Transcripts & Video
National Webcast with Libyan Brother Leader Muammar al-Gaddafi
Libyan Leader Muammar al-Qaddafi spoke live video feed to World Affairs Council - DC members and guests at the National Press Club; the event was broadcast to fourteen World Affairs Councils across the country. Gaddafi took questions from the local audience as well as members of participating councils through the internet. The discussion was moderated by Ambassador Herman J. Cohen, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs.
April 6, 2010: Simon Johnson - 13 Bankers
http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/id/221826
Simon Johnson (MIT professor; former chief economist at the IMF) talked
about the power of Wall Street banks since the 2008 financial collapse.
In March 2009, the heads of the 13 largest banks in the U.S. visited
President Obama in the White House to ask for help. That help, which
came in the form of bailouts, loans, and credits from the federal
government, resulted in a further concentration of power within the
banking sector, leading to what we have today - six megabanks that
control a vast portion of our economy. Mr. Johnson argued that these
banks, which are still too big to fail, continue to take excessive risks
and could lead us to another collapse.
March 10, 2010: WAC-DC 30th Anniversary Global Education Gala, Keynote by Hon. Arne Duncan, Secretary of Education
http://www.youtube.com/user/worldaffairsdc?feature=mhw5#p/a/u/0/pGt7SEFII1M
Each year, the World Affairs Council - Washington, DC hosts its annual Global Education Dinner, on March 10th of this year we celebrated the 30th Anniversary of this tradition. The dinner is a high-profile forum to recognize the council's achievements over the previous year. It is also a time for the council to honor the work of citizens, teachers, government officials, diplomatic corps members, and council supporters for their commitment to educating the national capital area community about issues of international importance. Each year the council honors individuals and organizations for their contributions to the promotion of global education and public awareness of global issues. The Global Education Dinner is a crucial source of support for the council's public and educational programs for area citizens, teachers, and students.
January 10, 2010: Led Colodny and Tom Shachtman - Forty Years War
http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/291579-1
Len Colodny and Tom Shachtman talk about the impact of the
neoconservative movement on presidential foreign policy decisions going
back to the Nixon administration. They say that neoconservatives have
successfully influenced U.S. presidents from both political parties,
reaching the height of their influence during George W. Bush's two terms
in office.
November 16, 2009: General Michael Hayden (USAF, ret.) - International
Challenges of Cyber-Security
http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/290038-1
General Michael Hayden and others spoke about cyber-security threats to
the nation's computer and telecommunications infrastructure. Among the
topics addressed were advances in military technology, developing
strategies for cyber-warfare, and constructing future protections from
potential hackers. They also answered questions from the audience.
Below are videos of past World Affairs Council - Washington DC events. These videos are hosted by FORA.tv, a free website which hosts public events on political, social, and cultural issues affecting the world today. If you wish to view a collection of all our past events, you can visit our channel at FORA.tv. If you experience a problem viewing these events, please contact contact FORA.tv or the World Affairs Council - Washington, DC at info@worldaffairsdc.org
April 13th, 2009: Ahmed Rashid- Descent into Chaos
Celebrated Pakistani journalist and author Ahmed Rashid joined the World Affairs Council -Washington, D.C. to discuss his book, Descent into Chaos: US Policy and the Failure of Nation Building in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Central Asia, recently released in paperback. Long regarded as one of the foremost authorities on Afghanistan and Pakistan and an expert on the Taliban and Islamist militancy, Rashid offers a unique and insightful perspective on a volatile region that is becoming increasingly relevant to global security. As the crisis in this region intensifies, Rashid offers a rare insider’s reflection on the implications of recent developments on the current state of affairs.
Ahmed Rashid is one of Pakistan’s leading journalists. He currently writes for the Washington Post, the International Herald Tribune, and the Daily Telegraph of London, and appears regularly on CNN, National Public Radio, and the BBC World Service. He is also a scholar of the World Economic Forum and a consultant for Human Rights Watch. Mr. Rashid is the author of a number of well-regarded books about South and Central Asia, including inter-national bestsellers.
June 24th, 2009: Brendan O'Connor -Anti-Americanism vs. American Ignorance
O'Connor explores the historical origins of a set of powerful tropes and stereotypes that emerged about the American people, their culture and their politics. He discusses the database of information he has collected on American’s knowledge of global affairs, foreign languages and geography and how this knowledge compares with that of other nations.
January 6th, 2009: 2 Billion Cars: An American Love Affair
Transportation experts Daniel Sperling and Deborah Gordon provide a concise history of America's love affair with cars and an overview of the global oil and auto industries. The authors explain how we arrived in this state, and what we can do about it. They expose the roots of the problem – the resistant auto-industry, dysfunctional oil markets, short-sighted government policies, and unmotivated consumers. The authors contend that the places with the most troublesome emissions problems -- California and China -- are taking the lead in developing effective strategies that can help wean us from our reliance on petroleum-fueled cars - World Affairs Council of Washington, D.C.
November 13th, 2008: Georgia, Russia, and the West
The war in Georgia has spurred public squabbling reminiscent of the Cold War, pitting the West against Russia. Yet, especially at a time of global financial crisis, it is not in either side's interest to let the situation get out of hand. How has the war in Georgia affected possibilities for cooperation among Russia, the European Union, and the United States? Are the EU and OSCE peacekeepers and observers playing a valuable role? How has the Georgian conflict affected the critical oil and gas pipelines that traverse the Caucasus? Have Moscow's actions in Georgia contributed to the exodus of foreign capital and the plunge in the Russian stock market? What are the chances for NATO membership action plans for either Georgia or Ukraine? - World Affairs Council of Washington, D.C.
November 6th, 2008: David Smick: The World is Curved
Why did a relatively minor problem in the U.S. subprime mortgage market nearly collapse the entire global financial system? David Smick says that the Great Credit Crunch of 2007-08 exposed a thicket of hidden problems that now threaten every American. In The World Is Curved, Smick describes how today's risky environment came to be - and why the mortgage mess is a symptom of future trouble. His book picks up where Thomas Friedman's The World Is Flat left off, taking readers from Alan Greenspan's breakfast nook and George Soros's secret strategy sessions to the offices of central bankers, finance ministers, and politicians. Smick explains today's new world of international money and connects seemingly unrelated topics. He reveals why Tony Soprano matters to China, how Japanese housewives have taken control of their nation's capital flows, and how big money sovereign wealth funds from China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai are the new evil we can neither live with nor without. Smick shows how we can prevent a nightmare scenario that would make recent turbulence in our 401(k)s and home prices look like a garden party - World Affairs Council of Washington, D.C.
October 27th, 2008: Pakistani Ambassador Husain Haqqani
His Excellency Ambassador Husain Haqqani speaks to the World Affairs Council of Washington about recent events in his country including the impact of the recent election of President Asif Zadari, U.S. Pakistan relations, efforts to confront the Taliban and more.
September 30th, 2008: Robert Fisk: The Age of the Warrior
In "The Age of the Warrior", Dr. Robert Fisk has assembled a remarkable collection of essays and stories which serve to amplify and reflect the blood-stained past and present in which we live. Fisk takes readers from the London bombings to the streets of Lebanon, from war torn Iraq to the horror of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, offering courageous eyewitness accounts. Ranging from the inspirational to the utterly tragic, these essays encompass our world today - World Affairs Council of Washington, D.C.
September 15th, 2008: James Dobbins: After the Taliban
Within a year of 9/11, the United States successfully invaded Afghanistan, overthrew the Taliban, installed a moderate and popular government, and established good relations between the country and its neighbors. What was the secret behind this remarkable success? Why is it that Iraq would prove much harder? And how is it that the Taliban is currently making a comeback? Ambassador James Dobbins, the Bush administration's first Special Envoy for Afghanistan, gives his first-hand impressions of the quest for a stabilized Afghanistan - World Affairs Council of Washington, D.C.
September 8th, 2008: Marwan Muasher: Arab Center and the Promise of Moderation
Jordan's first ambassador to Israel Marwan Muasher's discusses current issues in the Middle East. From the road blocks to the Arab-Israeli peace process to the challenges faced by reform-minded leaders in the Arab World, Muasher believes moderation is the key to negotiating a stable peace.
July 22nd, 2008: After Bush: a case for continuity in Foreign policy
Towards the end of his second term, it appears George W. bush's foreign policy has won few admirers, with pundits and politicians eagerly criticizing the tenets of the Bush Doctrine.
Though the shifting tide of public opinion has led many to anticipate that his successor will repudiate the actions of the past eight years, authors Timothy Lynch and Robert S. Singh suggest that there will - and should - be continuity in US foreign policy from his Presidency to those who follow.
May 21st, 2008: A Century of Headlines: The Future of Journalism
Join the World Affairs Council of Washington, DC for a panel discussion on the future of journalism in an increasingly corporate media environment.
May 20th, 2008: Sir Lawrence Freedman: America Confronts the Middle East
Discussion of US involvement in the Middle East, particularly as explored in Freedman's book, A Choice of Enemies: America Confronts the Middle East. - World Affairs Council of Washington, DC
May 7th, 2008: Mark Leonard: What Does China Think?
The extraordinary economic growth and reemergence of China on the world stage has underscored how little is really known about this rising power. China is clearly a global player that will impact international relations throughout the twenty-first century.
Mark Leonard's What Does China Think? explores Chinese politics and society and analyzes their possible effects on the world at large - World Affairs Council of Washington, DC
April 9th, 2008: Ambassador William Wood on Stabilizing Afghanistan
With the resurgence of attacks on US troops and Afghani civilians and growing political unrest, many are uncertain about the stability of Afghanistan and the region.
Ambassador to Afghanistan William Wood addresses these key issues, current US-Afghanistan relations, and the role the US and world can play in shaping Afghanistan's future - World Affairs Council of Washington, D.C.
March 26th, 2008: AFRICOM: Securing Peace and Advancing Security?
On February 6th 2007 the new United States African Command, AFRICOM, was created to address "the emerging strategic importance of Africa, and recognizing that peace and stability on the continent impacts not only Africans, but the interests of the U.S. and international community as well."
However the US department of Defense has been criticized for overstepping its boundaries by combining its military operation missions with the diplomatic elements. With the controversy concerning objectives and communication, the security of many African nations may be highly dependent on AFRICOM - World Affairs Council of Washington, D.C.
March 24th, 2008: The Honorable William R. Brownfield on Colombia
Ambassador William R. Brownfield, United States Ambassador to Colombia outlines the current challenges facing Colombia and discusses the U.S.-Colombia relationship. Following his presentation, he answers questions from the audience.
March 13th, 2008: Washington Post Panel: America and the World 2008
The Council's Annual Washington Post Panel continues with the Foreign News Editors and Correspondents from the Washington Post discussing major world issues facing the country and the new president - World Affairs Council of Washington, D.C.
February 26th, 2008: Ambassador of Kenya H.E. Peter Ogego
Peter Ogego speaks to World Affairs Council members and guests discussing Kenya's place as one of the leading economies in Africa and the future path Kenya must now take in light of recent events in order to continue progressing as a prominent nation in Africa and the world community - World Affairs Council of Washington D.C.
January 31st, 2008: Kosovo: A New East-West Crisis
Kosovo is widely expected to declare independence from Serbia in the near future. This distinguished panel of experts will discuss the ramifications of this move on Europe, Russia, the United Nations and the US, and explore the potential for a new East-West Crisis - World Affairs Council of Washington, D.C.
January 28th, 2008: Afghanistan: Challenges and a Way Forward
After decades of conflict, Afghanistan is making progress in developing its institutions, but is facing a spreading challenge of insurgency. The US and the international community are committed to helping Afghanistan rebuild, however many challenges remain. The World Affairs Council of DC in a joint event with the American Academy of Diplomacy hosts Ambassador Ronald Neumann, who served as the ambassador to Afghanistan from July 2005 to April 2007 and is the current President of the American Academy of Diplomacy and Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, a long-serving Foreign Minister of Afghanistan who was active in the country's resistance movement before joining government service, will speak on these many challenges, including poverty and civil violence, job creation, establishing rule of law, and expanding poppy cultivation and a growing opium trade generating $3 billion in illicit economic activity. How will Afghanistan meet these challenges and what are the implications of Afghanistan's stability for the international community?
Speakers:
Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Ambassador Ronald Neumann moderates.
Learn More about the American Academy of Diplomacy
http://www.academyofdiplomacy.org/
January 22nd, 2008: Condoleezza Roce and the Bush Legacy
Glenn Kessler, drawing on personal interviews with Condoleezza Rice, an intimacy afforded to him as one of the few reporters granted the opportunity to travel with her, takes readers inside secret meetings Rice has held with foreign leaders and even her private conversations with President Bush
Speaker:
Glenn Kessler
January 10th, 2008: Burma: The Next Steps
When thousands of Buddhist Monks and Burmese citizens conducted peaceful protests calling for fairness and democracy in their country, global onlookers were stunned by the Burmese government's harsh response. What are the next steps for resolution in Burma?
Speakers:
Priscilla Clapp, Derek Mitchell, Bo Hla Tint and Drew Thompson
November 13th, 2007: Trade and Free Trade Agreements
To survive in today's globalized world, more states than ever before seek the benefits of free trade and open exchange. H.E. Camilo Alfonso Ospina Bernal and the Hon. David Lemor draw on their expertise and experience to examine the political and economic implications of Colombia and Peru's developing free trade agreements with the United States. This series in coordination with the OAS will continue over the next few months with discussions on democracy, energy, and immigration.
Speakers:
Camilo Alfonso Ospina Bernal and David Lemor
October 1st, 2007: Fiasco: The American Military Adventure in Iraq
Drawing on the exclusive cooperation of more than one hundred senior military officers, many of whom are going on-the-record for the first time, Fiasco is Pulitzer Prize-winning author Thomas Ricks' ground-breaking account of America's military operations in Iraq. With unprecedented access to over thirty thousand pages of official documents, many never before released to the public, Ricks takes the reader inside the minds of some of the highest-ranking military officials.
Speaker:
Thomas Ricks
September 25th, 2007: Advancing Democracy Across the Globe
Lack of experience and unstable democratic structures often hinder countries that seek to create democratic governing systems. As part of the National Endowment for Democracy, the International Republican Institute and the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs work to assist those advocating for democratic reform. Through volunteers and policy encouragement, these organizations support national legislatures, local governments, and the future of global democratic citizenship.
Panelists:
Lorne W. Craner and Kenneth Wollack
September 24th, 2007: The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy
Based on the highly controversial article "The Israel Lobby," which provoked both howls of outrage and cheers of gratitude when it was published in the London Review of Books in March 2006, Mearsheimer and Walt deepen and expand their argument and confront recent developments in the Middle East in their most recent publication.
Panelists:
John J. Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt
September 11th, 2007: China and the Competition for Energy Resources
China is the second-greatest energy consumer in the world (behind the United States), accounting for about 10.8 percent of annual global energy consumption. As China pushes its economic development forward, its energy demand has greatly increased, and is expected to continue growing at about 5% each year through the year 2020.
Panelists:
Dr. Robert E. Ebel, Dr. David Finkelstein and Ambassador Chas. W. Freeman
June 19th, 2007: Disengagement from Iraq: A Vital Step toward Winning the Fight against Global Terrorism?
This is a Foreign Policy Series Event with The Secure America Project, addressing the issues of American military engagement in Iraq in connection with the global war on terror. The Secure America Project seeks to engage the public and policy experts in dialogue through a national educational campaign on the international issues faced by the United States today.
Panelists:
Morton H. Halperin, Major General William L. Nash, USA (Ret.) and Ambassador Edward L. Peck
May 23rd, 2007: Afghanistan: Challenges of Rebuilding a War Torn Infrastructure
Today, Afghanistan is on a long and difficult road to recovery. Despite the significant economic improvement since the fall of the Taliban regime in 2001, the environment remains in a state of crisis. Much of the population continues to suffer from shortages of basic necessities, while criminality, insecurity, and the government's inability to extend rule of law to its country poses challenges to future economic growth. Afghanistan will continue to be highly dependent on international assistance as it strives to meet the long-term challenges of economic stability, corruption, government capacity, and rebuilding a war torn infrastructure.
Speaker:
Afghanistan's Ambassador to the United States H.E. Said Tayeb Jawad
Speakers:
U.S. Senator Carl Levin (D-MI) and Alma Powell, wife of former Secretary of State Gen. Colin Powell, USA (Ret.)
May 17th, 2007: Inside Hamas: The Untold Story of the Militant Islamic Movement
Since their victory in the 2006 Palestinian elections, Hamas has become one of the most hotly contested groups in the Middle East. Zaki Chehab draws on his unique insider sources to tell the story of this radical movement. As Chehab interviews key figures, he offers completely new insights into Hamas. He also investigates their relationship with other groups, such as Hezbollah and Al Queda. Join the World Affairs Council of Washington, DC as their Author Series continues with Chehab's fascinating and first-hand account of his experiences and views concerning Hamas.
Speaker:
Author, Zaki Chehab
March 22nd, 2007: 2007 Global Education Dinner
The World Affairs Council of Washington, D.C. presents the 2007 Global Education Dinner with Carl Levin and Alma Powell. The Global Education Dinner is a critical source of support for the World Affairs Council's public and educational programs for D.C. metro area citizens, teachers and students.
