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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260507T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260507T193000
DTSTAMP:20260513T164236
CREATED:20260107T170703Z
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SUMMARY:Great Decisions 2026: Ruptured Alliances & the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation
DESCRIPTION:Great Decisions 2026: The Future of U.S. Global Leadership Keynote Series \nRuptured Alliances & the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation\nwith Heather Williams\, Director\, Project on Nuclear Issues and Senior Fellow\, Defense and Security\, CSIS\, moderated by Rebecca Davis-Gibbons \nMay 7\, 2026\, 5:30-7:30 PM\, 34 Bedford Street\, Portland \nWhat happens when America’s allies begin to doubt U.S. security commitments—could it trigger a new wave of nuclear proliferation? Heather Williams directs the Project on Nuclear Issues at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and serves on the Defense Science Board. A leading voice on arms control\, deterrence\, and nuclear risks\, she has advised the U.S. government and the UK House of Lords on nuclear policy. Join us for a vital conversation on whether the global architecture that has prevented nuclear spread for decades can survive an era of great power rivalry. \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$10 for members \n$15 non-members \nMaine Students FREE \nREGISTER HERE \n 
URL:https://wacmaine.org/event/great-decisions-2026-ruptured-alliances-the-risk-of-nuclear-proliferation/
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:20260326T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260326T193000
DTSTAMP:20260513T164236
CREATED:20260107T164800Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T165430Z
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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:20260513T164236
CREATED:20260107T164008Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T164040Z
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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
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:20260513T164236
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:20260513T164236
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:20260513T164236
CREATED:20260107T175156Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T175304Z
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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:20250321T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250321T193000
DTSTAMP:20260513T164236
CREATED:20250311T174033Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250311T174033Z
UID:10000125-1742580000-1742585400@wacmaine.org
SUMMARY:Nuclear Weapons: U.S. Politics\, Activism\, and Global Views
DESCRIPTION:Nuclear Weapons: U.S. Politics\, Activism\, and Global Views \nDr. Stephen Herzog  \nMiddlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey \n  \nDr. Lauren Sukin \nLondon School of Economics and Political Science \nNuclear weapons are gaining renewed salience amidst the war in Ukraine and growing tensions among nuclear-armed states. At the same time\, a global movement of governments and activists is promoting a treaty banning nuclear weapons\, which currently boasts membership of 73 countries. How do we understand global nuclear politics in 2025? How is public opinion responding to current nuclear trends? Can current activist strategies to change public opinion about nuclear weapons work in this difficult climate? Please join experts Dr. Herzog and Dr. Sukin for a presentation and discussion of nuclear weapons\, anti-nuclear activism\, and global public opinion. This promises to be an interesting conversation featuring important new data and research. \nDate: Friday\, March 21\, 2025 \nTime: 6:00-7:30 pm \nLocation: Wishcamper 133\, Portland Campus \nAll are welcome\, if possible\, please RSVP to rebecca.gibbons@maine.edu
URL:https://wacmaine.org/event/nuclear-weapons-u-s-politics-activism-and-global-views/
LOCATION:University of Southern Maine\, 102 Wishcamper\, 34 Bedford St\, Portland\, ME\, 04101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community
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