This Week

Thirteen million Venezuelans are about to arrive in American cities to be absorbed as refugees from a failing authoritarian nation. What would the social and political implications be?

That’s what has happened, proportionally, in Colombia. The nation of 50 million is taking in two million of its “Siamese Brothers,” as Ambassador to the U.S. Juan Carlos Pinzón refers to the men, women and children flooding the country. As we learned in our conversation with the Ambassador last week, despite a modest economic situation and a struggle against Covid like the rest of the world, Colombia is offering Temporary Protective Status to Venezuelan refugees. Moreover, it is ready to welcome 4,000 refugees from the Afghanistan collapse as well. 

I learned much about Colombia-US relations — approaching the 200th anniversary — issues in the region and the bridges built between our people, in the interview with Ambassador Pinzón. You should watch the program [here] or listen to the Podcast version, wherever you get “Global Tennessee” Pods. Time well spent.

Speaking of Ambassadors. We are honored to be hosting Ambassador of Japan to the United States Koji Tomita and Mrs. Noriko Tomita. Join us on November 2nd to welcome the Ambassador at our Global Town Hall at beautiful Belmont University. Dr. Breck Walker will host the conversation about Japan-US relations, strategic security issues in East Asia, the impact of Japanese investment in Tennessee and the close connections between our people. Register today for the Global Town Hall [Register]

Lastly, let me share with you that the Tennessee World Affairs Council has been selected as Council of the Month for October 2021 by the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA). As you may know TNWAC, an independent, nonpartisan, educational association, is a member of the 90+ network of Councils around America that share the mission to bring global affairs awareness programs to our communities and schools. Everyone who contributes to our work — Board Members, staff volunteers, members and donors — should be congratulated on the occasion of this honor.

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

Sincerely,

MARK THE CALENDAR

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

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

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

BUSINESSES… limited sponsorships available. [Details]

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

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

CHINA TOWN HALL: LOCAL CONNECTIONS, NATIONAL REFLECTIONS

This year’s China Town Hall on October 19th will feature Fareed Zakaria, CNN host and author, in a national broadcast that will be part of our TNWAC program. Time change: at 5:00pm vice 5:30pm, Professor Thomas Schwartz, John Scannapieco and Jeremy Goldkorn will share their expertise on U.S. foreign policy, commercial relations and current developments. Join us for this exceptional virtual deep dive into U.S.-China relations. [Registration Link]

BELMONT PRESIDENT JONES TALKS WITH “GLOBAL NASHVILLE”

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

ACADEMIC WORLDQUEST

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

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

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

COVID-19 IN-PERSON PROGRAMS AND EVENTS POLICY

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

VOLUNTEERS

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

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