2022 World Affairs Council of the Year
Network of Independent World Affairs Councils of America
If you like what your World Affairs Council is doing for your community it’s time to join and donate to keep it going.
Welcome
Program | Brexit and the U.S. Economy
Film Screening: “America’s Diplomats”
Program | Iran Project Panel
“What in the World?” Weekly Quiz
Program | The United Nations in an Uncertain World
Program | China-US Relations
Travel The World
Global IQ Podcasts
Council Programs in the Media
On the Map
Book of the Week
THESE THINGS WE DO ARE POSSIBLY ONLY THROUGH YOUR SUPPORT. THANKS!
WELCOME TO WEEKLY NEWS
To Know the World.
That’s the purpose of the Tennessee World Affairs Council. We are one of 95 similarly organized nonpartisan councils around the country — all independent — that form the largest grassroots global awareness affairs effort in the world. We share the same goals of delivering public and school programs that help people, especially students, develop a better understanding of the important international issues that affect their lives and futures.
We welcome you as a member and as a contributor to our work.
Did you know you can keep up with current international affairs news by following @TNWAC #TNWACquiz
PROGRAM | BREXIT AND THE U.S. ECONOMY: WHAT TO EXPECT
When voters in the United Kingdom shocked themselves and other Europeans this summer with the choice to exit their decades old political and economic union, it caused a wave in currency and stock exchanges around the world as well as toppling the British prime minister. The markets have largely settled out after the surprising prospect of a looming tectonic shift in EU dynamics but the implications are yet to be fully understood. A distinguished panel of specialists will take up the questions of Brexit and the U.S. economy at a special presentation on August 16th at the Nashville Chamber of Commerce in an event presented by the International Business Council, the Tennessee World Affairs Council, and the Center for International Business at Belmont. Details
PROGRAM | TALK WITH THE AUTHOR | “CROSS EXAMINING HISTORY”
Join us and members of World Affairs Councils from around the country on August 9th for a teleconference conversation with author Talmage Boston as we explore “Cross Examining History.” Boston delivers answers questions with many of today’s most renowned presidential historians, and some esteemed high-level Oval Office insiders. The results expand our awareness far beyond book learning and increase our knowledge of the most important aspects in our presidents’ lives. This teleconference with the author is open to all and is one more benefit of membership in your World Affairs Council and our membership in the national network of the World Affairs Councils of America. [Details]
If you like what your World Affairs Council is doing for your community it’s time to join and donate to keep it going.
PROGRAM | FILM SCREENING: AMERICA’S DIPLOMATS
Join us Sep 7th for this special evening of viewing an insightful documentary about the men and women who are at the front of U.S. diplomacy around the world along with pre- and post-screening commentary and Q&A with two of those professionals who have done the tough work for America: Amb Charles Bowers and Amb Ron Schlicher. We’ll see you at Belmont University on Sep 7th. Information, film trailer and registration at Details
PROGRAM | IRAN PROJECT PANEL
Join the Tennessee World Affairs Council and Belmont University, in association with the Iran Project, at a Sep 19th town hall conversation with distinguished American Ambassador Thomas R. Pickering and David Plazas, The Tennessean’s Opinion Engagement Editor, on the topic: “The Iran Nuclear Deal: Propsects for Cooperation, Competition and Confrontation.” Information and registration at Details
“WHAT IN THE WORLD?” WEEKLY QUIZ
The World Affairs Council created the “What in the World?” Weekly Quiz to inspire interest in current affairs for our members and guests, and especially for students. Every Monday morning the quiz is posted on the Web site, on Facebook and distributed by email (to the “Quiz” sublist). Later in the week a followup is published to provide quiz answers and name the winners of the weekly quiz. At the end of the month a prize is given to one of the winners of the quizzes for the month. The quiz also serves as a resource for students and teacher-coaches participating in Academic WorldQuest and other educational endeavors. It provides a tool to keep students engaged in global affairs awareness and serves as a guide and source for the AWQ competition current event topic area. The questions on the quiz are drawn from the news reports shared on the @TNWAC Twitter feed marked by #TNWACquiz. Details
PROGRAM | UNITED NATIONS IN AN UNCERTAIN WORLD
You’re invited to the Nashville Chapter of the United Nations Association summer luncheon and lecture with Ambassador John Kornblum talking about “The Role of the UN in an Uncertain World.” It is set for August 27th at the Belle Meade United Methodist Church. Before entering the private sector, Ambassador Kornblum was a member of the United States Foreign Service for more than 35 years. He has lived with his family in Berlin and in Nashville, TN since completing his assignment as American Ambassador to Germany in 2003. Registration required by August 22nd. [Details]
PROGRAM | CHINA-US RELATIONS | NATIONAL WEBCAST-LOCAL PANEL
China’s rapid development and Sino-American relations have a direct impact on the lives of just about everyone in the United States. “CHINA Town Hall: Local Connections, National Reflections,” is a national day of programming designed to provide Americans across the United States and beyond the opportunity to discuss issues in the relationship with leading experts. Join us at Belmont University on Oct 18, 2016 for a national webcast with former Secretary of State Dr. Henry A. Kissinger followed by an in-house panel of specialists. [Details]
If you like what your World Affairs Council is doing for your community it’s time to join and donate to keep it going.
WORLD AFFAIRS NATIONAL CONFERENCE | WASHINGTON | NOV 16-18
You’re invited to the flagship conference for the network of America’s World Affairs Councils. Participate in conference panels, think tank visits and embassy receptions at the premier annual event of the world’s largest grassroots community devoted to education on world affairs. Special programs available for “1918 Society” members at the Pentagon and CIA. Save $100 by being a TN WAC member. [Details]
A NETWORK WITH BENEFITS – TRAVEL THE WORLD
Engage with the world through the World Affairs Councils travel program. As part of the Councils network TNWAC members have special access to special travel opportunities. TIME SENSITIVE OPPORTUNITY – CUBA CRUISE BY LAND & SEA. Cruise for six nights aboard the 49-guest M.Y. Le Ponant and three night stay in Havana. See Old Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad and the Viñales Valley. Interact with local experts and immerse yourself in Cuba’s history, culture and daily life. Must book by August 3rd. Details
A NETWORK WITH BENEFITS – GLOBAL IQ PODCASTS
The World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is pleased to share its Global I.Q. Minute podcast series featuring Kyle Kondik, managing editor of Sabato’s Crystal Ball and the author of The Bellwether: Why Ohio Picks the President. Council President and CEO Jim Falk and Mr. Kondik discussed last month’s 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Listen to the podcast. [Details]
A NETWORK WITH BENEFITS – COUNCIL PROGRAMS IN THE MEDIA
World Affairs Council of Connecticut
World Affairs Council of Kentucky and Southern Indiana
What Major National Security Challenges Await the Next President? — 89.3 WFPL
What Major National Security Challenges Await the Next President? — 89.3 WFPL
World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh
What’s up with the World?: Briefing Presidential Candidates — A biweekly video program launched by the Council and the Global Studies Center, University of Pittsburgh
THESE THINGS WE DO ARE POSSIBLY ONLY THROUGH YOUR SUPPORT. THANKS!
ON THE MAP
Aug 9 – Talk to the Author – Talmage Boston – “Cross-Examining History: A Lawyer Gets Answers from the Experts about our Presidents” – Teleconference [DETAILS] Aug 16 – Business Breakfast Panel – “Brexit and the U.S. Economy: What to Expect?” – Nashville Chamber of Commerce [DETAILS] Sep 7 – Film Screening – “America’s Diplomats” with host Amb Dick Bowers – Belmont [DETAILS] Sep 19 – Town Hall – “The Iran Nuclear Deal: Prospects for Cooperation, Competition and Confrontation – Amb Thomas R. Pickering – Belmont [DETAILS] Oct 18 – Town Hall – China: Local Connections, National Reflections – National webcast and local panel – Dr. Henry A. Kissinger – Belmont [DETAILS] Nov 16-18 – National Conference – The World Affairs Councils of America National Conference in Washington DC. Held annually for over two decades, the World Affairs Councils of America’s National Conference engages our regional leaders and members drawn from the business, civic, and education communities with leading policy-makers and experts. [DETAILS]
BOOK OF THE WEEK
The Rise and Fall of Nations: Forces of Change in the Post-Crisis World
by Ruchir Sharma
Editorial Reviews
“Filled with amazing data. . . fascinating insights and revealing anecdotes, this is quite simply the best guide to the global economy today. Whether you are an observer or an investor, you cannot afford to ignore it.” (Fareed Zakaria)
“For insights into the forces operating in our world today, The Rise and Fall of Nations is a stimulating and useful guide.” (Financial Times)
“What determines whether countries succeed or fail? That’s the big question Ruchir Sharma sets out to answer in The Rise and Fall of Nations. . . . Sharma’s mission is as ambitious as it is well-executed. A mix of humble pragmatism and daring decisiveness make his tips compelling and credible. . . . The author backs up each of the rules with a combination of hard facts and colourful anecdotes gathered on his travels. . . . Sharma’s tried and tested tenets and eloquent delivery will reward anyone hoping to understand what determines the fickle fortunes of nations.” (Katrina Hamlin – Reuters)
“In this lively and informative book, Sharma explains his system of 10 rules for identifying economies with good potential. Among the striking conclusions is his bearishness about China, largely because of its huge and growing indebtedness.” (Martin Wolf – Financial Times)
“Entertaining, acute and disarmingly honest. . . . [Sharma] has a knack for sharp comparisons between countries. Australia’s history of high immigration is contrasted with Japan’s insularity. . . . He is pithy, too. In countries with rotten financial systems, ‘a shake-up of banking is a shake-up of society.’ . . . Mr. Sharma’s book is a fine guide to the great emerging market boom and bust.” (The Economist)
“Compelling. . . a success. . . . The local insight adds color, while the data reassures us that his analysis is underpinned by more than a series of conversations with taxi drivers. . . . Much more than an investment primer. The issues he deals with, from growth to inequality, are of much broader interest. . . . This does not necessarily mean he will be right ―but it does mean his projections are more easily testable. . . . Sharma’s book provides a good guide for working out what will come next.” (Duncan Weldon – Prospect magazine)
About the Author
Head of emerging markets and global macro at Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Ruchir Sharma is the author of the international bestseller Breakout Nations. He writes frequently for the Wall Street Journal and Foreign Affairs and lives in New York City.
The Tennessee World Affairs Council is a nonprofit (501c3), nonpartisan educational charity based in Nashville that works to build understanding of global issues in our communities. Learn more about the Council and find how you can join, donate and volunteer at: www.TNWAC.org — Join / Donate / Volunteer