n\nThe ICP will feature four panelists from different professions sharing hard to come by information on working in multicultural societies. This is a special opportunity to listen to distinguished professionals’ experiences and insights and to discuss: preparation and transition from colleges 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. The panel is aimed for college students\, high school students and young professionals but they’re open to everyone including TNWAC members and partner institutions around Tennessee. \n  \n\nRegister Now \n  \nSARAH FISHER GARDIAL\, PhD\nDean\, Jack C. Massey College of Business \nSarah Fisher Gardial joined Belmont University in 2020 as the first woman Dean in the Massey College of Business. Prior to Belmont\, she was Dean of the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business\, and she held college and campus leadership positions at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville\, including Associate Dean of the Haslam College of Business and Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs. She has had leadership positions in national/international business school associations\, including president of the MBA Roundtable\, and conference chairs for the Graduate Management Admissions Council and the Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business. \nSarah has an extensive background in business and business education. For over 30 years\, she has personally engaged with industry in research\, consulting\, and executive education roles\, as well as creating mutually beneficial partnerships between higher education and industry. Her leadership awards include the Prometheus Leadership Medal (University of Tennessee Center for Educational Leadership)\, Leadership Knoxville\, Women of Achievement in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (Iowa)\, the Iowa Women’s Foundation Tribute to Women and the Corridor Business Journal (Iowa) Woman of Influence. \nSarah has served on public and private for-profit and non-profit governing boards (United Fire Group\, Learning Tree\, GreenState Credit Union\, United Way and the Tennessee Justice Center). In addition\, she is an active public speaker for corporations\, conferences\, women’s leadership events\, and industry associations. She is an outspoken advocate for women in leadership as well as organizational diversity and inclusion. \nSarah and her retired husband\, Jeffrey\, recently traded in their motorcycles for a pontoon boat and lake house where they enjoy time with friends\, family and especially their two grandchildren. \n  \n  \nLOU FINTOR\n\nU.S. Foreign Service (Ret) \nLou is a retired Foreign Service Officer currently serving as the Department of State’s Diplomat-in-Residence for Indiana\, Michigan\, Kentucky\, and Tennessee. He also served in this capacity 2019-2021 following two years as U.S. Embassy spokesperson in Kabul\, Afghanistan – his second tour of duty there. Just prior to retirement he was assigned to Kosovo assisting with the relocation of Afghan evacuees in August and September 2021. \nLou began his State Department career in 2003 as a press officer at the Department’s Washington\, D.C. headquarters. This was followed by assignments as Embassy Spokesperson at U.S. missions in Afghanistan\, Iraq\, Pakistan\, Yemen\, Kosovo and the U.S. Mission to NATO. Prior to the State Department\, he worked as an epidemiologist for 12 years at the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) followed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). He also previously worked for several years as a journalist in the Washington\, D.C. news bureaus of the Los Angeles Times\, The Hartford Courant\, The Detroit News\, and later as a freelance writer for several other local and national publications. He holds an undergraduate degree in journalism from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and graduate degrees in journalism from Washington\, D.C.’s American University and in public health from the University of California\, Berkeley. He completed four years of postgraduate work at McGill University in Montreal\, Canada. He is a Detroit native and graduate of the Detroit’s Cass Technical High School. \n  \nPENELOPE A. THOMAS\nUnited States Agency for International Development\n \nPenelope A. Thomas is a Development Diplomat in Residence for the Office of Human Capital and Talent Management’s Office of External Outreach and Strategic Recruitment (XOSR). Ms. Thomas began her career with USAID in 2002. Prior to joining XOSR\, she served as Supervisory Executive Officer in Pakistan\, Nigeria\, Colombia\, the Dominican Republic\, Jamaica\, Barbados\, Guyana\, Bangladesh\, Mali\, and Egypt. She has also served as Operations Chief in both the Command Center in the Office of Security at USAID/Washington; and the Management Bureau’s Overseas Management Division\, where she was responsible for supervising\, training\, mentoring\, coaching\, and hiring new executive officers. Ms. Thomas has lived and worked abroad since 1979. She was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Gabon\, Central Africa\, from 1989 to 1991; and she has worked with several international development organizations\, including Africare\, and the African Methodist Episcopal Church Service and Development Agency. Ms. Thomas holds two bachelor’s degrees\, one in French and one in Spanish\, from St. Olaf College.  \n  \nSOO KOO \nU.S. Department of State – Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs \nSoo Koo is the Domestic Outreach Coordinator for the Office of Press and Public Diplomacy at the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs in the U.S. Department of State. Her previous role at the Bureau was the Stakeholder Engagement Officer for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) under the Office of Economic Policy\, focusing on public affairs\, public diplomacy\, public-private partnership building\, and outreach in international trade and investment. \nShe previously served as the Communications Director at the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives and the Chief of Staff for Maryland’s First Lady under Maryland Governor Larry Hogan’s Administration from 2019 to 2022. She covered a wide range of assignments in international relations\, international procurement\, media relations\, multimedia marketing\, and more. During the COVID-19 pandemic\, she was involved in the administration’s successful crisis communication and management and anti-hate crime efforts\, as well as serving and mobilizing diverse communities. Her last duty was to initiate the Governor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs\, the first of its kind\, as its Deputy Director by creating a state-wide network of immigrant serving organizations and continuing the anti-hate crime efforts as a key program of the office. \nPrior to this\, as the Executive Director of the International Leadership Foundation\, a national nonprofit headquartered in Washington D.C.\, she placed hundreds of students in federal and congressional internships and trained and consulted thousands of youths\, professionals\, and entrepreneurs. \nIn public service\, politics\, and the nonprofit sector\, she has extensive experience in external affairs; intergovernmental affairs; public relations; public policy and administration; executive support; and community\, stakeholder\, business\, and media engagement at local\, national\, and international levels. \nShe is also specialized in Asian (American) affairs and a frequent speaker and organizer for professional and leadership development and diversity and inclusion. Her commitment was recognized with the President’s Volunteer Service Award Gold in 2016 and an award from the Federal Asian Pacific American Council in 2018. In 2020\, she was selected for the list of the top 40 Asian American and Pacific Islander political operatives and public affairs professionals under 40 by the National Association of Asian Pacifics in Politics and Public Affairs (NAAPPPA). \nAs a County Executive-appointee recommended by a state senator\, she served as a public representative for the Montgomery County Community Development Advisory Committee from 2017 to 2019. She evaluated grant proposals from social service organizations and made recommendations for the County Executive. Since September\, 2022\, she has served as a board member of Maryland Humanities\, the state’s official humanities council. \nIn her spare time\, she engages voters and cultivates a pipeline of emerging leaders in politics and public service. \nSoo received an M.A. in government from Georgetown University with Academic Distinction\, a B.A. in political science from Ewha Women’s University in South Korea\, and executive training at Harvard Kennedy School.  \nShe is fluent in Korean and speaks basic Chinese. \n  \nAbout the moderator: \nDR. GRETCHEN NEISLER\, PHD\nMember of Board of Directors\, Tennessee World Affairs Council; 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. \n\n\n  \nRegister Now\nInternational Career Panel | April 3\, 2024\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/webinar-international-careers-panel-april-3-2024/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240316T210000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240316T233000
DTSTAMP:20260507T225403
CREATED:20240227T020857Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250428T193431Z
UID:36530-1710622800-1710631800@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:Global Eats – A Tour to International Cuisines | Members only
DESCRIPTION:The Tennessee World Affairs Council presents:\nGlobal Eats – A Tour to International Cuisines\nwith guide:  \nAnas Saba\nNashville Hidden Gems \n  \n \n\n\nSaturday\, March 16\, 2024 | 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.\nPlaza Mariachi  – 3955 Nolensville Pike\, Nashville TN\n\n\n  \n\n\nRegister Now\n  \n\n\nJoin us for our popular “Global Eats” excursion through a part of Music City that most tourists\, and even most locals\, don’t get to see! This is an off the beaten path food tour highlighting international cuisines and our immigrant community! We’ll meet at Plaza Mariachi\, located in the heart of Nashville’s International Corridor\, Nolensville Pike. From there experienced food guide Anas Saba will lead the group to a variety of savory and sweet stops\, including the Little Kurdistan area\, the hub of Nashville’s Kurdish community. Cuisines we try may include Uzbek\, Egyptian\, Venezuelan\, Honduran\, Mexican\, and more! \nLocations subject to change. \n\n\n\nAbout our guide: \n\nAnas Saba\nAnas Saba is a Yemeni-American and Nashville native who grew up spending time amongst the diverse international communities of the city. Through his Instagram page\, Nashville Hidden Gems\, he shines a light on mom and pop\, family owned restaurants. He is a Fulbright-García Robles Scholar to Mexico\, a graduate of Belmont University\, and was recently featured in The Tennessean for his work supporting small businesses. \n  \n\n\nInternational Career Panel | April 3\, 2024\n \n\n\n\nRegister Now \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/global-eats-a-tour-to-international-cuisines/
LOCATION:Plaza Mariachi\, 3955 Nolensville Pike\, Nashville\, TN\, 37211\, United States
CATEGORIES:Global Eats
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240314T230000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240315T003000
DTSTAMP:20260507T225403
CREATED:20231213T205220Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250428T193348Z
UID:36179-1710457200-1710462600@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:Lt.Gen. Lawrence Nicholson | Town Hall | China and U.S. Interests in the Indo Pacific | Mar 14
DESCRIPTION:Register Now \n \nAND\n \nPRESENT\n\n\nDISTINGUISHED VISITING SPEAKER PROGRAM GLOBAL TOWN HALL \nIn Person \nChina and U.S. Interests in the Indo Pacific\n\nLt. Gen. Lawrence Nicholson\, USMC (Ret)\nat \n\n\n\n\nBelmont University\nBarbara Massey Rogers Center Board Room\, 1900 Belmont Blvd.\, Nashville \nThursday\, March 14\, 2024\n5:30 Registration and Networking6:00-7:30 Program \n\n\nThe global security situation today is increasingly reminiscent of the late 1930s. Significant threats and instability in both Asia and Europe are poised to challenge an increasingly unstable world order. American politics are once again shifting and leaning towards an internal looking isolationist focus. The worlds crises and challenges are increasingly seen as “not our problem”. Today\, the United States and its allies are in a competition of ideas and ideals with authoritarian regimes around the world. Democracy is messy\, but while we sort ourselves out in an election year\, our adversaries and those who wish us harm are not resting. We will review the global security challenges facing the United States in its allies\, with a focus on but not exclusive to the INDOPACOM region. \n  \n\n\nGlobal Town Hall | Lt. Gen. Lawrence Nicholson | Mar 14\n\n \n\n\n\nAbout Lt.Gen. Lawrence Nicholson \n\nLieutenant General (ret.) Lawrence Nicholson served as the Commanding General of III Marine Expeditionary Force\, leading 30\,000 Marines and Sailors in the Asia-Pacific region\, from 2015 to 2018. \nGraduating from The Citadel in 1979\, Lieutenant General Nicholson served as an infantry officer in the First Marine Division\, Camp Pendleton\, California\, where he commanded and deployed to the Western Pacific\, leading multiple platoons and rifle companies. From 1990 to 1993\, Nicholson was assigned to the staff of US Naval Academy. Following a year at the US Army Command and General Staff College\, where he earned a Master’s Degree\, he was assigned to the Middle East as a United Nations Observer for UNTSOPalestine. In 1995\, he reported to Camp Lejeune\, NC\, as the Executive Officer of the Wolfpack of 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion\, and in 1998\, assumed command of the Warlords of 2nd BN 2nd MAR where they deployed as part of 26th MEU to the Balkans. \nUpon graduation from the NATO Defense College in Rome\, Italy in 2002\, he was assigned to NATO HQ in Brussels\, Belgium\, where he served as the Ground Forces Planner for the US Military Delegation to NATO. In July 2004\, he reported to the 1st Marine Division HQ at Camp Blue Diamond\, Ramadi\, Iraq\, where he served as the Division G-3. In July of 2005\, he assumed command of the 5th Marine Regiment and deployed with them to Fallujah\, Iraq from January 2006 to February 2007. From January 2009 through June 2010\, he served as the Commanding General of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade\, Task Force Leatherneck\, deploying with them for a year to southern Afghanistan. \nUpon return from this combat tour\, he was assigned as the Senior Military Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Defense in Washington\, D.C.\, from July 2010 to February 2012. In February of 2012\, Nicholson returned to Afghanistan for a year serving as the Operations Officer for the ISAF Joint Command in Kabul\, Afghanistan. General Nicholson then assumed the duties as Commanding General\, 1st Marine Division in 2013. He is currently a member of the Tennessee World Affairs Council’s Advisory Board.  \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/lt-gen-lawrence-nicholson-town-hall-china-and-u-s-interests-in-the-indo-pacific-mar-14/
CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series,Town Hall
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240301T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240301T210000
DTSTAMP:20260507T225403
CREATED:20240220T012705Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250428T193727Z
UID:36475-1709323200-1709326800@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:Global Nashville with Karl Dean | March 1\, 2024
DESCRIPTION:The Tennessee World Affairs Council presents:\nGlobal Nashville with Karl Dean: \nConversation with  \nDr. Sarah Gardial\nDean\, Belmont University \nMassey School of Business\n  \n \n\n\nFriday\, March 1\, 2024\n2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.\n\n\n  \n\n\nRegister Now\n\n\n  \n\nAbout the Speaker: \n\nSarah Fisher Gardial\, PhD\nDean\, Jack C. Massey College of Business \nSarah Fisher Gardial joined Belmont University in 2020 as the first woman Dean in the Massey College of Business. Prior to Belmont\, she was Dean of the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business\, and she held college and campus leadership positions at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville\, including Associate Dean of the Haslam College of Business and Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs. She has had leadership positions in national/international business school associations\, including president of the MBA Roundtable\, and conference chairs for the Graduate Management Admissions Council and the Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business. \nSarah has an extensive background in business and business education. For over 30 years\, she has personally engaged with industry in research\, consulting\, and executive education roles\, as well as creating mutually beneficial partnerships between higher education and industry. Her leadership awards include the Prometheus Leadership Medal (University of Tennessee Center for Educational Leadership)\, Leadership Knoxville\, Women of Achievement in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (Iowa)\, the Iowa Women’s Foundation Tribute to Women and the Corridor Business Journal (Iowa) Woman of Influence. \nSarah has served on public and private for-profit and non-profit governing boards (United Fire Group\, Learning Tree\, GreenState Credit Union\, United Way and the Tennessee Justice Center). In addition\, she is an active public speaker for corporations\, conferences\, women’s leadership events\, and industry associations. She is an outspoken advocate for women in leadership as well as organizational diversity and inclusion. \nSarah and her retired husband\, Jeffrey\, recently traded in their motorcycles for a pontoon boat and lake house where they enjoy time with friends\, family and especially their two grandchildren. \n  \nAbout the Moderator: \nHon. Karl Dean\nKarl Dean served as the sixth Mayor of Nashville and Davidson County.  He was elected in 2007 and re-elected in 2011. \nDean 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. \nKarl Dean has taught at Vanderbilt Law School\, Belmont University and Boston University. \n  \n\n\nInternational Career Panel | April 3\, 2024\n \n\n\n\nRegister Now \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/global-nashville-with-karl-dean-march-1-2024/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Webinar
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240221T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240221T190000
DTSTAMP:20260507T225403
CREATED:20240205T023554Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250428T191959Z
UID:36396-1708538400-1708542000@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:Webinar | Election Year: Foreign Policy and American Domestic Politics
DESCRIPTION:The Tennessee World Affairs Council \nGlobal Dialogue\nVia Zoom\n2024 Election Year: Foreign Policy and American Domestic Politics\n \nDr. Thomas A. Schwartz\nModerator \n \nDr. Breck Walker\nWednesday\, February 21\, 2024 \n12:00 – 1:00 p.m. CST\n  \nAt the water’s edge?: Domestic Politics and Foreign Policy in an Election Year\n\nAt the beginning of the Cold War\, Republican Senator Arthur Vandenberg announced his support for Democratic President Harry Truman’s Marshall Plan for Europe by proclaiming that “Politics stops at the water’s edge.”  In more recent times\, however\, American domestic politics appears to have had a strong effect on foreign policy\, particularly in election years.  In this webinar\, we will discuss the potential impact of America’s election year politics on the important issues of foreign policy\, including the Middle East\, Ukraine\, and China.\n\n\n\n\nInternational Career Panel | April 3\, 2024\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister Now\n\n\n  \nAbout the Speaker: \n \nDr. THOMAS ALAN SCHWARTZ\nThomas Alan Schwartz is the Distinguished Professor of History and Professor of Political Science and European Studies at Vanderbilt University. Originally from Rochester\, New York\, he studied at Columbia and Oxford Universities\, and completed his doctoral dissertation at Harvard University under the supervision of Professor Ernest R. May and Professor Charles Maier.  \nHe is the author of the books America’s Germany: John J. McCloy and the Federal Republic of Germany (Harvard University Press) and Lyndon Johnson and Europe: In the Shadow of Vietnam\, also Harvard University Press. He was the co-editor with Matthias Schulz of The Strained Alliance: US-European Relations in the 1970s\, (Cambridge University Press). His most recent book is Henry Kissinger and American Power: A Political Biography\, published by Hill and Wang in 2020. He is the recipient of fellowships from the Social Science Research Council\, the German Historical Institute\, the Woodrow Wilson Center\, and the Nobel Institute. He served on the Historical Advisory Committee of the Department of State and was the President of the Society of Historians of American Foreign Relations. \n\n\n  \n\n \nAbout the Moderator: \nDr. Breck Walker\, PhD\nMember of the Board\, Tennessee World Affairs Council \n\n\n\nBreck Walker received his PhD in Diplomatic History from Vanderbilt in 2007. His dissertation was on the foreign policy of the Carter administration. He taught at Sewanee\, the University of the South\, 2007-2012\, and on the University of Virginia’s Semester at Sea Program in Spring 2013 and Fall 2015. He worked as a historian in the Historical Office of the Office of Secretary of Defense 2013-2016\, researching and writing a book on early Pentagon cyber policy. Prior to becoming a history professor\, Breck worked for twenty years as an investment banker\, the last ten as co-head of the Corporate Finance Group at J.C. Bradford & Co in Nashville. He has an undergraduate degree from the University of Texas\, and J.D. and M.B.A. degrees from Stanford University. Breck serves as a Member of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee World Affairs Council. \n\n\n\n\n\n  \nInternational Career Panel | April 3\, 2024\n \n\n\n\nRegister Now \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/webinar-election-year-foreign-policy-and-american-domestic-politics/
CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series,Global Nashville,Webinar
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240219T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240219T173000
DTSTAMP:20260507T225403
CREATED:20240204T173701Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250428T191959Z
UID:36370-1708360200-1708363800@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:Webinar | A Conversation on Russia’s Attack on Ukraine and the Future of U.S.-Ukrainian Relations
DESCRIPTION:The Tennessee World Affairs Council is proud to support:\n \nA Conversation on Russia’s Attack on Ukraine and the Future of U.S. – Ukrainian Relations featuring \nHer Excellency Oksana Markarova\, \nAmbassador of Ukraine to the United States \n\n\n\nMonday\, February 19\, 2024 \n10:30 – 11:30 am CST\nRegister Now\n\n  \nAbout the Speaker: \nOksana Markarova\, Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States  \nOksana Markarova was appointed the Ukraine’s Ambassador to the USA and arrived in DC on Apr 20\, 2021. She served in Ukraine’s Ministry of Finance in 2015-2020 as First deputy Minister and Government commissioner on investments and then since 2018 as a Minister of Finance. During her time at the Ministry she was a co-author of Ukraine’s macroeconomic revival program\, has conducted unprecedented fiscal consolidation leading to deficit to GDP of 2% and debt to GDP reduction to below 50%\, introduced midterm budgeting\, gender oriented budgeting as well as negotiated\, structured and coordinated successfully two IMF programs and other IFI cooperation programs. During her tenure she and her team has also created UkraineInvest government promotion agency\, Ukrainian Startup fund and an eData ecosystem of government public finance portals including spending.gov.ua\, openbudget.gov.ua and analytical instrument BOOST\, which opened the majority of the public finance data to the public and increased Ukraine in all major international data transparency ratings. \nPrior to career in public service Mrs. Markarova spent 17 years working in private equity and financial advisory having leadership roles in ITT investment group\, Western NIS Enterprise Fund\, Chemonics and and World bank\, as well as founded Archidata startup electronic archive company in between service positions in 2020. \nOksana Markarova serves at the Boards of UkraineHouse DC foundation in Washington DC\, Kyiv-Mohyla Academy\, Ukrainian Development Foundation and supports Ukrainian Catholic University and Ukrainian Press Museum-Archive. \nShe holds BS and MS degrees in Environmental Science from Kyiv-Mohyla Academy in Ukraine and MPA in public finance from Indiana University with academic excellency and best international student awards. \n\nInternational Career Panel | April 3\, 2024\n \n\n\n\nRegister Now \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/webinar-a-conversation-on-russias-attack-on-ukraine-and-the-future-of-u-s-ukrainian-relations/
CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series,Webinar
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240124T003000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240124T013000
DTSTAMP:20260507T225403
CREATED:20231212T040055Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250428T193348Z
UID:36157-1706056200-1706059800@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:Ambassador Charles Ray | Town Hall | American Diplomacy | Jan 23
DESCRIPTION:TO SPONSOR AMBASSADOR RAY’S PROGRAMS IN NASHVILLE CONTACT EXECUTIVEDIRECTOR@TNWAC.ORG \n  \nRegister Now \n \nAND\n \nPRESENT\n\n\nDISTINGUISHED VISITING SPEAKER GLOBAL TOWN HALL\nBlueprints for a More Modern US Diplomatic Service\n\nAmbassador Charles Ray\nU.S. Foreign Service (Retired)\, Chair\, Africa Program and Trustee\, Foreign Policy Research Instittute & Former U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia and Zimbabwe\n\n\n\n\nTuesday\, January 23\, 2024\nBELMONT UNIVERSITY \nBarbara Massey Rogers Center Board Room\, 1900 Belmont Blvd.\, Nashville \n6:00 Registration and Networking\n6:30-7:30 Program \nYou’re Invited to Sponsor Ambassador Ray’s Visit – Contact Dr. Liane Hentschke (executivedirector@TNWAC.org) \nGlobal Town Hall | Ambassador Charles Ray | Jan 23\n \nIn Association With \n \n\n\nBackground \n\nThe report Blueprints for a More Modern US Diplomatic Service makes important and often new recommendations to improve serious weaknesses of US diplomacy\, including division of responsibility\, lack of ability to respond with agility to crisis\, and limitations in continuing professional education so essential and required of other professions like law\, teaching\, and the military.  The report\, managed by Arizona State University (ASU) and funded by the Una Chapman Cox Foundation provides detailed recommendations and costs.  The Academy is now undertaking consultations with Congress and the State Department to seek implementation of the report’s recommendations.  Members of Congress are addressing the issue as Senators Bill Hagerty and Ben Cardin did recently at Meridian House. As part of this effort\, the Academy wants to broaden the public discussion of diplomacy and the need for change. \n\nAbout Ambassador Charles Ray \nCharles Ray retired from the US Foreign Service in 2012 after a 30-year career. Prior to joining the Foreign Service\, he spent 20 years in the US Army\, retiring with the rank of Major. During his army career\, he did two tours in Vietnam\, served in Military Intelligence\, Special Operations and Public Affairs\, with assignments in Germany\, Korea\, Vietnam\, and Panama\, as well as several posts in the United States. \nDuring his 30 years in the Foreign Service\, he was posted to China\, Thailand\, Sierra Leona\, Vietnam\, Cambodia and Zimbabwe. He served as deputy chief of mission in Sierra Leone\, was the first US consul general in Ho Chi Minh City\, Vietnam\, and served as ambassador to Cambodia and Zimbabwe. In 2005\, he was diplomat in residence at the University of Houston (TX)\, and from 2006 to 2009 served as deputy assistant secretary of defense for POW/Missing Personnel Affairs and director of the Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office. \nSince his retirement from public service in 2012\, he has been a fulltime freelance writer\, lecturer and consultant\, and has done research on leadership and ethics. He is the author of more than 200 books of fiction and nonfiction. His book Ethical Dilemmas and the Practice of Diplomacy addresses the gray area of conflicting values in the diplomatic service. Ray is a trustee and chair of the Africa Program of the Foreign Policy Research Institute. He is a frequent contributor to several online news sites and is an avid photographer and artist whose work has  ppeared in a number of publications. \nHe is a member of AFSA\, the Washington Institute of Foreign Affairs\, the American College of National Security Leaders\, the Association of Black American Ambassadors\, the American Academy of Diplomacy\, and a member of the board of the Cold War Museum. \nHe has a B.S. in business administration from Benedictine College\, Atchison\, KS\, an M.S. in systems management from the University of Southern California\, and an M.S. in national security strategy from the National War College\, National Defense University. In 2001\, he received the Thomas Jefferson Award from American citizens Abroad (ACA) for his work in support of American business in southern Vietnam and in 2009 he was awarded the Secretary of Defense Medal for Meritorious Civilian Service. \n\nBackground on the American Academy of Diplomacy \nNow in its 40th year\, the Academy is a private\, non-profit\, non-partisan association of over 350 elected members whose distinguished careers have served to promote\, strengthen\, and advance U.S. diplomacy across a wide range of global issues. The Academy’s mission is to support and strengthen U.S. diplomacy and enhance public appreciation of its critical role in advancing the national interest. In pursuit of its goals\, the Academy supports programs that help current and future diplomats and others respond to a world undergoing change\, highlights past achievements and future opportunities for U.S. diplomacy\, advocates for the resources needed to conduct an effective foreign policy\, and fosters constructive debate on the best use of U.S. diplomatic assets. \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/ambassador-charles-ray-american-diplomacy-jan-23/
CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series,Town Hall
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240120T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240120T013000
DTSTAMP:20260507T225403
CREATED:20240111T011606Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250218T173951Z
UID:36312-1705708800-1705714200@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:Town Hall | Ambassador Rafaela | Jan 19 TEST DO NOT SEND
DESCRIPTION:Register Now \n \nAND\n \nPRESENT\n\n\nDISTINGUISHED VISITING SPEAKER PROGRAM GLOBAL TOWN HALL \nIn Person \nWhat I Like About Nashville\n \nAmbassador Rafaela\nat \n\n\n\n\nBelmont University\nBarbara Massey Rogers Center Board Room\, 1900 Belmont Blvd.\, Nashville \nFriday\, January 19\, 2024\n6:00 Registration and Networking\n6:30-7:30 Program \nGlobal Town Hall | Lt. Gen. Lawrence Nicholson | Mar 14\n\n \n\n\nGlobal Town Hall | Ambassador Rafaela | Jan 19\n \n\n  \nAbout Rafaela \n\nXXXXX \nXXXXX \nXXXXX \nXXXXX \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/town-hall-ambassador-rafaela-jan-19-test-do-not-send-2/
CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series,Town Hall
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20231130T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20231130T190000
DTSTAMP:20260507T225403
CREATED:20230823T050821Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250428T191959Z
UID:35421-1701367200-1701370800@www.tnwac.org
SUMMARY:Webinar | Open A.I.: Data Access and Risks | Paul Maguire | Nov 30
DESCRIPTION:Register Now \n \nREGISTER TODAY\nThe Tennessee World Affairs Council\n\n\nGLOBAL DIALOGUE \nvia Zoom\nOpen A.I.: Data Access & Risks\n\n\n\n\n \nPaul Maguire\nEntrepreneur\, Investor and Founding President and CEO of Knowmadics \nThursday\, November 30\, 2023\n12:00-1:00 CT\n\nDistinguished entrepreneur\, inventor and founder and CEO of Knowmadics talks about A.I. and dual issues of democratization of data and access through these open source AI models and the risk open source AI models pose because in the wrong hands they are sufficient enough to defeat a number of systems to create mischief. \n  \n<a href=”https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/FhVZUltlI7Sx-twWd8yN_Q”>A.I.: Man Out of the Loop | Paul Maguire | Nov 8</a><br />\n \n\n\nAbout Paul Maguire \nPaul Maguire is CEO and Co-Founder of Knowmadics\, Inc\, an innovative solutions provider. A serial entrepreneur\, Mr. Maguire co-founded Knowmadics with Claire Ostrum in 2013\, where he continues his track record of growing small businesses to successful acquisition. Prior to Knowmadics\, Mr. Maguire served as President of Ultra Electronics ProLogic\, where he managed the integration of small government IT contractor ProLogic following its 2008 acquisition by Ultra Electronics\, as well as two other acquisitions worth a combined $128M. He had earlier served as ProLogic’s Vice President of Business Development and Strategy\, driving the company’s growth from $1.7 million to $50 million+ over seven years\, and ultimately leading to its acquisition.  \nMr. Maguire previously worked at Autometric as a project\, program\, and product line manager with both P&L management and sales target responsibilities. His product led Autometric’s 33% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over seven years\, which led to Autometric being acquired by the Boeing Company in 2000. Mr. Maguire has more than 12 years of Board experience\, and currently sits on the Boards of Knowmadics and professional services firm Markon Solutions. He frequently speaks as a subject matter expert on the uses of commercial technology at the United States Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security events\, and at international conferences on Security and Counter Terrorism. Mr. Maguire holds multiple patents and is the principal author of two U.S. Military Remote Sensing User Guides for Multi-spectral Imagery. He also served for eight years in the U.S. Navy\, including as an Iraqi Analyst during Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield. \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/webinar-a-i-man-out-of-the-loop-paul-maguire-nov-8/
CATEGORIES:Distinguished Speaker Series,Webinar
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