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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260402T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260402T110000
DTSTAMP:20260525T182825
CREATED:20260210T165107Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T144839Z
UID:10000172-1775124000-1775127600@wacmaine.org
SUMMARY:Coffee and Discussion (virtual)
DESCRIPTION:A monthly discussion of world events for members. Virtual meetings are held every first Thursday of the month. \nDate & Time: April 2nd\, from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM \nDiscussion leader: \nProposed topic: Food Supply and Fertilizer Shortages Amid the Iran War \nSuggested Readings:  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGordon\, N.\, & Corthell\, L. (2026\, March 12). The other global crisis stemming from the Strait of Hormuz’s blockage. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. https://carnegieendowment.org/emissary/2026/03/fertilizer-iran-hormuz-food-crisis\nCurtis\, E.\, Virzi\, J.\, & Welsh\, C. (2026\, March 11). Chokepoint: How the war with Iran threatens global food security. Center for Strategic and International Studies. https://www.csis.org/analysis/chokepoint-how-war-iran-threatens-global-food-security\nAtlantic Council. (2026). The Iran war’s economic fallout won’t stop at oil: Agriculture and aluminum are next. https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/econographics/the-iran-wars-economic-fallout-wont-stop-at-oil-agriculture-and-aluminum-are-next/\nCouncil on Foreign Relations. (2026). The Iran war’s hidden front: Food\, water\, and fertilizer. https://www.cfr.org/articles/the-iran-wars-hidden-front-food-water-and-fertilizer\nWashington Post. (2026\, March 28). Iran war humanitarian aid blocked. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/03/28/iran-war-humanitarian-aid-blocked/\nSupply Chain Brain. (2026). Iran war threatens global food supply chains. https://www.supplychainbrain.com/articles/43690-iran-war-threatens-global-food-supply-chains\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nREGISTER HERE OR ABOVE.
URL:https://wacmaine.org/event/coffee-and-discussion-in-person-at-magno-terra-in-yarmouth-9/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Coffee and Discussion
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ORGANIZER;CN="World Affairs Council of Maine":MAILTO:info@wacmaine.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260311T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260311T200000
DTSTAMP:20260525T182825
CREATED:20260306T210027Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260309T193658Z
UID:10000174-1773255600-1773259200@wacmaine.org
SUMMARY:MEMBERS Weeknight Webinar: United States and Israel at War with Iran
DESCRIPTION:Special Webinar for Members of the World Affairs Council of Maine\nUnited States and Israel at War with Iran\nWith Elisa Catalano Ewers\, Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations\, an Adjunct Senior Fellow at the Center for a New American Security and at the RAND Corporation\, and a Partner at Scalare Advisors \nModerated by Christopher E. Barr\, Vice President\, World Affairs Council of Maine \nWednesday\, March 11th at 7 p.m. — via Zoom \nJoin the World Affairs Council of Maine for another timely weeknight webinar on the evolving situation between Iran\, Israel\, and the United States. This session features Elisa Catalano Ewers\, Adjunct Senior Fellow at the Center for a New American Security and a leading expert on U.S. policy in the Middle East\, with moderation by Christopher E. Barr. \nThe discussion will provide expert insight on the rapidly escalating conflict between the United States\, Israel\, and Iran. In recent weeks\, U.S. and Israeli forces have carried out major military strikes on Iranian targets\, prompting retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Iran across the region and raising fears of a broader regional war. Whether you are interested in foreign policy\, security\, or current events\, this conversation will explore the challenges and strategic choices shaping U.S. policy in the Middle East at this pivotal moment. Registration is for members only. Suggested donation for members is $10.  Interested in becoming a Member? Monthly Sustainer Options begin at $4 per month! Maine Student Membership is ALWAYS free! \n\n  \nAbout our Speakers\n\nElisa Catalano Ewers is a practitioner in U.S. national security and foreign policy with more than 25 years of experience across government\, think tanks\, academia\, and the private sector. Her expertise focuses on the Middle East and North Africa\, counterterrorism and security cooperation\, the role of multilateral institutions\, including the United Nations\, World Bank\, and International Monetary Fund\, and U.S. national security decision-making.\n \nEwers is currently a Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations\, an Adjunct Senior Fellow at the Center for a New American Security and at the RAND Corporation\, and a Partner at Scalare Advisors. Ewers served in senior positions in both Democratic and Republican administrations\, including at the National Security Council\, the Departments of State and Defense\, U.S. embassies\, and the U.S. Mission to the United Nations. She also served as a U.S. Senate senior professional staff member\, leading the Foreign Relations Committee’s work on the Middle East and North Africa\, nonproliferation and arms control\, and international economic policy. She was selected for the Senior Executive Service and has advised senior leaders across the executive and legislative branches on complex foreign policy challenges. Her analysis has appeared in outlets including Foreign Affairs\, Foreign Policy\, The Washington Post\, Newsweek\, and War on the Rocks\, as well as on BBC\, CNN\, CBS\, XM Radio\, and NPR.  \nModerator: Christopher E. Barr is a foreign policy professional with over a decade of experience at the intersection of U.S. foreign policy\, Congress\, and the Middle East and North Africa. Most recently\, he served as the  Senior Legislative and Policy Analyst for the Democratic staff of the United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee\, where he worked from June 2013 to March 2025. His main focus areas were the Middle East and North Africa\, non-proliferation\, and international financial institutions\, on which he provided analysis and policy guidance to the Committee Chairman. Chris has traveled throughout the Middle East and North Africa\, and lived\, studied\, and worked in Cairo\, Egypt\, before his time on the Foreign Relations Committee. Chris holds a Juris Doctor (JD) in International and Corporate Law\, with a focus on Islamic Jurisprudence\, from the New York University School of Law. He also earned a Graduate Diploma in Middle East Politics and Economics from The American University in Cairo and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Princeton University. Chris currently lives in Yarmouth\, Maine. \n\n  \n 
URL:https://wacmaine.org/event/weeknight-webinar-united-states-and-israel-at-war-with-iran/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Weeknight Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacmaine.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/FY26-WEB-Iran-Ewers-Barr-March-11.png
ORGANIZER;CN="World Affairs Council of Maine":MAILTO:info@wacmaine.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T200000
DTSTAMP:20260525T182825
CREATED:20260107T162532Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T163225Z
UID:10000158-1769022000-1769025600@wacmaine.org
SUMMARY:Weeknight Webinar: Global Trade Flows and U.S. Economic Policy
DESCRIPTION:Join us on Tuesday\, January 21st from 7:00-8:00 PM EST for an evening webinar with Karthik Sankaran\, Senior Research Fellow in the Geoeconomics Global South Program at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. \nAs the new administration reshapes America’s economic engagement with the world\, understanding the shifting landscape of trade policy has never been more important. In this timely discussion\, Dr. Sankaran will explore the intersection of economic policy and foreign policy\, examining how tariffs\, sanctions\, investment strategies\, and targeted financial interventions are transforming U.S. relationships with nations around the globe—particularly in the Global South. \nWhether you’re a policy professional\, business leader\, educator\, or simply someone trying to make sense of today’s rapidly changing economic landscape\, this webinar offers essential context for understanding where U.S. economic policy is headed and what it means for Maine and the world. \nThis webinar is open to the public and will be recorded. Free for WAC207 members and Maine students; suggested donation of $15 for the general public. \n \nLearn more about Karthik Sankaran’s work at the Quincy Institute: https://quincyinst.org/author/karthik-sankaran/ \n 
URL:https://wacmaine.org/event/weeknight-webinar-global-trade-flows-and-u-s-economic-policy/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Weeknight Webinar
ORGANIZER;CN="World Affairs Council of Maine":MAILTO:info@wacmaine.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260114T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260114T200000
DTSTAMP:20260525T182825
CREATED:20260107T131937Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T132312Z
UID:10000157-1768417200-1768420800@wacmaine.org
SUMMARY:SPECIAL FOR MEMBERS: The 2025 National Security Strategy – What It Means for 2026
DESCRIPTION:Members-Only Webinar: The 2025 National Security Strategy – What It Means for 2026\nMembers-Only Webinar: The 2025 National Security Strategy – What It Means for 2026 Wednesday\, January 14 | 7:00–8:00 PM | Members Only \nThe Trump administration’s 2025 National Security Strategy puts the Western Hemisphere at the center of U.S. foreign policy—and recent events suggest they mean it. What else does this strategy prioritize? What does it say about our relations in different parts of the world? How does it break from previous administrations? And what should we expect in 2026? Join WAC207 President Sarah Dawn Petrin\, acclaimed author and humanitarian\, and Vice President Christopher E. Barr\, former staff of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee\, for a members-only discussion unpacking this consequential document and its implications for the year ahead. This session will not be recorded. \n  \n \nNOTE: confirmed members will receive the zoom link via email. \n 
URL:https://wacmaine.org/event/special-for-members-webinar-on-usnss/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Weeknight Webinar
ORGANIZER;CN="World Affairs Council of Maine":MAILTO:info@wacmaine.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260108T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260108T200000
DTSTAMP:20260525T182825
CREATED:20260107T124344Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T124344Z
UID:10000156-1767898800-1767902400@wacmaine.org
SUMMARY:SPECIAL FOR MEMBERS: WEBINAR ON US ACTIONS IN VENEZUELA
DESCRIPTION:U.S. Actions in Venezuela\nTHURSDAY\, January 8\, 2026 | 7:00–8:00 PM via zoom \nMembers Only | Chatham House Rules | Not Recorded \nThe U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro marks the largest American military intervention in Latin America since Panama in 1989. What does this mean for U.S. national security and our relations with other countries in the region? Who and how will Venezuela be governed in the short and long term? And what comes next for Venezuela and its people? We’ve organized this members-only Rapid Response Webinar to help you understand what just happened and what comes next. Our guest is a former senior U.S. official with deep expertise on Latin America\, the Caribbean\, and U.S. national security policy. This session will be conducted under Chatham House Rules and will not be recorded\, allowing for candid\, off-the-record conversation. \n \nNOTE: confirmed members will receive the zoom link via email. \n 
URL:https://wacmaine.org/event/special-for-members-webinar-on-us-actions-in-venezuela/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Weeknight Webinar
ORGANIZER;CN="World Affairs Council of Maine":MAILTO:info@wacmaine.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251204T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251204T110000
DTSTAMP:20260525T182825
CREATED:20260223T223123Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260223T223123Z
UID:10000173-1764842400-1764846000@wacmaine.org
SUMMARY:Members' Coffee and Discussion (Virtual) - Thursday\, March 5th
DESCRIPTION:Virtual session on zoom Thursday\, March 5th\, 2026 10am-11am.\nTopic: Developments in the Middle East\nFacilitator: Volunteers needed \nAfter the February 19th session\, members expressed an interest in sharing impressions and reactions to the speakers at last weekend’s Camden Conference\, and/or the Consequences of Palestine conference the Maine Coalition for Palestine is hosting this Saturday (neither event was/is organized or sponsored by the World Affairs Council of Maine).  As both conference organizers have extensive reading lists\, we are not making any specific recommendations. \nMembers register HERE – Zoom link will be sent in confirmation email. Looking forward to seeing all who can make it.
URL:https://wacmaine.org/event/members-coffee-and-discussion-virtual-thursday-march-5th/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Coffee and Discussion
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacmaine.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/FY25-WEB-Coffe-Icon-e1722544254657.png
ORGANIZER;CN="World Affairs Council of Maine":MAILTO:info@wacmaine.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251204T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251204T110000
DTSTAMP:20260525T182825
CREATED:20260201T131034Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260201T131034Z
UID:10000166-1764842400-1764846000@wacmaine.org
SUMMARY:Members' Coffee and Discussion (Virtual) - Thursday\, December 4th
DESCRIPTION:A monthly discussion of world events for members. Virtual session on zoom this Thursday\, December 4th\, 10am-11am.  \nVirtual session on zoom Thursday\, February 4\, 2026 10am-11am.\nTopic: Corruption in Ukraine (for real this time!)\nFacilitator: Volunteers needed \nSuggested Readings: \n  \nSuggested Readings:\n\n\nBudjeryn\, M. (2025\, November 26). War\, peace\, and corruption in embattled Ukraine. Brookings.\nHewson\, J.\, & Warsi\, Z. (2025\, December 5). Corruption scandal rocks Ukraine as it fights for survival against Russia’s invasion. PBS News.\nSkorkin\, K. (2025\, November 18). The corruption scandal engulfing Ukraine won’t die down anytime soon. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.\nDickinson\, P. (2025\, November 17). Zelenskyy faces the biggest corruption scandal of his presidency – Atlantic Council. Atlantic Council.\nTransparency International. (2025\, February 18). CPI 2024: Highlights and insights – News. Transparency.org.\nUkraine Specific The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index in the world. (2024). The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index in the World.\n\n\nRegister HERE – Zoom link will be sent in confirmation email. Looking forward to seeing all who can make it. \nFor current events sessions\, members are encouraged to review the latest editions of the Council’s weekly world news review: 7in7\nLooking forward to seeing all who can make it.
URL:https://wacmaine.org/event/members-coffee-and-discussion-virtual-thursday-december-4th-2/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Coffee and Discussion
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacmaine.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/FY25-WEB-Coffe-Icon-e1722544254657.png
ORGANIZER;CN="World Affairs Council of Maine":MAILTO:info@wacmaine.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251204T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251204T110000
DTSTAMP:20260525T182825
CREATED:20251123T135203Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251123T135203Z
UID:10000149-1764842400-1764846000@wacmaine.org
SUMMARY:Members' Coffee and Discussion (Virtual) - Thursday\, December 4th
DESCRIPTION:A monthly discussion of world events for members. Virtual session on zoom this Thursday\, December 4th\, 10am-11am.  \nVirtual session on zoom Thursday\, December 4\, 2025 10am-11am.\nTopic: G20 Summit\nFacilitator: Clifford Gilpin \nSuggested Readings: \n\nJones\, M. (2025\, November 22). G20: Will Trump’s no-show eclipse South Africa’s moment? https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20508y7w5yo\nSouth Africa’s G20 Juggling Act. (2025\, November 20). International Crisis Group. https://www.crisisgroup.org/africa/south-africa/south-africas-g20-juggling-act\nG20 South Africa – Solidarity\, Equality and Sustainability. (2025\, November 16). G20 South Africa. https://g20.org/\nMatiwane\, Z. (2025\, November 22). South Africans seize on G20 summit to air their nation’s ills. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/21/world/africa/south-africa-g20-protests.html\n\nYou can also access past editions of our weekly world news review HERE. \nRegister HERE – Zoom link will be sent in confirmation email. Looking forward to seeing all who can make it. \nFor current events sessions\, members are encouraged to review the latest editions of the Council’s weekly world news review: 7in7\nLooking forward to seeing all who can make it.
URL:https://wacmaine.org/event/members-coffee-and-discussion-virtual-thursday-december-4th/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Coffee and Discussion
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacmaine.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/FY25-WEB-Coffe-Icon-e1722544254657.png
ORGANIZER;CN="World Affairs Council of Maine":MAILTO:info@wacmaine.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251106T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251106T110000
DTSTAMP:20260525T182825
CREATED:20251031T141944Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251031T142602Z
UID:10000147-1762423200-1762426800@wacmaine.org
SUMMARY:Members' Coffee and Discussion (Virtual) - Thursday\, November 6th
DESCRIPTION:A monthly discussion of world events for members. Virtual session on zoom this Thursday\, November 6th\, 10am-11am.  \nTopic: Current events – suggested focus on the future of international assistance. \nFacilitator: Clifford Gilpin \nSuggested Readings: See Wednesday’s story in the 7in7 for October 12-18\,  you can also access past newsletters on the website HERE. \nRegister HERE – Zoom link will be sent in confirmation email. \nLooking forward to seeing all who can make it.
URL:https://wacmaine.org/event/members-coffee-and-discussion-virtual-thursday-november-6th/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Coffee and Discussion
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacmaine.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/FY25-WEB-Coffe-Icon-e1722544254657.png
ORGANIZER;CN="World Affairs Council of Maine":MAILTO:info@wacmaine.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250826T123000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250826T133000
DTSTAMP:20260525T182825
CREATED:20250818T202141Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250818T202141Z
UID:10000142-1756211400-1756215000@wacmaine.org
SUMMARY:Community Event: Restoring Family Links with the American Red Cross
DESCRIPTION:Dear Community Partners\,\nWe are pleased to invite you to a virtual presentation hosted by the American Red Cross on Restoring Family Links\, a vital program supporting international families separated by conflict\, disaster\, migration\, or other humanitarian crises.\nDate: Tuesday\, August 26\, 2025\nTime: 12:30 PM (Eastern Time)\nLocation: Online via Zoom\nZoom Registration Link: Click here to register\n\nThis session will provide an overview of how the Restoring Family Links program works\, who it serves\, and how community organizations can collaborate to support families in need of reconnection and information.\nLearn more:  https://www.redcross.org/about-us/our-work/international-services/reconnecting-families.html?srsltid=AfmBOorp5ahoENhVRg-9OE03dpO9gRMYlwjxTBGqEgo1kN0ETs6AyW3U\nFAQs: https://www.redcross.org/faq.html#Reconnecting-Families\nWe hope you can join us for this important conversation. Please feel free to share this invitation with colleagues and partners who may be interested.\nFor questions please contact: SAFNNE@redcross.org
URL:https://wacmaine.org/event/community-event-restoring-family-links-with-the-american-red-cross/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Community
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250814T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250814T110000
DTSTAMP:20260525T182825
CREATED:20250810T113639Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250810T113639Z
UID:10000140-1755165600-1755169200@wacmaine.org
SUMMARY:August 14th: Members' Coffee and Discussion (Virtual)
DESCRIPTION:A monthly discussion of world events for members. Virtual session on zoom this Thursday\, August 10am-11am. Register HERE \nFrom Joe:\nWe can start with a brief summary of the Wednesday webinar. After we discuss the current situation in the Mideast\, if there is time\, we can talk a bit about tariffs (see   https://responsiblestatecraft.org/trump-tariffs-2673858212/ but don’t feel at all obliged to read).\n\nLooking forward to seeing all who can make it.
URL:https://wacmaine.org/event/august-14th-members-coffee-and-discussion-virtual/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Coffee and Discussion
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacmaine.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/FY25-WEB-Coffe-Icon-e1722544254657.png
ORGANIZER;CN="World Affairs Council of Maine":MAILTO:info@wacmaine.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250813T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250813T200000
DTSTAMP:20260525T182825
CREATED:20250805T210513Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250811T184557Z
UID:10000138-1755111600-1755115200@wacmaine.org
SUMMARY:Iran\, Israel\, and the United States III: The View from the Gulf
DESCRIPTION:Iran\, Israel\, and the United States III: The View from The Gulf\nWith Susannah George\, Gulf Bureau Chief\, Washington Post \nModerated by Allison Hodgkins\, World Affairs Council of Maine \nWednesday\, August 13 at 7 p.m. — via Zoom \nSusannah George has been the Washington Post’s Gulf bureau chief\, based in Dubai\, leading coverage of the oil-rich monarchies of the Persian Gulf and their neighbor\, Iran. She previously spent four years The Post’s Afghanistan-Pakistan bureau chief\, where she covered the fall of the Afghan government and the return of the Taliban to power. She is a prize-winning journalist with deep experience in reporting from the Middle East\, including assignments in Egypt\, Libya\, Bahrain\, and Tunisia during the Arab Spring and in Iraq on multiple tours. She headed the Associated Press’s Baghdad bureau. She is currently transitioning back to the paper’s headquarters in Washington D.C. \nThe discussion will provide expert insight on the role of Congress in navigating the evolving dynamics between Iran\, Israel\, and the United States. Whether you’re interested in foreign policy\, security\, or current events\, this conversation will provide critical insights into the challenges and opportunities facing U.S. strategy in the region. Registration for members is covered by annual membership dues. Suggested donation for the general public $10. Registration for Maine Students is always FREE! \n\n  \n 
URL:https://wacmaine.org/event/iran-israel-and-the-united-states-ii-the-view-from-washington-d-c-2/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Weeknight Webinar
ORGANIZER;CN="World Affairs Council of Maine":MAILTO:info@wacmaine.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250709T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250709T200000
DTSTAMP:20260525T182825
CREATED:20250702T194923Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250702T195446Z
UID:10000137-1752087600-1752091200@wacmaine.org
SUMMARY:Iran\, Israel\, and the United States II: the view from Washington D.C.
DESCRIPTION:Iran\, Israel\, and the United States II: The View from Washington D.C.\nWith Elisa Catalano Ewers\, Adjunct Senior Fellow at RAND Corporation\, Principal with Scalare Advisors \nModerated by Christopher E. Barr\, Director\, World Affairs Council of Maine \nWednesday\, July 9 at 7 p.m. — via Zoom \nJoin the World Affairs Council of Maine for another timely weeknight webinar on the evolving situation between Iran\, Israel\, and the United States. This session features Elisa Catalano Ewers\, Adjunct Senior Fellow at the Center for a New American Security and a leading expert on U.S. policy in the Middle East\, with moderation by Christopher E. Barr. \nThe discussion will provide expert insight on the role of Congress in navigating the evolving dynamics between Iran\, Israel\, and the United States. Whether you’re interested in foreign policy\, security\, or current events\, this conversation will provide critical insights into the challenges and opportunities facing U.S. strategy in the region.Registration for members is covered by annual membership dues. Suggested donation for members of the general public $10. Registration for Maine Students is always FREE! \n \nAbout our Speakers\n\nElisa Catalano Ewers is a leading voice in national security policy issues related to the Middle East and North Africa\, counterterrorism and security cooperation\, and the workings of multilateral institutions\, including the United Nations\, World Bank and International Monetary Fund.She has over 25 years of experience as a chief advisor  in the executive and legislative branches of the U.S. government\, in  think tanks and academia\, and as a strategy consultant in the  private sector.  She served during both the Obama and George W. Bush administrations\, at the National Security Council\, Departments of State and Defense\, at U.S. Embassies overseas and the U.S. Mission to the United Nations. She was selected for Senior Executive Service\, as a Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense. \nIn her role as a senior professional staff member of the United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee\, Elisa led the committee’s work on Middle East and North Africa\, Nonproliferation and Arms Control\, and International Economic policy. She served as the principal advisor on these foreign policy and national security issues to the Democratic members of the U.S. Senate. Additionally\, she exercised oversight over billions of dollars in related U.S. funding and programs related to some of the most pressing foreign policy challenges of the day. \nAs an Adjunct Senior Fellow at the Center for a New American Security\, Ms. Ewers’ analysis appeared in such outlets as The Washington Post\, Newsweek\, Foreign Affairs\, Foreign Policy\, War on the Rocks\, BBC\, CNN\, and XM Radio. Elisa was an adjunct faculty  member in the graduate programs at The Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced  International Studies. Prior to her time in government service\, Elisa had a distinguished private sector career in consulting and institutional asset management with Booz Allen Hamilton and Wellington Management Company. \nShe currently is an adjunct senior fellow at RAND Corporation\, and a principal with Scalare Advisors. She also is a member of the executive board of directors of the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society. She resides in Washington D.C. with her husband\, Major General  John Ewers\, USMC (ret)\, their sons John and Lloyd\, and their labrador Gracie. \nModerator: Christopher E. Barr is a foreign policy professional with over a decade of experience at the intersection of U.S. foreign policy\, Congress\, and the Middle East and North Africa. Most recently\, he served as the  Senior Legislative and Policy Analyst for the Democratic staff of the United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee\, where he worked from June 2013 to March 2025. His main focus areas were the Middle East and North Africa\, non-proliferation\, and international financial institutions\, on which he provided analysis and policy guidance to the Committee Chairman. Chris has traveled throughout the Middle East and North Africa\, and lived\, studied and worked in Cairo\, Egypt before his time on the Foreign Relations Committee. Chris holds a Juris Doctor (JD) in International and Corporate Law\, with a focus on Islamic Jurisprudence\, from the New York University School of Law. He also earned a Graduate Diploma in Middle East Politics and Economics from The American University in Cairo\, and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Princeton University. Chris currently lives in Yarmouth\, Maine. \n\n \n 
URL:https://wacmaine.org/event/iran-israel-and-the-united-states-ii-the-view-from-washington-d-c/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Weeknight Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacmaine.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/FY26-WEB-Iran-Ewers-Barr.png
ORGANIZER;CN="World Affairs Council of Maine":MAILTO:info@wacmaine.org
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250625T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250625T200000
DTSTAMP:20260525T182825
CREATED:20250624T154312Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250624T193703Z
UID:10000136-1750878000-1750881600@wacmaine.org
SUMMARY:Iran\, Israel\, and the United States: Where are we and how did we get here?
DESCRIPTION:Iran\, Israel\, and the United States: Where are we and how did we get here?\nWednesday\, June 25\, 2025 \n7:00-8:00 PM via ZOOM \nWith Rebecca Davis Gibbons\, University of Southern Maine\, Harvard Belfer Center’s Project on Managing the Atom  \nAnd Sam Lair\, Research Associate\, James Martin Center for Nonproliferation\, \nModerated by Allison Hodgkins \nRegistration for members is covered by annual membership dues. Suggested donation for members of the general public $10. Registration for Maine Students is always FREE!
URL:https://wacmaine.org/event/iran-israel-and-the-united-states-where-are-we-and-how-did-we-get-here/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Weeknight Webinar
ORGANIZER;CN="World Affairs Council of Maine":MAILTO:info@wacmaine.org
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250206T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250206T200000
DTSTAMP:20260525T182825
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
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241230T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241230T200000
DTSTAMP:20260525T182825
CREATED:20241211T221812Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241217T213342Z
UID:10000109-1735585200-1735588800@wacmaine.org
SUMMARY:Weeknight Webinar: Navigating a Changing Middle East - The view from the Gulf
DESCRIPTION:With former British Ambassador Mr. Jon Wilks CMG\, moderated by Allison Hodgkins \nJoin us for an insightful discussion with Mr. Jon Wilks CMG\, a seasoned British diplomat with over three decades of experience in the Middle East\, on the ways Saudi Arabia and other GCC states are adapting to the complex regional dynamics. The discussion will consider the impact of the on-going wars in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon\, as well as the consequences of the collapse of the Assad regime.  Other topics will include Iran’s changing influence\, Turkey’s expanding role\, and diplomatic efforts to prevent the spread of conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. This webinar will be a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of how these complex dynamics are reshaping the Middle East’s geopolitical landscape and the implications for regional stability and security. \nMr. Jon Wilks CMG is a distinguished British diplomat with over three decades of experience in the UK Diplomatic Service. His career has been marked by significant roles in the Middle East and North Africa\, including ambassadorial positions in Qatar (2020-2023)\, Iraq (2017-2019)\, Oman (2014-2017)\, and Yemen (2010-2011) As a fluent Arabic speaker\, Wilks has also served as the UK Special Representative for Syria (2012-2014) and Regional Arabic Spokesman (2007-2009). Ambassador Wilks’ expertise extends beyond traditional diplomacy. He has navigated complex geopolitical challenges\, particularly in conflict zones\, and has been instrumental in fostering UK relations with various Arab nations. He is currently the Azman Hashim Fellow in International Relations at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies\, where his research interests focus on the Middle East and North African affairs\, conflict resolution\, stabilization\, and mediation.  He holds a MPhil in International Relations from St Antony’s College\, Oxford\, and a MA in Middle East Politics from Durham University \nHis research interests focus on RSVP HERE \nWeeknight Webinars are included in membership dues. Suggested donation for non-members is $15.
URL:https://wacmaine.org/event/weeknight-webinar-developments-in-syria-and-iraq-and-their-impact-on-a-changing-region-with-ambassador-ret-jon-wilks-moderated-by-allison-hodgkins/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Weeknight Webinar
ORGANIZER;CN="World Affairs Council of Maine":MAILTO:info@wacmaine.org
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241218T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241218T200000
DTSTAMP:20260525T182825
CREATED:20241215T150228Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241215T150514Z
UID:10000110-1734548400-1734552000@wacmaine.org
SUMMARY:Weeknight Webinar: Syria in Transition
DESCRIPTION:Join Dr. Amy Austin Holmes\, a leading expert on Syria and author of “Statelet of Survivors\,” for a critical discussion of the country’s dramatic transition following Assad’s fall. The conversation will draw on her seven years of field research in Northeast Syria and explore the challenges and opportunities of establishing governance and building an inclusive post-Assad state. \nDr. Holmes brings unique insights from her groundbreaking survey of over 400 Syrian Democratic Forces members and extensive research on governance models in Syria’s autonomous regions. This timely conversation will examine how Syria can navigate its complex transition while ensuring protection for its diverse communities. \nDate: Wednesday\, December 18\, 2024\nTime: 7:00-8:00 PM\nPlatform: ZOOM \nREGISTER HERE\nFor more context on governance in Syria\, we recommend Dr. Holmes’ newly published book “Statelet of Survivors” \n \nDr. Amy Austin Holmes is an Instructional Associate Professor at Texas A&M University’s Bush School and author of three books on Middle Eastern politics and social movements. \nKey Discussion Points\n\nModels of inclusive governance from Northeast Syria’s autonomous region\nProtection of religious and ethnic minorities under the new leadership\nTurkey’s evolving role and influence in Syria’s political landscape\nProspects for decentralized governance and minority rights\nChallenges of integrating different administrative models across Syria
URL:https://wacmaine.org/event/weeknight-webinar-syria-in-transition/
LOCATION:Zoom
CATEGORIES:Weeknight Webinar
ORGANIZER;CN="World Affairs Council of Maine":MAILTO:info@wacmaine.org
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