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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/

The Other Crisis: Oil Markets During Coronavirus

Thu, May 7, 2020

Dr. Meghan O’Sullivan discusses how the coronavirus has wreaked havoc on oil markets and global energy. O’Sullivan is the Jeane Kirkpatrick Professor of the Practice of International Affairs and the Director of the Geopolitics of Energy Project at Harvard University’s Kennedy School. This talk is part of the larger “Putting the World Back Together Summit," a first for the World Affairs Councils of America, gathered virtually for a special, inclusive Ideas Summit under a new brand, [CxC: Amplified.](https://www.worldaffairscouncils.org/Programs/index.cfm?PageID=15)

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Climate Change & the Global Order

Wed, Apr 29, 2020

Climate change is a defining issue of our time. As much of the world bands together to come up with a plan, the U.S. remains the notable holdout. What is the rest of the world doing to combat climate change? What impact will the effects of climate change have on global geopolitics? Image: Courtesy of NASA

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Kristen Leanderson Abrams: Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking

Wed, Feb 19, 2020

Almost every nation has enacted laws criminalizing human trafficking, and international organizations, governments, and NGOs sponsor a large variety of projects to curb trafficking and slavery. Billions of dollars have been allocated to these efforts. What is the international community doing to combat slavery and trafficking? What are the experiences like for those being trafficked? Image: Courtesy of [WikiMedia Commons](http://https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Trafficking_of_women,_children_and_men_routes.svg)

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The Middle East Regional Disorder

Tue, Dec 10, 2019

Halfway through Donald J. Trump's first term as President, Michele Dunne, then director of the Middle East Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, presented her understanding of the Middle East as a region in turmoil.

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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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