World Affairs Conversations

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

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

A leading expert on Russia shares a unique insight into Vladimir Putin's perspective on Russian history, its place in the world, and how he thinks about other great powers.

The next President faces extraordinary international challenges, including regional conflict, great power jockeying, and decisions about America's place in the world. Council members with distinguished foreign service careers provide a unique perspective.

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

One of the world's foremost experts in demographic trends explores the changing nature, shape, size and movement of global populations, one of the vital questions of our time.

Recent attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea—launched by the Houthis in Yemen—are wreaking havoc on global trade. Drawing on his distinguished career with the State Dept., Al Thibault speaks about history, geography and geopolitical risk factors in a part of the world that has suddenly grabbed international attention.

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

Christopher Day, professor of political science at the College of Charleston, a former relief worker with Doctors Without Border, and veteran observer of African politics, economy, and society offers his thoughts on this distinct and compelling region.

Rolf Mowatt-Larssen challenges us with his fasten your seatbelts presentation on the complex issue of intelligence in which he discusses spies, nukes, emerging science and technology, climate change and fake news.