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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/

The Middle East Regional Disorder

Tue, Dec 10, 2019

As the presidency of Donald J. Trump passes the halfway point, the Middle East remains a region in turmoil. The Trump administration has aligned itself with strongmen in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, which along with Israel have a common goal of frustrating Iranian expansion. What will be the fallout from policy reversals such as withdrawing from the Iranian nuclear accord and moving the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem? Does the United States see a path forward in troubled states such as Syria, Yemen, Libya and Iraq? Is the United States headed toward war with Iran? Michele Dunne, director of the Middle East Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, discusses. Image: [Pexels.com](http://www.pexels.com/photo/people-walking-up-and-down-the-stairs-near-temple-2087322/)

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Nuclear Negotiations: Back to the Future?

Wed, Nov 20, 2019

Nuclear weapons have not gone away, and the Trump administration has brought a new urgency, if not a new approach, to dealing with them. The President has met with Vladimir Putin as the New Start Treaty with Russia comes up for renewal in 2021, the first presidential summit ever with Kim Jong-un occurred to discuss denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula, and President Trump has decertified the Obama nuclear deal with Iran. To what degree should past nuclear talks guide future U.S. nuclear arms control negotiations? Can the art of the deal apply to stabilizing our nuclear future? Image: ["Operation Crossroads Baker"](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Operation_Crossroads_Baker_Edit.jpg) taken July25, 1946 by United States Department of Defense

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The Rise of Populism in Europe

Wed, Sep 25, 2019

Mass migration, and the problems associated with it, have directly abetted the rise of populist parties in Europe. Opposition to immigration was the prime driver of support for Brexit, it brought a far-right party to the German Bundestag for the first time since the 1950s, and propelled Marine Le Pen to win a third of the vote in the French presidential election. In addition to calling for stronger borders, however, these parties are invariably illiberal, anti-American, anti-NATO and pro-Kremlin, making their rise a matter of serious concern for the national security interests of the United States. Vivien A. Schmidt is a professor of Political Science at Boston University, as well as Founding Director of BU’s Center for the Study of Europe. She will speak on the rise of Populism in Europe and the impacts across the world. Image: [Pexels](http://www.pexels.com/photo/blue-and-yellow-round-star-print-textile-113885/)

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Peter Petri: Decoding U.S.-China Trade

Thu, Jun 20, 2019

In the foreseeable future, China and the United States will be the world’s largest economies and most influential countries. Yet their relationship has taken a nosedive and is now cooler than at any time since President Nixon visited China in 1972. Many expect “disengagement” and an “economic cold war.” This talk examines the nuts-and-bolts of the trade deal, the challenges of the China-US relationship, and possibilities for better outcomes based on rebuilding trust. Image: [Event Image](http://www.worldboston.org/calendar/2019/6/20/great-decisions-decoding-us-china-trade)

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The United States and Mexico: Partnership Tested

Mon, May 20, 2019

The United States and Mexico have a long, intertwined history, with both countries prominently featured in each other’s politics and agendas. The war on drugs, immigration and trade issues have taxed the relationship over the years. What impact will new leadership in both countries have on this crucial partnership? Image: [Event Image](http://www.worldboston.org/events-calendar/2019/5/20/great-decisions-the-united-states-and-mexico-partnership-tested)

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Refugees and Global Migration

Thu, Apr 4, 2019

Countries determine their own policies for accepting immigrants and refugees. No country has open borders. What is the difference between an immigrant and a refugee? Who determines this difference? How do international laws and groups affect national laws? Or even state laws? WorldBoston, Boston Network for International Development, and the United Nations Association of Greater Boston join forces to host this Great Decisions on Refugees and Global Migration. Mary Truong, Jeffrey Thielmen, and Professor Karen Jacobsen expand on the process of the immigration system, its triumphs and shortcomings.

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Cyber Security and Geopolitics

Wed, Feb 27, 2019

The threat of cyber conflict in the 21st Century comes to the forefront with Gus Coldebella. Threats such as industrial sabotage, election meddling, and others attacks are just examples of how the world of cyberspace presents a new form of international conflict and sabotage. Is the United States prepared to respond to such threats?

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The State of the State Department and Diplomacy

Thu, Mar 7, 2019

During the Trump administration, the usual ways of conducting diplomacy have been upended. Many positions in the State Department have never been filled, and meetings with foreign leaders such as Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin have been undertaken with little advance planning. What effect are these changes having now, and how will they affect ongoing relationships between the United States and its allies and adversaries? Ambassador Nick Burns and Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield team up to address these questions.

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South Africa's Fragile Democracy

Wed, Dec 12, 2018

The African National Congress (ANC) party has governed South Africa since the end of apartheid in 1994. But the party today suffers from popular frustration over official corruption and economic stagnation. It faces growing threats from both left and right opposition parties, even as intraparty divisions surface. Given America’s history of opportunistic engagement with Africa, there are few prospects for a closer relationship between the two countries. Meanwhile, a weaker ANC could lead to political fragmentation in this relatively new democracy. Learn more about the state of South Africa's democracy with Evan Lieberman. Image: [Pexels.com](https://www.pexels.com/photo/atlas-continent-country-creativity-269850/ "Pexels.com")

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The Waning of Pax Americana

Mon, Nov 19, 2018

Since 1945, Pax Americana has promised peaceful international relations and an open economy, buttressed by U.S. military power. But in championing "America First," President Trump has advocated selective U.S. engagement, in which foreign commitments are limited to areas of vital U.S. interest and economic nationalism is the order of the day. Allies and challengers alike are paying close attention. Ambassador Daalder and Dr. Lindsay have co-authored the book, The Empty Throne: America's Abdication of Global Leadership, released October 16, 2018. The book discusses the apparent disruption to the world order that the United States fashioned from the ruins of WWII and that produced unprecedented global stability, prosperity and democratic consensus. Critics argue that Donald Trump's America First Policy threatens this world order, yet, the authors maintain, this order has been fraying for years. Photo credit: [Joyce N. Boghosian/The White House](https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/photos-of-the-week-033018/ "")

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