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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260326T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260326T193000
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SUMMARY:Great Decisions 2026: U.S. Engagement in Africa
DESCRIPTION:Great Decisions 2026: The Future of U.S. Global Leadership Keynote Series \nU.S. Engagement in Africa\nwith Michelle Lenihan\, Deputy Commissioner\, Maine DVEM (former Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs) and Matthew T. Page\, Associate Fellow\, Africa Programme\, Chatham House \nMarch 26\, 2026\, 5:30-7:30 PM\, 34 Bedford Street\, Portland \nAs great power competition intensifies across Africa\, what should guide American engagement with the world’s youngest and fastest-growing continent? Michelle Lenihan shaped U.S. Africa policy at the highest levels of the Pentagon and the National Security Council before returning to Maine\, where she now serves as Deputy Commissioner for Defense\, Veterans\, and Emergency Management. Matthew Page\, formerly the U.S. intelligence community’s top Nigeria expert\, provides in-depth analysis on governance\, security\, and corruption across the continent. Together\, they offer insider and expert perspectives on the opportunities and challenges of U.S.-Africa relations. \nAddress: Lee Auditorium\, Wishcamper Center\, 34 Bedford Street\, Portland 5:30-6:15 PM: Reception 6:15-7:30 PM: Keynote \n\nGreat Decisions is the largest and longest-running discussion program on foreign policy in the United States\, offered locally by the World Affairs Council of Maine since 1980. Thanks to the generous support of our Global Benefactor “Coffee by Design\,” we are offering a public lecture series in addition to our regular discussion series co-hosted with the Falmouth Memorial Library. \nNote: Public lectures will be recorded to support Great Decisions discussion groups in Maine\, including our annual member-facilitated series at the Falmouth Library beginning March 24\, 2026. \nReserve your spot today and be part of this essential conversation on the crossroads of American foreign policy. \nTickets: \n$12 for members \n$20 non-members \nMaine Students FREE \nREGISTER HERE \n 
URL:https://wacmaine.org/event/great-decisions-2026-u-s-engagement-in-africa/
LOCATION:Lee Auditorium\, Wishcamper Center\, 34 Bedfort St\, Portland\, ME\, 04104\, United States
CATEGORIES:Great Decisions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacmaine.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/FY26-GD-Africa-512-x-512-px.png
ORGANIZER;CN="World Affairs Council of Maine":MAILTO:info@wacmaine.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260305T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260305T193000
DTSTAMP:20260429T131932
CREATED:20260107T164008Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T164040Z
UID:10000155-1772731800-1772739000@wacmaine.org
SUMMARY:Great Decisions 2026: Tariffs\, Foreign Policy\, & the Future of the World Economy
DESCRIPTION:Great Decisions 2026: The Future of U.S. Global Leadership Keynote Series \nTariffs\, Foreign Policy\, & the Future of the World Economy\nwith Andreas Waldkirch\, Mitchell Family Professor of Economics\, Colby College \nMarch 5\, 2026\, 5:30-7:30 PM\, 34 Bedford Street\, Portland \nAre tariffs an effective tool of foreign policy\, or do they undermine the global economic order that has underpinned American prosperity? Andreas Waldkirch is one of the nation’s top-ranked scholars in international trade\, with expertise spanning foreign direct investment\, multinational firms\, NAFTA\, and economic integration. His research has examined how trade policies affect everything from industry productivity to environmental outcomes. Join us for an economist’s clear-eyed assessment of where U.S. trade policy is headed—and what it means for America’s role in the world economy. \nAddress: Lee Auditorium\, Wishcamper Center\, 34 Bedford Street\, Portland 5:30-6:15 PM: Reception 6:15-7:30 PM: Keynote \n\nGreat Decisions is the largest and longest-running discussion program on foreign policy in the United States\, offered locally by the World Affairs Council of Maine since 1980. Thanks to the generous support of our Global Benefactor “Coffee by Design\,” we are offering a public lecture series in addition to our regular discussion series co-hosted with the Falmouth Memorial Library. \nNote: Public lectures will be recorded to support Great Decisions discussion groups in Maine\, including our annual member-facilitated series at the Falmouth Library beginning March 24\, 2026. \nReserve your spot today and be part of this essential conversation on the crossroads of American foreign policy. \nTickets: \n$12 for members \n$20 non-members \nMaine Students FREE \nREGISTER HERE \n 
URL:https://wacmaine.org/event/great-decisions-2026-tariffs-foreign-policy-the-future-of-the-world-economy/
LOCATION:Lee Auditorium\, Wishcamper Center\, 34 Bedfort St\, Portland\, ME\, 04104\, United States
CATEGORIES:Great Decisions
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ORGANIZER;CN="World Affairs Council of Maine":MAILTO:info@wacmaine.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260212T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260212T193000
DTSTAMP:20260429T131932
CREATED:20260106T195431Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260201T125849Z
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SUMMARY:Ukraine & the Future of European Security
DESCRIPTION:Great Decisions 2026 Keynote Lecture Series: The Future of U.S. Global Leadership\nUkraine & the Future of European Security\nwith Mariana Budjeryn\, Senior Research Associate\, Harvard Belfer Center.​ Moderated by Prof. Rebecca Davis-Gibbons\n \nFebruary 12\, 2026\, 5:30-7:30 PM\, 34 Bedford Street. Portland \nHow did Ukraine come to possess—and then relinquish—the world’s third-largest nuclear arsenal\, and what does that history tell us about European security today? Mariana Budjeryn is the author of Inheriting the Bomb: The Collapse of the USSR and the Nuclear Disarmament of Ukraine\, winner of the 2024 William E. Colby Military Writers’ Award. A native of Ukraine and one of the world’s leading experts on post-Soviet nuclear history\, she brings unparalleled insight into the forces shaping the war in Ukraine and the future of the European security order. \n📅 Date: February 12\, 2026\n📍 Location: Lee Auditorium\, Wishcamper Center\, 34 Bedford Street\, Portland\n⏰ Time: 5:30 – 7.30 \nReserve your spot today and be part of this essential conversation on the crossroads of American foreign policy. \nTickets: \n$10 for members \n$15 non-members \nMaine Students FREE \nREGISTER HERE \n 
URL:https://wacmaine.org/event/ukraine-the-future-of-european-security/
LOCATION:Lee Auditorium\, Wishcamper Center\, 34 Bedfort St\, Portland\, ME\, 04104\, United States
CATEGORIES:Great Decisions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacmaine.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Copy-of-FY26-GD-Ukraine-512-x-512-px.png
ORGANIZER;CN="World Affairs Council of Maine":MAILTO:info@wacmaine.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260205T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260205T193000
DTSTAMP:20260429T131932
CREATED:20260106T192754Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260131T183255Z
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SUMMARY:U.S.-China Relations
DESCRIPTION:Great Decisions 2026 Keynote Lecture Series: The Future of U.S. Global Leadership\nU.S.-China Relations\nwith Sam Stein\, President of the U.S. China Business Council\nFebruary 5\, 2026\, 5:30-7:30 PM\, 34 Bedford Street. Portland \nWhat’s at stake for American business and diplomacy as the U.S.-China relationship enters a new era? Sean Stein brings nearly three decades of diplomatic experience—including service as U.S. Consul General in Shanghai and Shenyang—combined with deep expertise advising multinational corporations on navigating the world’s most consequential bilateral relationship. As president of the US-China Business Council\, he represents more than 270 American companies operating in China and advocates for balanced engagement between the two economic superpowers. Join us for an insider’s perspective on the future of U.S.-China relations.Great Decisions is the largest and longest-running discussion program on foreign policy in the Unite States\, offered locally by the World Affairs Council of Maine since 1980. Thanks to the generous support of our Global Benefactor “Coffee by Design\,” we are offering a public lecture series in addition to our regular discussion series co-hosted with the Falmouth Memorial Library. \nThis inaugural public lecture of our 2026 Great Decisions Series. The series will delve into pressing global challenges and the decisions shaping the United States’ future role on the world stage. \n📅 Date: February 5\, 2026\n📍 Location: Lee Auditorium\, Wishcamper Center\, 34 Bedford Street\, Portland\n⏰ Time: 5:30 – 7.30 \nReserve your spot today and be part of this essential conversation on the crossroads of American foreign policy. \nTickets: \n$12 for members \n$20 non-members \nMaine Students FREE \nREGISTER HERE \n 
URL:https://wacmaine.org/event/u-s-china-relations/
LOCATION:Lee Auditorium\, Wishcamper Center\, 34 Bedfort St\, Portland\, ME\, 04104\, United States
CATEGORIES:Great Decisions
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260205T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260305T193000
DTSTAMP:20260429T131932
CREATED:20260107T175156Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T175304Z
UID:10000164-1770310800-1772739000@wacmaine.org
SUMMARY:Great Decisions 2026 Evening Keynote Series: The Future of U.S. Global Leadership
DESCRIPTION:Great Decisions 2026 Evening Keynote Series \nThe Future of U.S. Global Leadership\nA six part series on the future of U.S. Foreign Policy\nWhat does the future hold for American foreign policy? Join the World Affairs Council of Maine for six evenings of in-depth insight on the most pressing global challenges facing the United States today. From the U.S.-China relationship to the war in Ukraine\, from trade policy to nuclear proliferation\, this series brings world-class speakers to Portland to help us make sense of a rapidly changing world. Each evening includes a networking reception\, keynote address\, and audience Q&A. \nSeries Schedule: \nFebruary 5 – US–China Relations Sean Stein\, President\, US–China Business Council \nFebruary 12 – Ukraine & the Future of European Security Mariana Budjeryn\, Senior Research Associate\, Harvard Belfer Center \nMarch 5 – Tariffs\, Foreign Policy\, & the Future of the World Economy Andreas Waldkirch\, Mitchell Family Professor of Economics\, Colby College \nMarch 26 – U.S. & Africa Michelle Lenihan\, Deputy Commissioner\, Maine DVEM (former Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs) and Matthew T. Page\, Associate Fellow\, Africa Programme\, Chatham House \nApril 2 – Ruptured Alliances & the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation Heather Williams\, Director\, Project on Nuclear Issues and Senior Fellow\, Defense and Security\, CSIS \nMay 16 – Democracy & the Future of U.S. Foreign Policy Ambassador (ret.) Derek Mitchell\, Senior Adviser to the President and Asia Program\, CSIS \n\nEvent Details: \nTime: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM (all sessions) Location: Lee Auditorium\, Wishcamper Center\, 34 Bedford Street\, Portland \nSchedule for Each Evening: \n\n5:30 PM – 6:15 PM: Networking Reception with light refreshments\n6:15 PM – 7:30 PM: Keynote Address and Q&A\n\n\nSave by registering for the full series! Individual event tickets also available. \n\n\n\nSeries Pass (All 6 Events)\n\n\n\n\n\nWAC207 Members\n$60\n\n\nGeneral Public\n$75\n\n\n\n\nMAINE STUDENTS ARE ALWAYS FREE! \nReserve your spot today and be part of this essential conversation on the crossroads of American foreign policy. \n\nReminder emails: Series pass holders will receive a reminder email before each session with event details and any updates. \nIf you have any questions or need to modify your registration\, please contact us at memberservices@wacmaine.org. \nWe look forward to seeing you throughout the spring as we explore the future of U.S. global leadership together. Thank you for your commitment to informed global citizenship!
URL:https://wacmaine.org/event/great-decisions-2026-evening-keynote-series-the-future-of-u-s-global-leadership/
LOCATION:Lee Auditorium\, Wishcamper Center\, 34 Bedfort St\, Portland\, ME\, 04104\, United States
CATEGORIES:Great Decisions
ORGANIZER;CN="World Affairs Council of Maine":MAILTO:info@wacmaine.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250325T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250325T163000
DTSTAMP:20260429T131932
CREATED:20250317T213607Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250317T213607Z
UID:10000128-1742914800-1742920200@wacmaine.org
SUMMARY:Great Decisions 2025: Library Discussion Series
DESCRIPTION:2025 Great Decisions Library Discussion Series\nGreat Decisions is the largest and longest-running discussion program on foreign policy in the United States. Each year\, the Foreign Policy Association selects eight critical foreign policy issues facing the United States and invites the public to discuss them within their community – however defined. To support the conversation\, the Foreign Policy Association also commissions an annual briefing book with essays by noted experts on the selected topics. The World Affairs Council of Maine has organized an annual Great Decisions discussion session since 1980 – most recently in partnership with the Falmouth Memorial Library.  Each session is led by a Council member with expertise or interest in the topic who will guide participants through the questions outlined in the briefing book. Participants are also encouraged to complete the annual ballot at the end of the series. \nThis year’s series begins Tuesday\, March 25th\, and continues through May 13th. \n\n\nThis year\, the Foreign Policy Association has selected the following topics. The order of topics and session facilitators will be announced before the first session. Registration is for the eight-part series. \n\nU.S. Foreign Policy at a Crossroads\nU.S. Changing Leadership of the World Economy\nU.S. China Relations\nIndia: Between China\, the West\, and the Global South\nInternational Cooperation on Climate Change\nThe Future of NATO and European Security\nAI and American National Security\nU.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East after Gaza\n\n\nHow do I participate?\n\nThere is no cost to participate in the series\, although registration is limited to facilitate discussion. Please sign up as soon as possible\, but no later than March 18th. Participants should obtain a copy of the 2025 Briefing Book* from the Foreign Policy Association HERE (eBook versions HERE).  Review each chapter in advance of the session\, as well as the session glossaries. There will be two copies available for in-library use at the Falmouth Memorial Library courtesy of the World Affairs Council of Maine. *Series sponsors will receive a complimentary copy (see below). \nNote: the Foreign Policy Association no longer produces documentary-style videos to accompany the briefing book.  They do offer a pre-recorded “Master Class” lecture by Professor Jeffrey S. Morton\, Florida Atlantic University for each topic that can be purchased through VIMEO. Recordings of the World Affairs Council of Maine’s public lecture series will also be available at wacmaine.org and on Channel 5. \n\n*Series sponsors and World Affairs premium members will receive a complimentary copy of the briefing book upon request. Please contact Allison Hodgkins\, at ahodgkins@wacmaine.org to request yours.
URL:https://wacmaine.org/event/great-decisions-2025-library-discussion-series/
LOCATION:ME
CATEGORIES:Great Decisions
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250318T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250318T193000
DTSTAMP:20260429T131932
CREATED:20250318T213010Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250311T210633Z
UID:10000126-1742319000-1742326200@wacmaine.org
SUMMARY:Greenland Navigates: Autonomy\, Climate\, and U.S. Foreign Policy
DESCRIPTION:Great Decisions 2025: U.S. Foreign Policy at a Crossroads  \nGreenland Navigates: Autonomy\, Climate\, and U.S. Foreign Policy\nOn March 11\, 2025\, Greenlanders head to the polls in the face of growing demands for independence and repeated calls from President Trump to bring the self-governing territory under U.S. control. How will the outcome shape the future of the world’s largest island? Join us Tuesday\, March 18th to hear renowned scholars Amanda Lynch and Charles Norchi explore Greenland’s delicate balancing act amidst its own aspirations for self-determination\, increased geopolitical competition in the Arctic\, and a rapidly changing climate.  \nhttps://www.jonaa.org/content/as-greenland-decides \n Our Speakers: \nCharles H. Norchi is the Benjamin Thompson Professor of Law in the University of Maine School of Law\, Visiting Professor in the Climate Change Institute of the University of Maine and the Institute for the Environment at Brown University\, Fellow of the World Academy of Arts and Sciences\,  Co-Chair of the International Institute for Law\, Science and Policy (Geneva\, Switzerland)\, Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland\, member of the Arctic Council of the Hague Initiative for Global Justice and member of the World Affairs Council of Maine Advisory Board. Dr. Norchi has published widely on international law\, international security\, the Arctic and Afghanistan.  \n Amanda H. Lynch is the Sloan Lindemann and George Lindemann\, Jr. Distinguished Professor of Environment and Society\, Professor of Earth\, Environmental and Planetary Sciences at Brown University\, Visiting Professor in the Climate Change Institute of the University of Maine and Visiting Scholar in the University of Maine School of Law. A pioneering climate scientist\, she developed the first Arctic regional climate system model and has published extensively on climate science and policy\, with a focus on polar regions. Dr. Lynch Chairs the Research Board of the United Nations World Meteorological Organization (WMO).  \n📅 Date: TUESDAY March 18\, 2025\n📍 Location: Glickman Family Room\, Glickman Library\, USM Portland\n⏰ Time: 5:30 – 7:30 \nTickets: \n$15 for members \n$20 non-members \nMaine Students FREE \nREGISTER HERE \n 
URL:https://wacmaine.org/event/greenland-navigates-autonomy-climate-and-u-s-foreign-policy/
LOCATION:Bernstein-Shur\, 100 Middle St\, Portland\, ME\, 04101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Great Decisions
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250318T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250318T193000
DTSTAMP:20260429T131932
CREATED:20250311T210949Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250311T210949Z
UID:10000127-1742319000-1742326200@wacmaine.org
SUMMARY:Greenland Navigates: Autonomy\, Climate\, and U.S. Foreign Policy
DESCRIPTION:Great Decisions 2025: U.S. Foreign Policy at a Crossroads \n\n\n\nGreenland Navigates: Autonomy\, Climate\, and U.S. Foreign Policy\nOn March 11\, 2025\, Greenlanders head to the polls in the face of growing demands for independence and repeated calls from President Trump to bring the self-governing territory under U.S. control. How will the outcome shape the future of the world’s largest island? Join us Tuesday\, March 18th to hear renowned scholars Amanda Lynch and Charles Norchi explore Greenland’s delicate balancing act amidst its own aspirations for self-determination\, increased geopolitical competition in the Arctic\, and a rapidly changing climate.  \nhttps://www.jonaa.org/content/as-greenland-decides \n Our Speakers: \nCharles H. Norchi is the Benjamin Thompson Professor of Law in the University of Maine School of Law\, Visiting Professor in the Climate Change Institute of the University of Maine and the Institute for the Environment at Brown University\, Fellow of the World Academy of Arts and Sciences\,  Co-Chair of the International Institute for Law\, Science and Policy (Geneva\, Switzerland)\, Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland\, member of the Arctic Council of the Hague Initiative for Global Justice and member of the World Affairs Council of Maine Advisory Board. Dr. Norchi has published widely on international law\, international security\, the Arctic and Afghanistan. \n Amanda H. Lynch is the Sloan Lindemann and George Lindemann\, Jr. Distinguished Professor of Environment and Society\, Professor of Earth\, Environmental and Planetary Sciences at Brown University\, Visiting Professor in the Climate Change Institute of the University of Maine and Visiting Scholar in the University of Maine School of Law. A pioneering climate scientist\, she developed the first Arctic regional climate system model and has published extensively on climate science and policy\, with a focus on polar regions. Dr. Lynch Chairs the Research Board of the United Nations World Meteorological Organization (WMO).  \n📅 Date: TUESDAY March 18\, 2025\n📍 Location: Glickman Family Room\, Glickman Library\, USM Portland\n⏰ Time: 5:30 – 7:30 \nTickets: \n$15 for members \n$20 non-members \nMaine Students FREE \nREGISTER HERE \n 
URL:https://wacmaine.org/event/greenland-navigates-autonomy-climate-and-u-s-foreign-policy-2/
LOCATION:ME
CATEGORIES:Great Decisions
ORGANIZER;CN="World Affairs Council of Maine":MAILTO:info@wacmaine.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250305T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250305T200000
DTSTAMP:20260429T131932
CREATED:20250121T203254Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250219T180805Z
UID:10000118-1741195800-1741204800@wacmaine.org
SUMMARY:The Future of NATO and European Security\, Adm. (ret) Greg Johnson and Dr. Sonja Kreibich\,
DESCRIPTION:Great Decisions 2025: U.S. Foreign Policy at a Crossroads \nThe Future of NATO and European Security \nwith\nAdm. (ret) Greg Johnson and Dr. Sonja Kreibich\,\nJoin us for the third public lecture of our 2025 Great Decisions program: “The Future of NATO and European Security\,” featuring Admiral (ret.) Greg Johnson and Dr. Sonja Kreibich of the German Consulate. Admiral Johnson\, with his extensive naval career and strategic expertise\, will offer invaluable insights into NATO’s evolving role in maintaining global security. His firsthand experience in military operations and international cooperation will provide a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the alliance. Dr. Sonja Kreibich\, representing the German Consulate\, brings a crucial European viewpoint. Her diplomatic background and deep understanding of European security issues will illuminate the continent’s evolving defense strategies and the importance of transatlantic cooperation in an era of geopolitical uncertainty. \nDon’t miss this opportunity to gain profound insights into the future of European security and NATO’s pivotal role in maintaining global stability. \n📅 Date: March 5\, 2025\n📍 Location: Bernstein-Shur\, 100 Middle Street\, Portland\n⏰ Time: 5:30 – 8:00  \nTickets: \n$15 for members \n$20 non-members \nMaine Students FREE \nREGISTER HERE
URL:https://wacmaine.org/event/the-future-of-nato-and-european-security-adm-ret-greg-johnson-and-dr-sonja-kreibigh/
LOCATION:Bernstein-Shur\, 100 Middle St\, Portland\, ME\, 04101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Great Decisions
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250219T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250219T170000
DTSTAMP:20260429T131932
CREATED:20250319T213019Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250219T205412Z
UID:10000121-1739952000-1739984400@wacmaine.org
SUMMARY:Greenland: Reshaping Arctic Diplomacy and US Strategy
DESCRIPTION:Great Decisions 2025: US Foreign Policy at a Crossroads\nGreenland: Reshaping Arctic Diplomacy and US Strategy\nDate: Wednesday\, March 19\, 2025\nTime: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM\nLocation: TBD \n \nJoin the World Affairs Council of Maine for the fourth event in our 2025 Great Decisions Series\, “US Foreign Policy at a Crossroads.” As climate change transforms the Arctic landscape\, Greenland has become a focal point of international attention. Its strategic location\, vast natural resources\, and evolving political status present both challenges and opportunities for US diplomacy and global security. This timely discussion will explore the complex dynamics shaping Greenland’s future and its impact on global affairs\, particularly U.S. foreign policy and Arctic cooperation. \n \nFeatured Speakers: \nCharles H. Norchi\, JD\, LLM\, JSD\nBenjamin Thompson Professor of Law\, University of Maine School of Law\nDirector\, Center for Oceans & Coastal Law \n \nProfessor Norchi is an expert in international law and Arctic policy. His extensive experience includes serving as the Fulbright-Ministry of Foreign Affairs Arctic Scholar in Iceland and advising on ocean and coastal law issues worldwide. \n \nAmanda H. Lynch\, PhD\nSloan and George Lindemann Jr. Distinguished Professor of Environment and Society\, Brown University\nChair\, Research Board of the United Nations World Meteorological Organization \n \nProfessor Lynch is a leading atmospheric scientist specializing in Arctic climate systems. Her groundbreaking work includes developing the first Arctic regional climate system model and exploring the interplay between climate science and environmental governance. \n \nOur distinguished speakers will address: \n\n\nGreenland’s evolving role in Arctic geopolitics \n\n\nThe impact of climate change on regional dynamics \n\n\nUS policy challenges and opportunities in the High North \n\n\nThe future of international cooperation in the Arctic \n\n\nDon’t miss this opportunity to gain insights into one of the most pressing issues in contemporary international relations. We look forward to your participation in this engaging and informative discussion. \n📅 Date: March 19\, 2025\n📍 Location: TBD\n⏰ Time: 5:30 – 7:30 \nTickets: \n$15 for members \n$20 non-members \nMaine Students FREE \nREGISTER HERE
URL:https://wacmaine.org/event/greenland-reshaping-arctic-diplomacy-and-us-strategy/
LOCATION:ME
CATEGORIES:Great Decisions
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250206T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250206T200000
DTSTAMP:20260429T131932
CREATED:20250121T202527Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250206T205137Z
UID:10000117-1738863000-1738872000@wacmaine.org
SUMMARY:U.S.-China Relations with Susan Thornton
DESCRIPTION:Great Decisions 2025: U.S. Foreign Policy at a Crossroads \nNOW ONLINE — U.S. – China Relations\nwith Susan Thornton\nJoin us for a compelling evening as the 2025 Great Decisions program continues with an insightful lecture on “US-China Relations” by Susan Thornton\, former Acting Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs\, moderated by a distinguished expert in the field. Susan Thornton\, a seasoned diplomat with over 25 years of experience in Eurasia and East Asia\, will delve into the complexities of the US-China relationship in an era of increasing global competition. Drawing on her extensive diplomatic career and deep understanding of East Asian affairs\, Thornton will offer unique perspectives on navigating one of the most critical bilateral relationships in today’s geopolitical landscape. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into the future of US-China relations and their impact on the global order. Join us in shaping the conversation on this pivotal international relationship and be part of the dialogue that influences the future of U.S. foreign policy in Asia and beyond. \n📅 Date: February 6\, 2025\n📍 Location: ONLINE – Registered participants will receive a link via email\n⏰ Time: 6:00-7:30 PM \nTickets: \n$15 for members \n$20 non-members \nMaine Students FREE \nREGISTER HERE
URL:https://wacmaine.org/event/u-s-china-relations-with-susan-thornton/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Great Decisions
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250129T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250129T200000
DTSTAMP:20260429T131932
CREATED:20250121T170603Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250121T210518Z
UID:10000116-1738171800-1738180800@wacmaine.org
SUMMARY:U.S. Foreign Policy at a Crossroads\, with Secretary William S. Cohen
DESCRIPTION:U.S. Foreign Policy at a Crossroads\nFeaturing Secretary William S. Cohen\nModerated by: Sarah Dawn Petrin\, World Affairs Council of Maine\, Nonresident Senior Fellow Atlantic Council \nJoin the World Affairs Council of Maine for a thought-provoking evening with Secretary William S. Cohen\, former U.S. Secretary of Defense (1997–2001)\, Senator (1979–1997)\, and Congressman (1973–1979). As Chairman of The Cohen Group\, Secretary Cohen brings decades of experience and insight into the complexities of American foreign policy at this pivotal moment in history. \nModerated by Sarah Dawn Petrin\, 2nd Vice President of the World Affairs Council of Maine and Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council\, this event will be a unique opportunity to examine complex issues\, ask questions\, and connect with others passionate about understanding and shaping our world. The evening will begin with a short networking reception. \nThis inaugural public lecture of our 2025 Great Decisions Series\, sponsored by Coffee by Design\, our 2025 Global Benefactor. The series will delve into pressing global challenges and the decisions shaping the United States’ future role on the world stage. \n📅 Date: January 29\, 2025\n📍 Location: Preti Flaherty\, One City Center\, Portland Maine\n⏰ Time: 5:30 – 8:00  \nReserve your spot today and be part of this essential conversation on the crossroads of American foreign policy. \nTickets: \n$15 for members \n$20 non-members \nMaine Students FREE \nREGISTER HERE \nREGISTER HERE
URL:https://wacmaine.org/event/u-s-foreign-policy-at-a-crossroads-with-secretary-william-s-cohen/
LOCATION:ME
CATEGORIES:Great Decisions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacmaine.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/FY25-GD-Icon-Cohen-2.png
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