Global Affairs Live

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The Clean Energy Revolution: Innovating for the Future May 21, 2018

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Climate change—that “tragedy of the horizon”—is already here. From relentless wildfires to hurricanes to droughts, 2017’s slew of extreme weather events highlighted the existential threat facing us in the coming decades. But as bleak as the reality of climate change is, innovative solutions to mitigate its effects and support a transition to clean energy are also being developed and deployed on an increasing scale—particularly so since the Paris Climate Agreement. These include everything from advanced technologies such as solar photovoltaics and electric vehicles to the urban design policies necessary to make them effective. What are the most exciting solutions being implemented, and what other breakthrough technologies are needed to power the clean energy revolution? What must we do to stand a chance against climate change? Varun Sivaram’s book Taming the Sun: Innovations to Harness Solar Energy and Power the Planet will be available for purchase and signing from The Book Cellar following the program. SPEAKERS: Anand Shah, Senior Advisor, Albright Stonebridge Group; Senior Vice President, Ola; Varun Sivaram, Philip D. Reed Fellow for Science and Technology, Council on Foreign Relations; , Senior Fellow, Global Cities. Moderated by .

Central Banks and Regulatory Power: At Odds With Democracy? May 17, 2018

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Almost a decade after the start of the financial crisis, the world’s major economies are enjoying sustained growth. But even as the economic cloud of the Great Recession begins to lift, economists and policymakers are still grappling with the legacies and controversies of the financial crisis. Some argue that central banks (and their unelected leaders)—along with regulators and judges—wield too much power for society’s good. Should we continue to rely on these institutions to steer the ship in times of crisis, or do they present a challenge to our democracies? How can the system be changed? Paul Tucker’s new book Unelected Power: The Quest for Legitimacy in Central Banking and the Regulatory State will be available for purchase and signing from The Book Cellar following the program. SPEAKER: Paul Tucker, Fellow, Harvard Kennedy School of Government; Chair, Systemic Risk Council

From Election Hacking to Water Scarcity: Emerging Leaders Tackle Today’s Global Challenges May 16, 2018

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How should the next generation of leaders approach the interconnected challenges of the 21st century? Debates over global challenges—from dousing the fires of populism and securing US elections, to tackling water scarcity and assisting in conflict zones—are dominating news cycles and impacting our lives. In a unique programming offering, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs’ Emerging Leaders class of 2018 will draw from professional and personal experiences and share a series of short, dynamic presentations on an array of today’s critical issues and trends. Each year, the Council selects a highly competitive cohort of Chicago’s up-and-coming professionals to participate in its Emerging Leaders Program. Emerging Leaders become part of a network of globally fluent individuals who will continue to raise the bar for Chicago as an influential international city. Hear several members of class 2018 present their policy prescriptions on: Cultural Competency Training for Law Enforcement Securing US Elections Leveraging US Funds in Conflict Zones Managing Water Conflict Compulsory Voting in the US Immigration Restrictions Hurt Healthcare in the US Bridging Divisions in the US through Mandatory Service Increasing Exports from Chicago to the World SPEAKERS: Amrith Kaur Aakre, Legal Director, Sikh Coalition; Lauren Bean Buitta, Principal, Stele Consulting, LLC; Joel Braunold, Executive Director, Alliance for Middle East Peace; Josh Ellis, Vice President, Metropolitan Planning Council; Adrienne Irmer, Former Legislative Coordinator, Cook County Government; And other participants

US Global Engagement; Are We In, Out, Or In Limbo? May 15, 2018

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Where is American foreign policy heading? Jake Sullivan, former director of policy planning at the US Department of State, argues that the current administration is departing from core principles that have underpinned US foreign policy for decades—the importance of alliances, the role of values, and a broader commitment to leadership based on positive sum logic. Instead, the US has become increasingly transactional, withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement and TPP, and casting doubt over the Iran Nuclear Deal and NAFTA. This shift, Sullivan contends, is not just about Trump, but about a broader national debate on the future of American foreign policy — and the impact of US foreign policy decisions on the American middle class. What should we make of America First? And what is an alternative vision that is effectively matched to the needs and realities of the moment?

A New Era In Global Trade May 15, 2018

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The Trump administration has charted a new course on trade deals, largely eschewing multilateral frameworks for bilateral agreements. Indeed within days of taking office, the administration unilaterally withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Yet the agreements have proceeded anyway, despite the administration’s disdain. A revised TPP has been signed by the eleven remaining countries as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). What are the economic consequences for the United States of not taking part in these multilateral trade pacts? How is the US reshaping existing pacts, like the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS), and what other nations will agree to consider new bilateral deals with Washington? How will the new American tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum impact ties with major trading partners? Who will win the looming trade war with China?

Georgia: An Update from the Caucus May 14, 2018

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By aligning with the strong democratic standards of its western allies, Georgia has managed to become an important economic and logistical hub in the Caucasus region. The last decade has yielded key successes for Georgia — most notably its first peaceful transition of political power in its 2013 elections as well as increased cooperation with NATO and the European Union. As tensions rise between the United States and Russia, what does the future hold for Georgia’s foreign and domestic policy? What is the strategic importance of a strong US-Georgia relationship?

Developing Internationally Focused Students May 08, 2018

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While some Chicago-area classrooms are responding to a progressively connected and globalized world, others are limited by a lack of resources and funding. Study abroad opportunities and programs such as the Illinois Global Scholar Certification and the Seal of Biliteracy are now included in more Illinois schools, preparing students to work and collaborate in cross-cultural contexts. Yet, equal access to an internationally-focused education continues to remain a barrier for many high schools. What does a globally-focused education look like in a classroom and how can we ensure comparable access to such programs across all school districts? What partnerships and resources are available to support global competence efforts? The 2017 class of Koldyke Global Teachers traveled to Morocco, France, Chile, and South Africa, to deepen their knowledge of global education models and bring cross-cultural experiences back to their classrooms. The Koldyke Global Teachers Program was generously established by Patricia Blunt and Martin J. Koldyke in 2016 and invests in the professional development of Chicago-area high school teachers. Join educators, students, and implementers as they share stories and best practices for guiding future global citizens in Chicago and beyond.

The Power of The Plate May 06, 2018

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From ingredient apps to blockchain-enabled produce trackers, technology is disrupting the traditional food system and making transparency its new bedrock. Consumers increasingly want to know more concerning the origin, quality, sustainability, and traceability of their food, so they can take informed decisions. They also increasingly want to understand the conditions of workers who help produce the food, so they can vote with their forks and wallets. Committed to working at the intersection of food and justice, culinary leaders are rising above the plate and working towards food system change. The James Beard Foundation is recognizing the efforts of these leaders as recipients of their annual Leadership Awards. Hosted in Chicago for the first time this spring, the Awards will highlight changemakers who are committed to increasing food security and improving the wellbeing of their communities. In partnership with the James Beard Foundation, the Chicago Council is pleased to welcome this year’s honorees for a timely discussion on how fusing culinary excellence and sustainability can lead to a healthier, more equitable food system.

Reimagining Pakistan May 01, 2018

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Since its birth seventy years ago, Pakistan has grown to become an important player on the global stage, as a result of its geostrategic position, youthful demographic, and nuclear weapons capability. Yet, fractured relations with India and political polarization between nationalist Islamists and secularists have been continual sources of instability throughout Pakistan’s history. And recently, the disqualification of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif over corruption charges and international pressure to “gray list” Pakistan over financing Jihadist and Taliban operations have plunged the country’s government into uncertainty. How can Pakistan effectively address its complex inter-ethnic, social, and economic challenges? What is the future of the country’s relationship with its neighbors and a United States that is increasingly disengaged from the world? Husain Haqqani’s new book Reimagining Pakistan: Transforming a Dysfunctional Nuclear State will be available for sale and signing from the Book Cellar following the program.

Iceland: An Update Apr 30, 2018

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The United States was the first country to recognize Iceland’s independence in 1944 – and the relationship has remained strong ever since. Iceland shares many of the same objectives as the United States Including a bilateral defense agreement, partnership through NATO, and a 2009 trade and investment framework. Today, Iceland’s internal dynamics are shifting. From electing Europe’s youngest female leader as prime minister to entering the World Cup for the first time ever, the country is making its global presence known. What other changes are on Iceland’s horizon? What will be the future of US-Iceland ties, and how will Brexit impact the future of trade with Iceland and other European countries? Iceland’s minister of foreign affairs shares his insights on what to expect from this progressive and dynamic country. Then, join a trade delegation with leaders from 30 Icelandic companies for a networking reception following the event.

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