World Affairs Conversations

The Spirit of America

Jim Hake, founder and CEO of Spirit of America, talks about an unprecedented partnership with the U.S. Dept. of Defense, "patriotism without politics," and why the untapp

Declassified: A Conversation with John Powers

John Powers leads the Office of the Historian at the U.S. Department of State, where his team of historians and information professionals decides which chapters of Americ

Decisions That Matter: Africa, the NSC, and Leading in Uncertainty

Retired Major General Jami Shawley unpacks the evolving landscape of U.S. strategy in Africa—from rising investment and great power competition to persistent security cha

A conversation with John Hewko

With government spending on social needs and services declining worldwide, the role of civil society is more crucial than ever. John Hewko, general secretary and CEO of R

Diplomacy, Democracy and Regional Vectors

Amb. Jimmy Story provides a real-time perspective on prospects for democracy in Venezuela and the Western Hemisphere

Life and Marriage in the CIA

Rolf and Rosie Mowatt-Larssen offer a fascinating glimpse into their careers in the CIA, as employees and spouses.

New Threats to Journalism

A conversation with Andy Alexander,  award-winning journalist and news industry leader, about threats and challenges to journalists around the globe – and here at home.

Dispatch from the Middle East

A conversation about a region in turmoil as the Administration upends traditional international relations and the functioning of our diplomatic corps.

US Diplomacy in the 21st Century

The president of the American Foreign Service Association on the challenges facing our diplomats in a time of unprecedented change and the rewards of a diplomatic career

US - China Economic Competition

A conversation with Liza Tobin on the strategic economic competition and rivalry between the U.S. and China as we transition to a new administration.

Putin's World

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 power

The Next President's Foreign Policy Inbox

The next President faces extraordinary international challenges, including regional conflict, great power jockeying, and decisions about America's place in the world. Cou

Bruce Hoffman on Terrorism

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

Global Population: Myths & Misconceptions

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

Crisis in the Red Sea

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

Threats to the democratic world order

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

Why Africa Matters

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

The Future of Intelligence

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 an

Latin America: Challenges and Opportunities

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 Stat

China

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