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Free online lectures: Explore a world of ideas

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WorldBoston

WorldBoston was founded in 1961 as the Boston Center for International Visitors, a nonprofit organization with a mission to connect hundreds of emerging leaders from around the globe each year with their counterparts in Greater Boston's business, government, academic, cultural and scientific communities. In 2002, the organization merged with the World Affairs Council of Boston, a nonpartisan forum founded in 1949 to engage the public in discussions about critical international issues. WorldBoston today is an active independent member of both the National Council for International Visitors and the World Affairs Councils of America, and a dynamic and respected community leader in Boston.s global network. With its expertise in fostering international exchanges and unique mix of educational programs, WorldBoston continues to build on its distinguished tradition of promoting dialogue among leaders, cross-cultural connections and public learning.

http://www.worldboston.org/

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    Making Sense of ISIS and Sectarianism

    Thu, Nov 19, 2015
    When a political regime rapidly collapses, as happened in Iraq in 2003, leaving society in near total chaos, what happens next? Why were Shiites more successful in limiting violence and providing public goods than Sunnis were in Iraq? Why have many women in the Middle East resorted to increasingly conservative modes of dress in recent decades? Many of the current conflicts in the Middle East have been attributed to sectarianism, a politicization of ethnic and religious identity. From the crisis in Iraq and Syria to the tension between Iran and Saudi Arabia, the struggle between Sunni and Shiites groups for dominance is tearing apart the region and shows no signs of abating. However, for all the religious discourse permeating the conflict, much of its roots are political, not religious. How does sectarianism fit into a larger narrative of the Middle East? How have governments manipulated sectarian differences? And finally, what is the U.S. doing about it?
    Forum Network
    Partner:
    WorldBoston
  • Michelle-obama-bringbackourgirls.jpg

    The U.S. and Africa: Democratization, Peacekeeping, and Countering Extremism

    Thu, Sep 24, 2015
    The United States’ long and complicated history with the African continent has grown ever more tumultuous in the new millennium. Now home to some of the world’s fastest growing economies, traditional goals of promoting peace and democracy are fast being replaced by a desire to invest and engage African nations economically. Despite new challenges and opportunities, U.S. Africa policy has remained in flux under President Obama. The growing threat of Islamic extremism in both the Western and Eastern parts of the continent has further complicated American foreign policy. Dr. Pearl Robinson discusses U.S. Policy in Africa and the challenges and opportunities present in the second decade of the 21st century. She'll look at how American policy has shifted in response to the growing threat posed by Islamic extremism in Africa, and how U.S. policies are perceived by Africans and their leaders. Photo: "[Michelle-obama-bringbackourgirls](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Michelle-obama-bringbackourgirls.jpg#/media/File:Michelle-obama-bringbackourgirls.jpg)" by Michelle Obama, Office of the First Lady - First Lady of the United States Twitter account [[1]](https://twitter.com/FLOTUS/status/464148654354628608/photo/1) (confirmed account). Licensed under Public Domain via [Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/).
    Forum Network
    Partner:
    WorldBoston

  • Great Decisions Series: Israel-United States Relations

    Tue, Apr 8, 2014
    Throughout decades of conflict in the Middle East, the U.S. has provided unparalleled military and diplomatic support to Israel due to the two countries' shared interests and values. Yet these ties are being tested, as stalled peace talks and Iran's nuclear ambitions have put new strains on relations between President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu. How have common cultural values influenced the countries' 65-year-old "special relationship"? How is the U.S. balancing this commitment with its many interests in the region?
    Forum Network
    Partner:
    WorldBoston

  • Media Coverage and the War in Iraq

    Thu, Apr 10, 2003
    Leading media experts from print, radio, and television explore questions arising from the media's coverage of the war in Iraq. Journalists trained in military skills and embedded with our troops? Live broadcasts of bombings? Is the media working to be the ultimate informant, or is it simply providing us with a new form of "Reality TV?" Dr. James Walsh, director of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard University, moderates. This event was sponsored by WorldBoston, a non-profit, non-partisan, membership organization committed to engaging and informing Boston citizens through community dialogue, networking, and public education, in an effort to encourage their involvement in global issues.
    Forum Network
    Partner:
    WorldBoston