This Week

“What is the situation right now?” That was the rhetorical question Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Annie Pforzheimer shared with our Dr. Breck Walker when describing America’s challenge in Afghanistan for our Election 2020 series last fall [here]. “There is rampant corruption. That weakens the government’s negotiating power against the Taliban which has a ferociously unified front. And shocking levels of violence continue because the Taliban hasn’t given up its play, which is military takeover.”

Fast forward. What is the situation in August 2021? Kabul has fallen. The Ghani government has fled and Americans are horrified by the chaos and violence erupting in Taliban controlled Afghanistan. We continue to bring you specialists with analysis and insights on global affairs. This week we talked with Professor David Des Roches of the Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies, himself a retired U.S. Army Colonel with Ranger combat experience in the country. You can hear the conversation I had with him [here] in our new Global Dialogue+ series. Look for more from your World Affairs Council on Afghanistan.

We launched the Global Dialogue+ effort (brief conversations with specialists and insiders) last week in my conversation with Lisset Diaz, lead singer of the “Sweet Lizzy Project,” a Havanna born group that migrated to Nashville. Lisset candidly shared her passion for the people of Cuba, the eruption of protests on the island and the fear of the Communist Party crackdown. Listen [here].

Meanwhile, it’s getting into busy season at the World Affairs Council. We have many opportunities for you to be involved and informed in global education programs. We hoped to have a clear path ahead for a return to in-person programs. That includes plans for a “Global Eats” trip — our popular “Members Benefit” event at a local international restaurant with a speaker. However, the rapid spread of the Delta variant of the coronavirus has some plans on hold. So we’ll be flexible in programming — exercising caution to keep you safe — but we’ll be keeping you up to date through our Webinar series in any case.

Speaking of Webinars, we’ve got a terrific program tonight (Tuesday, Aug 17). Former Tennessee Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matt Kisber will guest-host our “Global Nashville with Karl Dean” program while the Mayor is away. You’ll remember they spoke in an earlier “Global Tennessee” [here]. Tonight Kisber will talk with his old boss Governor Phil Bredesen about the Japan-Tennessee commercial relationship and the impact on Japanese business investment in the state. Don’t miss it! [Register]

There’s more ahead — a panel on causes and consequences of global migration, a visit to Nashville that we’re hosting of the Ambassador of Japan to the United States in early November and more. 

So, stay connected. Give our JOIN page a whirl and DROP some coins in the bucket so we can keep the lights on.

Wishes for a safe and prosperous week.

Sincerely,

MARK THE CALENDAR

GOVERNOR BREDESEN | JAPAN-TENNESSEE COMMECIAL RELATIONS | TODAY | AUG 17

TNWAC President Patrick Ryan will introduce tonight’s “Global Nashville” program. Tuesday, 7:00pm CT. Former TN Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matt Kisber will guest host and talk with Governor Phil Bredesen about the impact of Tennessee-Japan commerce and the Japanese direct investment in the state. Join us for this free and important program. [Register]

STUDENTS AND YOUNG PROFESSIONALS | INTERNATIONAL CAREERS

Mark you calendar for the fall 2021 sessions of our International Careers Panels. As we did in the spring we’ll have two panels, both via Webinar. On October 6th we’ll host a panel of specialists from a variety of international professions, such as diplomacy, business, NGOs, Peace Corps, legal, academic and military. Three weeks later, on October 27, join us again for a conversation with a panel focused on a singular global affairs occupation field. Details soon.

ACADEMIC WORLDQUEST

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

UNDERGRAD STUDENTS | SCHOLARSHIP TO OUR NATIONAL CONFERENCE

The World Affairs Councils of America is excited to welcome all of you to the WACA 2021 National Conference this November 16-19 in Washington, DC, where we will celebrate our 35th Anniversary as a national association!  For nearly four decades, the WACA National Conference has brought World Affairs Council leaders and members to engage with top government officials, diplomats, business executives, innovators, journalists, educators, and students on the most pressing global issues and policy choices that impact our lives. Deadline: September 10 [Details/Apply]

VOLUNTEERS

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

COMPETING FOR THE FUTURE

Your World Affairs Council is pleased to be a partner with the Connecticut World Affairs Council in offering the 2021 Global Security Forum: Competing for the Future, coming to you on October 1-2, 2021. At this forum generals, experts, and foreign leaders will convene to address the most critical global security issues of today and the opportunities of tomorrow. Learn more about the GSF and register for this terrific opportunity.  HERE.

YOU SHOULD SPONSOR THESE PROGRAMS