World Affairs Council of Charleston

Putin's World Oct 28, 2024

A leading expert on Russia shares a unique insight into Vladimir Putin's perspective on Russian history, its place in the world, and how he thinks about other great powers.

The Next President's Foreign Policy Inbox Sep 29, 2024

The next President faces extraordinary international challenges, including regional conflict, great power jockeying, and decisions about America's place in the world. Council members with distinguished foreign service careers provide a unique perspective.

Bruce Hoffman on Terrorism Apr 06, 2024

One of the world's leading experts on terrorism and insurgency provides an insightful update on this global threat.

Global Population: Myths & Misconceptions Mar 09, 2024

One of the world's foremost experts in demographic trends explores the changing nature, shape, size and movement of global populations, one of the vital questions of our time.

Crisis in the Red Sea Feb 16, 2024

Recent attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea—launched by the Houthis in Yemen—are wreaking havoc on global trade. Drawing on his distinguished career with the State Dept., Al Thibault speaks about history, geography and geopolitical risk factors in a part of the world that has suddenly grabbed international attention.

Threats to the democratic world order Dec 15, 2023

Michael Miklaucic, the editor of the National Defense University journal PRISM, shares thoughts on current national and international security threats and what to do about them.

Why Africa Matters Sep 24, 2023

Christopher Day, professor of political science at the College of Charleston, a former relief worker with Doctors Without Border, and veteran observer of African politics, economy, and society offers his thoughts on this distinct and compelling region.

The Future of Intelligence May 17, 2023

Rolf Mowatt-Larssen challenges us with his fasten your seatbelts presentation on the complex issue of intelligence in which he discusses spies, nukes, emerging science and technology, climate change and fake news.

Latin America: Challenges and Opportunities Feb 28, 2023

Ambassador Earl Anthony Wayne served as U.S. Ambassador to Argentina and as Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs under three Secretaries of State, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs, and Deputy Ambassador in Afghanistan.

Ambassador Wayne is presently Distinguished Diplomat in Residence at American University in Washington, DC, and holds senior positions at the Wilson Center, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and the Atlantic Council.

China Jan 09, 2023

Charleston World Affairs Council member George Pope discusses what he considers China's two Achilles Heel issues--water and food.

Turmoil in Iran Dec 15, 2022

A young woman arrested for taking off her hijab (mandatory head covering for woman) dies in police custody. The backlash, especially women, has rattled religious leaders. In addition, Iran is supplying drones to Moscow for the war in Ukraine. Iran's nuclear program is moving ahead. U.S. and western sanctions have crippled the economy. Is Iran's regime in trouble.

Charleston World affairs Council Program Chairman Al Thibault discusses challenges facing the No. 1 troublemaker in the Middle East.

Alarm in Washington as China's Pacific Island Outreach Accelerates Nov 16, 2022

U. S. Institute of Peace analysts Brian Harding and Camilla Pohle-Anderson discuss Washington's concern over China's aggressive outreach into the Pacific Island region.

Pakistan/Sri Lanka Update Oct 05, 2022

World Affairs Council of Charleston member and retired senior diplomat Al Thibault discusses the always volatile and ever-changing situation in Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Russia/Ukraine: Update and Status Sep 16, 2022

Retired senior US diplomat and World Affairs Council of Charleston member Jon Gundersen who has extensive experience working in Russia and Ukraine explains, updates, and offers 'indicators' to follow regarding the Russia/Ukraine war.

Seeking Commonality in Rural Development Programs in Colombia and Mozambique Aug 17, 2022

Brian Norris, Professor of Political Science at Lincoln University of Missouri, discusses his recent Fulbright Future Scholars Grant wherein over three years he will study rural development programs in Colombia and Mozambique. Dr. Norris will also discuss his recent visit to Colombia where he monitored the presidential election and reviewed the current economic situation in light of some two million Venezuelan refugees now in Colombia.

Ukraine/Russia Crisis-History, Current Status, and What Happens Now Apr 20, 2022

Retired senior US diplomats, Ambassador William Courtney (Moscow, Kazakhstan, and Georgia), and Jon Gundersen (Moscow, Ukraine, and Estonia) discuss the current Ukraine/Russia crisis--how it came about, where we stand now, and possible outcomes.

North Korea: History, Status, Update Dec 10, 2021

Christian Curriden, Rand Corp Defense Analyst discusses how North Korea has moved from Pariah State to a major challenge. Are there any viable options other than crossed fingers and hopes for the best?

Immigration: Complex, confusing, complicated, controversial! Oct 14, 2021

Immigration professional Gil Jacobs discusses current immigration issues--Afghanistan and Haitian refugees--in the light of US policy, politics, and the inscription on the base of the Statue of Liberty. "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breath free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore."

Transitions: Lessons Learned; Lessons Applied May 29, 2021

Ambassador Christopher Goldthwait discusses 'lessons learned' during his Government career and how he is now 'applying' those lessons as an entrepreneur in the international private sector.

Bitcoin for Beginners May 12, 2021

World Affairs Council of Charleston member George Pope offers a primer on cyber currencies--Bitcoin for Beginners. Pope provides a basic overview on What are Bitcoins? Why is everyone so excited? Why should I care?

Rare Earth 101: A Primer Apr 17, 2021

World Affairs Council of Charleston President George Pope discusses the emerging and frightening international issue of rare earth elements which are essential to virtually all electronic systems and devices, the emerging renewable energy sector, and most importantly, the US National Security industrial sector. And, as it turns out, the rare earth market is controlled by a country which is not a particular friend of the US.

Strategies for International Development Feb 25, 2021

Strategies for International Development (SID) Executive Director Charles Patterson and Program Director Judith Russo discuss SID's innovative 'farmer to farmer' approach to economic development in Guatemala.

India Farmers Revolt Feb 13, 2021

World Affairs Council of Charleston resident South Asia expert Al Thibault discusses the farmer revolt in India. Initial protests by rice and wheat growers from northern India have now spread across the country while the federal government refuses to repeal recently passed ‘agricultural reform’ laws which impact nearly 15% of India's $2.9 trillion economy and about half its workforce.

The Global Residential Real Estate Market and the Pandemic Jan 28, 2021

Ruthie Ravenel of Daniel Ravenel Sotheby's International Realty discusses the impact of the global Covid-19 Pandemic on local, national, and international residential real estate markets, and what 'indicators' real estate professionals will be following as we, emerge from the pandemic.

The Pandemic: Coping with the Present: Preparing for the Future Jan 10, 2021

J. Huggins, Executive VP and Regional President of United Bank, discusses how his 'regional' financial institution is coping with, and preparing for the end of, the Covid-19 Pandemic--a fascinating insight into how, in all likelihood, financial institutions around the world are dealing with the same issue.

Bolivia: Socialist Government, Chinese Cash; What Next? Dec 24, 2020

Dr. Brian Norris of Denison University discusses the impact of Bolivia's socialist Government and massive Chinese 'Belt and Road' investments on Bolivian relations with other Latin American countries, and with the the United States. Should we be worried?

Death and Taxes: Closing Out a Pandemic Year Dec 10, 2020

The international world comes close to home as Tucker Morris of Morris Financial Concepts takes us through year-end considerations on taxes (positive news actually), portfolio management (rebalancing and taking tax losses as appropriate), and making sure our Estate Plan is up to date.

The Emperor's New Road Nov 23, 2020

Jonathan Hillman, senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and director of the Reconnecting Asia Project, discusses his new book, The Emperor's New Road, which has been described as "the world's most ambitious and misunderstood geoeconomics vision."

Money Laundering 101 Oct 31, 2020

When money speaks, conscience stays silent. (Russian proverb) Peter Wild has spent a career in anti-money laundering efforts. In this conversation, he provides an introductory primer into this $2 trillion a year criminal enterprise.

Here Comes China! Oct 24, 2020

Dr. Melford Wilson, Vice President of Winthrop University, discusses his forty years of traveling and working in China, all of which is covered in his new book 'Here Comes China.'

World War I in the Pacific Oct 12, 2020

Dr. Bryan Ganaway, College of Charleston Honors College Associate Dean, continues his presentations on WW I and its impact on our lives today, one hundred years later. In this discussion, Dr. Ganaway discusses China, Japan, and how WW I signaled the beginning-of-the-end of colonialism in South Asia.

Ambassador James Melville Oct 01, 2020

James Melville served as US Ambassador to Estonia 2015-2018 and is now Associate Dean at the Language, Culture, and World Affairs Department of The College of Charleston. In this podcast, Ambassador Melville discusses his Foreign Service career and the transition to Academia.

India/China High Himalayas Border Brawl: Now What? Aug 01, 2020

On June 15, hundreds of Chinese and Indian military clashed in brutal hand-to-hand combat on the disputed India/China border. Twenty India soldiers were killed. China has not announced casualties. South Asia analyst and expert, Al Thibault, explains origins of the border dispute, offers an overview on ‘what we know’ about this incident, and discusses possibilities on ‘what happens now.’

Turkmenistan: Why We Should Care Jul 15, 2020

Allan Mustard, US Ambassador to Turkmenistan (2015-2019), discusses the strategic importance of that country to US interests in Central Asia an offers insights into an "Ambassador's life" in that country

Tough Decisions as our Military Fights Yet Another Terrorist War in South of Sahara West Africa Mar 28, 2020

Katherine Zimmerman, Resident Fellow of the American Enterprise Institute's Critical Threat Project discusses the tough decisions facing the U.S. policy establishment as the terrorist threat grows in Sub-Sahara West Africa. It is yet another terrorist related dilemma that involves ISIS, al Qaeda, Boko Haram, China, Russia, the European coalition led by France, and the Governments of the Africa countries affected.

Bill Clifford: World Affairs Councils of America Update Feb 21, 2020

Bill Clifford, President and CEO of the World Affairs Councils of America, discusses the current and future programs and potentials.

Venezuela: Is There a Way Forward? Feb 21, 2020

Dr. Cynthia Arnson, Director of the Latin American Program at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington, DC discusses Venezuela--a 60 percent economic collapse since 2013, a 90 percent poverty rate, and some four million citizens fleeing to neighboring countries--and what it means for the region, the US, and the world.

(3)Island Nation by Island Nation-China's Presence in the Pacific Region is Growing Dec 12, 2019

Greg Poling of the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington discusses China's island by island move into the South China Sea. Some analysts seek darkly of Beijing's long term ambitions. Should we be concerned?

Trip Report!--World Affairs Councils of America Annual Conference Nov 23, 2019

Charleston World Affairs Council member George Pope recently attended the subject conference in Washington DC. Herein is his "trip report."

A New Cold War in the Arctic? Nov 05, 2019

Ambassador Kenneth Yalowitz discusses the Arctic, where due to climate change, the ice cap melts year by year. The result: new shipping lanes; interest in developing oil and mineral resources; opening ports on long frozen islands; expansion and possible militarization of existing ports. The changing Arctic thus has long-term national security implications as the U.S., Canada, Russia, China, Norway and Greenland/Denmark seek to solidify their presence.

The Kurds: Who are they and why are they always the odd man out in the Middle East? Oct 31, 2019

Charleston World Affairs Council member George Pope discusses the Kurds, the largest ethnic group in the Middle East, and perhaps the world, who don't have a country. Pope discusses Kurdish history and why the Kurds are always, seemingly, the odd man out in the Middle East.

Afghanistan: Where Are We Now? Oct 05, 2019

Jarrett Blanc, Senior Fellow, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Washington D.C. discusses Afghanistan: After 18 years, could there be hope on the horizon on ending the 'Endless War' in Afghanistan? The Reality: Anything but Easy!

The Economic Vitality of India Sep 18, 2019

The India Consul General from Atlanta, Dr. Swati V. Kulkarni, joins representatives from Indian companies, Novelis and Sundararm Clayton to discuss relationships between India and the Lowcountry of South Carolina.

US/Mexico/Canada Trade Agreements: Where Are We Now? Aug 20, 2019

Mark Sloan of DTB Associates, a Washington based consulting firm specializing in agricultural and pharmaceutical issues, discusses the current status of the US-Mexico Trade Agreement and the US-Canada Trade Agreement--what's in these agreements for all sides, upcoming Congressional consideration, and what happens if Congress doesn't approve these agreements.

The Trouble With Tariffs Jul 04, 2019

Charleston World Affairs Council member George Pope takes on the daunting task of explaining tariffs. What is a tariff? Who really pays the tariff? Do tariffs really work? What's going on with China and tariffs? Listen and learn! Become insufferable to friends and neighbors as you explain tariffs. Enjoy!

India and Pakistan: What Comes Next? Jun 06, 2019

Polly Nayak, a leading expert and author on the fragile India-Pakistan relationship, discusses the seventy-plus years of fraught relations between India and Pakistan which alternate between fragile peace and high tensions, and explains why 'trust' between the two countries has never existed.

Mozambique: More in common than you might think May 12, 2019

Climate change! Contentious upcoming elections! A China connection! As a matter fact, Mozambique, approximately twice the size of California located the southeast coast of Africa shares many issues and concerns with the Uniter States. Dr. Cary Manning of Georgia State University joins Dr. Brian Norris of the World Affairs Council of Charleston to discuss Mozambique.

Brexit, or Bust: Where Are We Now? Apr 20, 2019

Dr. Bluford Putnam, Managing Director and Chief Economist of the CME Group of Chicago brings over 35 years of experience in identifying and evaluating global financial and trade issues to the vexing issue of Brexit. In this presentation, Dr. Putnam discusses Brexit backstory, current status, defining issues, conflicting personalities and their political calculations to explain what might happen next.

The Future of Commercial and Supersonic Flight Mar 07, 2019

David Hyde, from the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), Gene Massamillo of KMA Zuckert, and Robbie Cowart of Gulfstream provide an overview on supersonic travel and other innovations in aviation which have changed and will change how we travel and experience the world.

China's Belt and Road Initiative Feb 28, 2019

Jonathan Hillman, Senior Fellow of the Simon Chair in Political Economy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and Director of CSIS Reconnecting Asia Project, discusses China’s $1 trillion Belt and Road Initiative. What is it? What are China’s goals and objectives? What is the outlook? What are Implications for 'receipient' countries, and for the U.S?

World War I: Empires Rise, Empires Fall Jan 21, 2019

Dr. Brian Ganaway of the College of Charleston, discusses how the collapse of the Russian, Austro-Hungarian, and Ottoman empires over a hundred years ago impact our world today.

Unpacking Our Relationship With Saudi Arabia Dec 14, 2018

Charleston World Affairs Council member Al Thibault discusses the current U.S.-Saudi crisis. Over the past seventy-five years, few countries have been as central to U.S. foreign policy interests as Saudi Arabia. Despite ups and downs, few issues have been as threatening to this relationship as the fall-out from the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. Repercussions, still unfolding, include the global price of oil, U.S. policy towards Iran, Turkey, Israel, and Persian Gulf countries, as well as the domestic direction of the Saudi regime.

World War I Still Shapes Our World Nov 16, 2018

Dr. Brian Gangway explains how World War I still shapes our world a hundred years after the guns fell silent.

What Diplomats Do Oct 26, 2018

Ambassador Deborah McCarthy, currently with the Academy of Diplomacy, discusses career options in Foreign Affairs.

'IS THE GLOBAL LIBERAL DEMOCRATIC ORDER IN CRISIS?' Oct 26, 2018

Dr. Larry Diamond, Senior Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, and Professor of Political Science at Stanford University, discusses the state of world democracy with Dr. Brian Norris, Professor of Political Science at the Citadel.

Vladimir Putin: How he sees himself, his county, and ours Oct 24, 2018

War in Georgia, Civil war in Ukraine, Crimea annexed, Military intervention in Syria, and cyber-hacking in the U.S. are all tied to Putin's Russia confronting U.S. policy and institutions.

Wayne Merry, Senior Fellow for Europe and and Eurasia at the American Foreign Policy Council discusses these issues in his presentation to the world Affairs Council of Charleston.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

World Affairs Council of Charleston

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected