Kansas City World Citizen

Academic WorldQuest 2012

2012-03-01T15:15:00.000-06:00

Last Saturday fifteen schools from the Kansas City Metro area gathered at Park University to compete in the Academic WorldQuest competition. The teams began preparing months in advance for the chance to win the expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. to represent Kansas City in the National Academic WorldQuest competition this April. The challenging question rounds were broken up by raffles and door prizes, and plenty of opportunity to visit the dessert table! Ultimately, only one team could take home first prize- and this year that team was Shawnee Mission East High School! Runners up Lincoln College Prepatory Academy took home prizes from the Federal Reserve Bank, Third Place Winner Rockhurst Academy took home iTunes gift certificates, and Fourth Place Winner Southwest Early College took home Panera gift cards.

We hope to see you all again next year! Best of luck to Shawnee Mission East as they prepare for Nationals!

Who are the 1%?

2012-02-29T14:04:00.000-06:00

Have you followed the Occupiers and their claim of income inequality, as evidenced by the slogan "we are the 99%"? Charles Kenny,a senior fellow at the Center for Global Development, Schwartz fellow at the New America Foundation, and author, most recently, of Getting Better, presents an interesting perspective in his essay in Foreign Policy Flash Points. He argues that we are all the 1%. Do you agree?

Stanley Foundation's "think"

2012-02-24T12:28:00.000-06:00

The Stanley Foundation has a monthly newsletter entitled "thnk" which includes a number of interesting articles. The February issue includes excellent information on Responsibility to Protect, which was a recent Great Decisions topic.

Should the US militarily intervene in Syria?

2012-02-23T10:57:00.001-06:00

There are indications that the United States is moving closer to some type of military intervention in the on-going Syrian conflict. The Economist on-line has a debate, with good arguments on both sides. What do you think?

Portugal Plays By the Rules, But Economy Slumps

2012-02-20T15:28:00.000-06:00

The eurozone crisis has focused attention on debt-burdened Greece spiraling into decline. Meanwhile, Portugal is seen as the international creditors' poster-child for obediently slashing spending and welfare benefits.
Nevertheless, the Portuguese national debt continues to grow, and the country is mired in recession and soaring unemployment.

Ambassador Allan Katz, US Ambassador to Portugal, will speak about European Financial Crisis when he is in Kansas City on March 7 for a dinner and reception at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. This timely event is only $60, and includes a reception, dinner, and drinks. Register at www.irckc.org.

Portugal's Experience and Greek Debt

2012-02-14T14:23:00.000-06:00

The New York Times asks the question, "are Portugal's debt efforts a warning for Greece?" What do you think? You can meet Allan Katz, U.S. Ambassador to Portugal, and hear his perspective on that issue as well as broader questions concerning the European debt crisis on March 7 at a special IRC dinner. Register now!

2012-02-09T14:02:00.000-06:00

IRC will be hosting Allan Katz, the United States Ambassador to Portugal, on March 7. Ambassador Katz will discuss the European financial crisis and, specifically, the EU-IMF bailout of Portugal. This recent article in the Wall Street Journal Europe details some of the similarities between Portugal's bailout and the current challenges in Greece. Register now for the IRC dinner at http://www.irckc.org/.

"World's last" WWI veteran Florence Green dies aged 110

2012-02-07T16:26:00.004-06:00

The world's last known surviving World War I veteran, Florence Green, passed away this weekend at the age of 110. The National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial will honor her passing on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012, with a wreath placed at the Paul Sunderland Glass Bridge.

For more information about Ms. Green, read the BBC's story about her life.

For The National World War I Museum's press release, read more.

Passing of World’s Last WWI Veteran to Be Remembered at the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial

(Kansas City, MO) – The National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial will honor the passing of the last known World War I veteran on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012, with a wreath placed at the Paul Sunderland Glass Bridge.

Located at the entrance of the Museum, the Paul Sunderland Glass Bridge overlooks a field of 9,000 silk poppies that represent the 9 million combatants who died during the Great War.

Florence Green, of King’s Lynn, England, died at the age of 110 on Saturday. Green joined the Women's Royal Air Force (WRAF) in September 1918 at the age of 17, and served as a waitress in the officers’ mess at RAF Marham in eastern England.

“With Mrs. Green’s passing, an entire generation of veterans from across the globe is laid to rest,” says Brian Alexander, President & CEO of the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial. “Now more than ever, it is important that we keep the memory of their service and sacrifice alive for generations to come.”

Last March, the Museum honored the passing of the Great War generation with a special ceremony after Frank Buckles, the last known American WWI veteran, died on Feb. 27, 2011.

Leaving Afghanistan

2012-02-03T15:02:00.000-06:00

What do you think about Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta's announcement that the United States troops will be leaving Afghanistan in mid-2013, more than a year earlier than the previously announced date? Here is what Stephen Walt says about it on his blog in Foreign Policy. The comments to the blog are also present some interesting points of view.

Five Questions: Richard Norton on "After the Arab Spring"

2012-02-02T16:40:00.002-06:00

Five Questions with Richard Norton - After the Arab Spring
Augustus Richard Norton is a Professor of International Relations and Anthropology at Boston University, where he is also the Director of the the Institute for Iraqi Studies. His books include Hezbollah, and Civil Society in the Middle East. Norton, who authored the Great Decisions 2012 Briefing Book article, "Middle East Realignment: The Arab Upheaval," spoke with FPA's online editorial assistant Sarah Marion Shore about recent developments in the region.

State of the World 2012: A Community Conversation

2012-02-01T14:46:00.002-06:00

The Colorado Springs World Affairs Council has made available its January program entitled State of the World 2012: A Community Conversation. Participants included:

Professor William Berry, consultant on East Asian Security Issues

Ambassador Roger Harrison, USAF Academy, former US Ambassador to Jordan

Professor David Hendrickson, Colorado College, author on America and the world

Mr. Tim Sandusky, USAF Academy, former US Consul General in Russia

Professor John Williams, Colorado College, historian on China & East Asia

Moderated by Dr. Schuyler Foerster, President,

Colorado Springs World Affairs Council

Site: www.vimeo.com; under "search", enter CSWAC

Why John J. Mearsheimer is Right (About Some Things)

2012-01-26T15:08:00.000-06:00

On April 6, 2011, John J. Mearsheimer, R. Wendell Harrison Distinguished Service Professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago, arrived in Kansas City for Park University's Jerzy Hauptmann Distinguished Guest Lecture, an event which was co-sponsored by the International Relations Council. In addition, Mearsheimer visited with IRC Academy and Organizational members for a special VIP breakfast event.

Mearsheimer is the focus of an article in the January/February issue of The Atlantic, "Why John J. Mearsheimer Is Right (About Some Things)." He is a controversial figure in the world of political science. One of this most controversial novels, The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy, alleges that groups supportive of Israel have pivotally undermined American foreign policy interests. He dedicated his book to Samuel Huntington, a "realist" political scientist who wrote the seminal work The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of a World Order (1996). (Incidentally, the most recent IRC event focused on this important work; Dr. Gary Armstrong of William Jewell College analyzed The Clash of Civilizations to examine where Huntington's thesis was right and where it was wrong.) But according to The Atlantic, "even as Mearsheimer is attacked, whenever he publishes something...he breaks new ground."

Here at the IRC, we are pleased to bring you ground-breaking political scientists, and are excited to share special VIP experiences with our members. We plan to continue to bring you exciting programs with world leaders, ambassadors, State Department officials, activists, military leaders, authors and journalists who shape public policy around the world. With this level of access to opinion makers, you can decide for yourself if Mearsheimer (and other speakers) are right.

Submit National Opinion Ballots

2012-01-25T16:06:00.000-06:00

Are you participating in a Great Decisions group this year? Great Decisions Discussion Program participants can voice their opinions on the Great Decisions 2012 topics through the National Opinion Ballots.

Through the Opinion Balloting process, the Great Decisions program not only facilitates greater citizen understanding of important global issues, but also offers participants an opportunity to make their views known to policymakers. Since 1955, opinion ballots for each topic have been included with Great Decisions to enable those interested to make their views known to the U.S. public, policymakers and other Great Decisions participants. The National Opinion Ballot Report (NOBR) is published with the tabulation of opinion ballots submitted by participants in the Great Decisions program. The Foreign Policy Association sends the National Opinion Ballot Report to the White House, the departments of State and Defense, members of Congress, the media, those participating in the balloting process and concerned citizens.

Submit your ballot today!

Keystone Pipeline Discussion

2012-01-23T12:12:00.002-06:00

Last week, President Obama rejected the TransCanada Keystone XL pipeline. In December, The Chicago Council on Global Affairs issued a conference report on "U.S.-Canada Energy Trade: A Critical Strategic Relationship" (PDF) examining the importance of a strong U.S. - Canadian energy relationship. The report summarizes discussions of a September 27, 2011, conference where forty-seven leaders from business, government, and civil society examined key energy-trade issues between the two nations. It is interesting reading.

President Obama on Foreign Policy

2012-01-20T14:59:00.000-06:00

Fahreed Zakaria with Time magazine interviewed President Obama this week. The interview covered several foreign policy issues. Although the President's responses are certainly influenced by the upcoming election, it is interesting reading, nonetheless.

Iran's "A Separation" Wins Golden Globe

2012-01-17T15:48:00.000-06:00

Asghar Farhadi’s drama from Iran, "A Separation," won the best foreign language film at the 69th Golden Globes on Sunday. In accepting the award, Mr. Asghar Farhadi, the director of the movie, dedicated the award to the people of Iran, whom he described as a “truly peace-loving people”. The movie depicts the emotional story of a marriage break-up focusing on themes of loyalty, class and family. But Iran is cautious following this win, saying gritty realist films favored by critics showed a skewed version of the Islamic Republic.

Ohio Competing Globally: The International Education Imperative

2012-01-11T15:21:00.000-06:00

Please join the Columbus Council on World Affairs (another World Affairs Council in the IRC network) on Thursday, January 12, 2012 for a free interactive webcast: "Ohio Competing Globally: The International Education Imperative"

The keynote speaker (from noon to 1pm) will be Fernando Reimers, Director of Global Education and of International Education Policy at Harvard University. A later panel discussion (from 1:30 to 2:30pm) will feature Ken Kay, CEO of EdLeader21, and Central Ohio leaders. This group will further illustrate that community investment in international education ensures economic competitiveness, active citizenship, and global leadership.

Link to the livestream: http://www.livestream.com/columbuscouncilonworldaffairs

This topic is part of the World Affairs Councils of America series "Six Top Issues for the 2012 Election."

Survey

2012-01-09T15:44:00.000-06:00

Help us serve you better by taking this brief IRC survey!

America's Decline?

2012-01-06T16:32:00.000-06:00

Here is an interesting article from Foreign Policy by Zbigniew Brzezinski entitled "After America." He discusses some of the possible consequences of a decline, suddenly or slowly, of the United States. What do you think?

Where are you going?

2011-12-30T11:34:00.000-06:00

Let's end the year thinking about travel -- trips made in 2011 and travel plans for 2012. The New York Times has an excellent interactive piece featuring some of their best travel articles from 2011. Enjoy.

Happy traveling in the coming year!

IRC December Newsletter

2011-12-30T10:58:00.001-06:00

The December 2011 edition of IRC's Quarterly Update has just been published! In this edition: a recap of the Berkley Lecture, IRC spring schools programs, how to get involved in IRC, a look back at fall/winter 2011, a welcome to new board members, and upcoming events. Read the newsletter today!

A Look at the Year Ahead

2011-12-29T15:32:00.000-06:00

I highly recommend this video from The Economist in which two editors discuss what to expect politically in 2012. It provides an informed perspective and highlights presidential elections throughout the world.

What do you think? On target or did they miss issues that you believe are important?

Merry Christmas from IRC!

2011-12-22T12:00:00.001-06:00

The board and staff of the International Relations Council wishes you a happy and festive holiday season! We are glad to have your involvement in 2011 and hope to continue to provide international education opportunities to you and your family in the New Year.

THINK with the Stanley Foundation

2011-12-22T11:53:00.001-06:00

The Stanley Foundation, located in Muscatine, Iowa, publicizes an excellent monthly newsletter. The Stanley Foundation focuses on peace and security issues and advocates principled multilateralism. Check it out and let us know what you think.

Hanukkah Celebrations Around the World

2011-12-21T11:40:00.000-06:00

Jews around the world celebrated the first night of Hanukkah last night with candle-lighting ceremonies. Haaretz has a photo slideshow of Hanukkah celebrations around the world.

Happy Hanukkah!

North Korean Leader Kim Jong-il Dies

2011-12-19T14:20:00.000-06:00

North Korean leader Kim Jong-il died of a heart attack yesterday at the age of 69. He was revered at home by as a demi-god and vilified in the West as a temperamental tyrant with a nuclear arsenal. What does his death mean for the future of North Korea?

What Are the Top International News Stories of 2011?

2011-12-19T10:53:00.000-06:00

Many publications and blogs including The Washington Post, Time, New Zealand Herald, and About.com, are currently listing their top international news stories of 2011. What events would make your list? I would certainly include the Arab Spring uprisings, the death of Osama bin Laden, the Japanese tsunami and resulting nuclear crisis and the European financial crisis.

Top 100 Global Thinkers

2011-12-16T15:07:00.000-06:00

Foreign Policy has listed its Top 100 Global Thinkers who influenced the debate in 2011. It is a wide-ranging and sometimes surprising list. What do you think? Who was omitted? Who should have been omitted?

In Case You Missed It...Top International Stories of the Week

2011-12-16T12:06:00.003-06:00

US Marks End to 9-Year War, Leaving an Uncertain Iraq (New York Times)

Russia Seizes Radioactive Objects From Flight to Iran (CNN)

Putin's Approval Rating Drops to Record Low of 44%, Survey Shows (Bloomberg Businessweek)

Hundreds of Thousands Rally in Syria, 4 Reported Dead (Voice of America)

Russia Gains Long-Sought Approval to Join WTO (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)

Former French President Jacques Chirac Convicted on Corruption Charges (TIME)

Egypt's Military Police Clash with Protesters (Associated Press)

Japan Says Stricken Nuclear Power Plant in Cold Shutdown (Reuters)

Iran Warns it Will Down Other US Drones if American Spy Planes Continue to Fly Over Its Skies (Washington Post)

Chinese Village Fights Back Against Land Seizures (San Francisco Chronicle)

Global IQ Minute with Hon. Vicente Fox

2011-12-14T15:02:00.000-06:00

Last week, the World Affairs Council Dallas-Fort Worth hosted former President of Mexico Vicente Fox. Before the event, Council President Jim Falk and Vicente Fox sat down to discuss some critical issues the U.S. and Mexico currently face, including immigration reform and the war on drugs. Listen to this special Global I.Q. Minute with The Honorable Vicente Fox, former President of Mexico, to hear his views on these questions and more. (Link opens as embedded mp3 file.)

Top Five Foreign Policy Books in 2011

2011-12-13T15:34:00.000-06:00

The Foreign Policy Association polled its staff, editors, writers and bloggers on the best reads of the year on issues related to U.S. foreign policy. What are the best books on foreign policy you've read in 2011?

Unrest in Russia

2011-12-12T14:54:00.000-06:00

The Economist reports that there were protests in more than 90 cities throughout Russia, including a peaceful protest of tens of thousands of people in Moscow. There was not a single arrest in Moscow, although that is not the case in some of the other cities. What is your evaluation of these developments in Russia? Do you expect it to lead to changes in the government or in a crackdown or another outcome? What, if anything, should the United States do in response?

The EURO Crisis

2011-12-09T11:47:00.001-06:00

The New York Times headline proclaims that A Treaty to Save Euro May Split Europe. What do you think about the the euro crisis? Is it over? How will it affect the U.S. economy? Foreign policy? And, is there anything the U.S. can or should do?

Gerald Seib: Asia, Iran and Pakistan Major Issues

2011-12-07T11:50:00.003-06:00

IRC was pleased to host Gerald Seib, the Washington bureau chief of The Wall Street Journal, who also writes the paper’s "Capital Journal" column on a periodic basis, yesterday at the 2011 Eliot Berkley Lecture. He identified three major foreign policy focuses that the United States will be addressing in the coming months. The first is Asia -- specifically China, which Seib believes is not a major military threat. The second focus is Iran; if Iran successfully advances its nuclear weapons program, the United States and its allies will continue to increase the economic and other actions to halt those actions. The final issue is Pakistan, a complex and often contradictatory issue, is a country that the US must find a way to work with and support.

Did you hear the Berkley Lecture? Do you agree with Seib's three major issues? What would you include?

Missouri Increases Trade with China

2011-12-05T13:07:00.001-06:00

Following Missouri Governor Jay Nixon's recent trip to China, trade between China and Missouri has increased. Additional agreements were signed today for $200 million in trade and investment.

Where Do You Look for Foreign Policy News and Commentary?

2011-12-02T11:17:00.001-06:00

I am always looking for new sources for international news and commentary. Please share your best blogs and news sourcess. I do receive a daily email update from Foreign Policy magazine which I find to be a good quick briefing on world events.

Hear Foreign Policy Experts!

2011-12-01T14:54:00.001-06:00

I have written several times about the wonderful speakers that heard at the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA) national conference on November 3 and 4. Videos of those presentations are now available! Take some time to listen to some of the preeminant experts on foreign policy and then let us know what you think.

Wall Street Journal Editor Gerald Seib in Kansas City

2011-11-29T11:17:00.001-06:00

Gerald Seib, assistant managing editor and executive Washington editor of the Wall Street Journal, will present the 2011 Berkley Lecture on December 6, at 11:45. Reservations close on December 1. Seib is an engaging and informative speaker and IRC is excited to give Kansas Citians the opportunity to hear his remarks "The World Beyond Iraq and Afghanistan, and How the 2012 Elections Will Shape It."

Seib's recent Wall Street Journal column discussed the failure of the congressional supercommittee. He will also be Steve Kraske's guest on KCUR (89.3 FM) Up to Date on Wednesday, November 30, at 11:00.

The 2011 Berkley Lecture addresses Afghanistan and the Middle East, two of the Top Six National Security Issues for the 2012 Elections which IRC is highlighting in the coming year (see November 14 post below).

Evaluation of Republican Candidates Foreign Policy Debate

2011-11-28T10:15:00.001-06:00

On Wednesday, November 23, the Republican candidates debated foreign policy. An analysis by Foreign Policy blogger Scott Clement highlights some of the similarities and differences between the candidates.

Harnessing the Power of Biomass Residuals

2011-11-23T13:23:00.006-06:00

The Midwest’s abundant agricultural and forestry biomass residuals has the potential to provide new opportunities for economic development, energy security, and environmental conservation. “Harnessing the Power of Biomass Residuals: Opportunities and Challenges for Midwestern Renewable Energy,” The Chicago Council on Global Affairs’ newest Heartland Paper, examines these opportunities and identifies key challenges limiting current biomass energy technologies. The report concludes with a framework for making better use of these residuals in the region. The report was written by Chicago Council Senior Fellow on Energy and Climate Steve Brick, and produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development Agency. It will be available for download on the globalmidwest.org website on Tuesday, November 29, 2011.

No Longer a Divide Between Foreign and Domestic Policy

2011-11-21T10:15:00.001-06:00

The Huffington Post went live on Saturday with a piece written by Dr. Lori E. Murray, WACA President & CEO, on the 2012 Foreign Policy Campaign Debates.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lori-e-murray/the-foreign-policy-debate_b_1102790.html

In it, she argues that the divide no longer exists between foreign and domestic policy and calls on the American political debates to reflect that reality. Dr. Murray draws on our WACA leadership vote on the Six Top National Security Issues for the 2012 Election and WACA National Discussion on the Six Top Issues launched at the 2011 National Conference to support the point.

What do you think?

In Case You Missed It...Top International Stories of the Week

2011-11-18T15:47:00.003-06:00

Billions Lost By Olympus May Be Tied to Criminals (New York Times)

Resolution Asks Iran to Clarify Nuclear Issues (CNN)

Eleven Killed in Syria on Eve of Arab Deadline (Reuters)

Why Should the US Care About Burma? (The Atlantic)

The Case of the Curious Memo (The Express Tribune)

Egyptian Islamists Rally to Protest Military Rule (New York Times)

Assertive India Firm on Its South China Sea Stand (Hindustan Times)

Gadhafi Demise Revives Libya's Olympic Dreams (Associated Press)

Middle East a Top Issue

2011-11-18T09:39:00.001-06:00

The Middle East is another of the Top Six 2012 Election issues, as selected by the WACA councils. Several speakers addressed the complexity and challenges of the Middle East in their remarks at the WACA national conference on November 2-4. Robin Wright, journalist, author and foreign policy analyst, is a Middle East expert whose most recent book is "Rock the Cashbah: Rage and Rebellion across the Islamic World" (2011). She said that some lessons we can learn from the Arab Spring events include that the Middle East is on the path of gradual change, that the people in those countries experiencing uprisings reject rigid Islam ideology, that the challenges are to the political status quo and that the opposition favors peaceful civil disobedience.

Ambassador John Negroponte shared his opinion that if Syria's regime is overthrown or changes, Iran will lose its only friend in the Middle East.

Senator John McCain, the conference's final speaker, repeated several times that we should "keep an eye on Egypt" as we work to understand the Middle East and determine our country's position.

Do you think that the Middle East is on e of the Six Top National Security Issues for the 2012 Election? How should the United States respond to the Arab Spring events?

China Town Hall with Zbigniew Brzezinski

2011-11-17T14:20:00.000-06:00

Thank you to everyone who attended our China Town Hall last night! We enjoyed participating in a live webcast with Zbigniew Brzezinski, former National Security Advisor to President Jimmy Carter, who discussed US-China relations. We also were pleased to welcome Dean Teng-Kee Tan, dean of UMKC's Bloch School of Management, who delivered a wonderful on-site speech entitled "Understanding China: Myths and Opportunities." If you are interested in viewing Dr. Brzezinski's portion of the program, please visit the National Committee on United States-China Relations and click on "CTH Webcast."

We hope to see you at future programs!

Call to Action: Educating the Next Generation of Global Citizens

2011-11-16T14:26:00.001-06:00

In my last post, I listed the Six Top 2012 Election Issues, as determined by a vote of the councils in the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA). The issue which garnered the largest number of votes, by far, is US Education: Competing Globally. One way that WACA is addressing the issue of US Education is with a Call to Action: Educating the Next Generation of Global Citizens. This Call to Action was adopted at the National Conference, held on November 2-4, 2011. If you would like to support this Call to Action, please sign the petition. There are currently 211 signatures; I was number 16 to sign.

Linda Trout

Geography Literacy

2011-11-15T10:04:00.000-06:00

Read the National Geographic-Roper Public Affairs 2006 Geography Literacy Study here. (Link opens as a PDF.)

Top Six 2012 Election Issues

2011-11-14T16:24:00.001-06:00

The World Affairs Councils of America (WACA) has adopted its list of the Six Top National Security Issues facing the United States in the run-up to the 2012 presidential election. WACA is comprised of more than 90 councils throughout the United States; IRC is a member of WACA. WACA is the largest non-partisan, non-profit grassroots organization in the US dedicated to educating and engaging the American public on global issues.

The Top Six Issues are:
     1. US Education: Competing Globally
     2. US Energy Policy
     3. Afghanistant/Pakistan
     4. US Economic Competitiveness
     5. Middle East
     6. China

IRC's programs over the next year will be focusing on these issues. In the several posts this week, I will add some comments on each issue based upon the speakers who addressed them at the WACA National Conference held in Washington DC on November 3 and 4.

Do you agree that these are the top six national security issues? If not, what would you include in the list?

Free Trade Agreements: Opening Up the Pacific

2011-11-14T15:33:00.000-06:00

On November 11th, Japan, the world’s third-largest economy, announced its intention to join America and eight other countries in negotiating what its advocates hope will emerge as the new gold standard for free trade in the world’s most dynamic economic zone. Reuters reports that if the ten-country deal is concluded, it will cover a market 40% bigger than the European Union.

Via The Economist

In Case You Missed It...Top International Stories of the Week

2011-11-11T13:28:00.005-06:00

USS Cole Attack Suspect Appears In Military Court (NPR)

Greece and Italy Seek a Solution From Technocrats (New York Times)

Western Black Rhino Declared Extinct (NPR)

Syria: 'Crimes against Humanity' Perpetrated by Assad Regime, say HRW (International Business Times)

Satellite Group Reports Sudanese Military Buildup (CNN)

Mexican Interior Minister Killed in Crash (CNN)

James Murdoch Gets Grilled on Hacking (Wall Street Journal)

Palestinians Pursue UN Bid Despite Security Council Failure (Google News)

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Claims Mandate in Liberia Despite Low Turnout (The Guardian)

Zimbabwe's Mugabe and Tsvangirai Talk Peace (Voice of America)

Olympic qualifying tournament coming to Livestrong

2011-11-10T15:38:00.000-06:00

The U.S. Soccer Federation and CONCACAF announced today that Livestrong Sporting Park will host the semifinals and finals of next year’s Olympic qualifying tournament in Kansas City.

Do you plan on buying tickets to see the team that will compete on the international stage in the Olympics?

China: Beyond Borders

2011-11-09T16:37:00.001-06:00

In their special series "China: Beyond Borders," NPR examines the many ways China is expanding its reach in the world — through investments, infrastructure, military power and more.

And on November 16, join the IRC for a special town hall webcast with Dr. Zbigniew Brzezinski, former National Security Advisor, discussing US-China relations. More details at www.irckc.org.

Could you pass a US citizenship test?

2011-11-08T15:58:00.000-06:00

In order to become a US citizen, immigrants must pass the Naturalization Test. According to US Citizenship and Immigration services, 92 percent of applicants pass this test. Can you? Take the test at the Christian Science Monitor.

Great Decisions 2012

2011-11-04T13:55:00.000-05:00

Do you want to participate in discussions about the most important and current foreign policy topics?

Consider joining a Great Decisions group! Great Decisions is based on an annual briefing book which is published by the Foreign Policy Association each year. Participants develop an informed opinion by reading the text in the briefing book and sharing those opinions in a discussion group forum. Groups can meet anywhere - homes, schools, businesses, restaurants, libraries. The International Relations Council facilitates several Great Decisions groups, but you can also form your own group with your friends or colleagues. The IRC would be happy to help you set up your own group or join an existing one. The only program cost is the briefing book, which is only $18 ($21 with shipping) and covers all 8 of the annual topics.

This year's topics include: Middle East Realignment, Democracy Promotion, Mexico, Cybersecurity, Exit from Afghanistan and Iraq, State of the Oceans, Indonesia, and Energy Geopolitics. You don't want to miss your chance to have engrossing discussions on these topics.

For more information, or to order a book, visit www.irckc.org.

Frommer's lists KC as Top 10 World Destination

2011-11-02T14:46:00.000-05:00

Kansas City was listed in Frommer's as one of 10 top worldwide travel destinations for 2012, along with Beirut, Lebanon; the Bay of Fundy in Canada; Ghana; Curacao; the Greenwich area of London; and the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.

What sights would you recommend to international travelers coming to Kansas City?

Interview with Madeleine Albright

2011-11-01T12:25:00.002-05:00

The Foreign Policy Association interviewed former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright as part of the Great Decisions in Foreign Policy television series. To learn more about the Great Decisions books, or to order one, visit IRC's Great Decisions webpage.

"A Tremondous Ignorance"

2011-10-31T09:53:00.001-05:00

I attended the Howard & Virginia Bennett Forum on the Presidency sponsored by the Harry S. Truman Library Institute on Saturday, October 29. A panel consisting of Madeleine Albright, Chuck Hagel, Leslie Gelb and Bob Kerry addressed the topic of Presidential Power Abroad from Truman to Obama. I was proud that two of the panels, Secretary Albright and Senator Hagel, have been honored by IRC with its Distinguished Service Award. It was a stimulating discussion. Les Gelb stressed that the American public has a "tremendous ignorance" about foreign affairs. IRC is working daily to address that very problem.

Other highlights included:

Les Gelb: the basis of U.S. power is the U.S. economy. During the Truman presidency, the UN, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and NATO were all established and remain to this day.

Madeleine Albright: The United States is "the indispensable power" in the world. However, "indispensable" does not mean that we work alone. We need to work in partnership with other countries and organizations. Elections matter; politics matter. Our government must protect people, territory and our way of life, and our current way of life is not economic independence of our country. Foreign policy is not consistent but changes on a case-by-case basis.

Chuck Hagel: A new world order is being built today, similar to the new world orders of 1919 and 1945. Today's world order is based upon globalization and technology which have "changed everything." The diffusion of economic power in the world is greater than at any previous time in history. Great powers have limitations. Trust and confidence are the only currency that matters in political and foreign affairs.

Bob Kerry: Humanitarian and moral interests are a part of the U.S.'s self interest and do guide foreign policy, at times.

This brief summary leaves out much that was discussed but also provides a great deal to discuss.

Linda Trout

Gerald Seib on Afghanistan, Iraq AND China

2011-10-27T11:51:00.000-05:00

Wall Street Journal assistant editor Gerald Seib's most recent Capital Journal column addresses the U.S. withdrawal from Iraq and Afghanistan. This may be a preview of his 2011 Berkley Lecture on December 6. He also discusses U.S.'s relationship with China, a topic relevant to IRC's November 16 CHINA Townhall program.

Are you following the European Debt Crisis?

2011-10-27T10:22:00.000-05:00

The New York Times has an excellent interactive feature on the European debt crisis. It is updated frequently and includes links to full-length stories on each country's latest actions.

Kansas City is a World City!

2011-10-26T11:21:00.001-05:00

Kansas City is the only U.S. city included in Frommer's Top Ten Destinations for 2012. It is listed with Beirut, Chongqing, China, Ghana and Fukuoka, Japan, among others. Would you recommend Kansas City as a top travel destination?

China's Shadow Financing

2011-10-25T16:38:00.000-05:00

China's economy is large and diverse. Did you realize that included shadow financing and loan sharks? IRC's CHINA Townhall on November 16 at 6:00 pm will provide an opportunity for Kansas Citians to learn more about China and to discuss some of the myths and opportunities with UMKC Bloch School of Management Dean Tan.

Missouri Signs Agreement with China

2011-10-24T15:49:00.002-05:00

Did you know that China is Missouri's third largest export market? The trade agreement signed by Governor Nixon may increase China's share in the coming years.

Argentina's President

2011-10-24T13:45:00.001-05:00

Fernando de la Rua, Argentina's 51st president, was IRC's guest in September. Cristina Fernandez was re-elected president of Argentina on Sunday. Her re-election was decisive.

Tunisians Vote in a Milestone of Arab Change

2011-10-24T11:49:00.001-05:00

Millions of Tunisians cast votes on Sunday for an assembly to draft a constitution and shape a new government. A moderate Islamic party is expected to win at least a plurality of seats in the Tunisian assembly. The party’s leaders have vowed to create another kind of new model for the Arab world, one reconciling Islamic principles with Western-style democracy. What do you think? Should Tunisia be held up as a model for other countries undergoing political change in the region?

Shawnee-Based Company Looks to Expand Global Presence

2011-10-24T10:39:00.002-05:00

Perceptive Software, a Shawnee-based enterprise content management company, is looking to expand its global presence, helped by its parent company’s $50.2 million acquisition of a Dutch software company.

Is there an Obama Doctrine?

2011-10-21T11:07:00.000-05:00

In David Rothkopf's blog for Foreign Policy, he articulates what he defines as the Obama Doctrine. Is there an Obama Doctrine? Has Rothkopf got it right?

Battle for Libya

2011-10-20T14:50:00.000-05:00

Following the death of Muammar el-Qaddafi, The New York Times has created a photographic journey of hundreds of images from the nine months of fighting in Libya.

Top Ten Books on Foreign Policy -- how many have you read?

2011-10-19T16:35:00.001-05:00

Stephen Walt recently posted his list of the top ten books on foreign policy. What do you think? What books would you add?

think. Newsletter

2011-10-19T15:20:00.004-05:00

Everyone here at the IRC really loves the Stanley Foundation's monthly think. newsletter. October's articles include "What Can the G-20 Do in Cannes?", "Intriguing Twist in Liberian Presidential Election," and "Controlling the Contagion: Vaccines for Killer Viruses."

View (and sign up for) their newsletter here!

Happy Birthday to Our Founder!

2011-10-19T14:14:00.002-05:00

Happy birthday to our founder, Eliot S. Berkley! IRC's board and staff were happy to join him for his birthday celebration last week.

Founded in 1954 by Dr. Eliot S. Berkley, a graduate in international relations from Princeton University and advocate of citizen involvement in the foreign policy process, IRC grew from a small "kitchen table" gathering to large number of Kansas City area members who share his commitment to world affairs education.

Happy birthday, Eliot!

Join in on a UNA-USA Nationwide Conference Call!

2011-10-19T13:39:00.001-05:00

Join UNA-USA to discuss the famine in the Horn of Africa with experts from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and the UN Foundation’s Nothing But Nets campaign.

UNA-USA Nationwide Conference Call

Mitigating Crisis in the Horn of Africa

Thursday, October 27, 5:30 p.m. ET

Number to Call: 800-310-6649

Passcode: 209549

Please RSVP to Roger Nokes at rnokes@unausa.org.

The Horn of Africa is one of the most food insecure regions in the world, characterized by frequent droughts and conflict. The current famine in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia, coupled with local conflict, has affected more than 13 million people. Somalia is at the epicenter of this crisis, with 750,000 people facing imminent starvation.

As the region faces its most severe drought in 60 years, an exodus from Somalia is rapidly gaining pace. In the first half of 2011 alone, more than 83,000 Somalis fled into Kenya and over 54,000 into Ethiopia. In July, daily arrivals in each country ranged from 1,300 to 1,700.

Though criticized as reacting too slowly, aid agencies have been able to scale up activities in the last few weeks, despite widespread insecurity and restricted access in some parts of the country. The latest reports estimate that around two million people have now received food and other assistance since the famine was declared in July.

Call in to learn more and to find out what you can do!

Kansas City World Citizen

Academic WorldQuest 2012

Who are the 1%?

Stanley Foundation's "think"

Should the US militarily intervene in Syria?

Portugal Plays By the Rules, But Economy Slumps

Portugal's Experience and Greek Debt

"World's last" WWI veteran Florence Green dies aged 110

Leaving Afghanistan

Five Questions: Richard Norton on "After the Arab Spring"

State of the World 2012: A Community Conversation

Why John J. Mearsheimer is Right (About Some Things)

Submit National Opinion Ballots

Keystone Pipeline Discussion

President Obama on Foreign Policy

Iran's "A Separation" Wins Golden Globe

Ohio Competing Globally: The International Education Imperative

Survey

America's Decline?

Where are you going?

IRC December Newsletter

A Look at the Year Ahead

Merry Christmas from IRC!

THINK with the Stanley Foundation

Hanukkah Celebrations Around the World

Top 10 World News Stories

North Korean Leader Kim Jong-il Dies

What Are the Top International News Stories of 2011?

Top 100 Global Thinkers

In Case You Missed It...Top International Stories of the Week

Global IQ Minute with Hon. Vicente Fox

Top Five Foreign Policy Books in 2011

Unrest in Russia

The EURO Crisis

Gerald Seib: Asia, Iran and Pakistan Major Issues

Missouri Increases Trade with China

Where Do You Look for Foreign Policy News and Commentary?

Hear Foreign Policy Experts!

Wall Street Journal Editor Gerald Seib in Kansas City

Evaluation of Republican Candidates Foreign Policy Debate

Harnessing the Power of Biomass Residuals

No Longer a Divide Between Foreign and Domestic Policy

In Case You Missed It...Top International Stories of the Week

Middle East a Top Issue

China Town Hall with Zbigniew Brzezinski

Call to Action: Educating the Next Generation of Global Citizens

Geography Literacy

Top Six 2012 Election Issues

Free Trade Agreements: Opening Up the Pacific

In Case You Missed It...Top International Stories of the Week

Olympic qualifying tournament coming to Livestrong

China: Beyond Borders

Could you pass a US citizenship test?

Great Decisions 2012

Frommer's lists KC as Top 10 World Destination

Interview with Madeleine Albright

"A Tremondous Ignorance"

Gerald Seib on Afghanistan, Iraq AND China

Are you following the European Debt Crisis?

Kansas City is a World City!

China's Shadow Financing

Missouri Signs Agreement with China

Argentina's President

Tunisians Vote in a Milestone of Arab Change

Shawnee-Based Company Looks to Expand Global Presence

Is there an Obama Doctrine?

Battle for Libya

Top Ten Books on Foreign Policy -- how many have you read?

think. Newsletter

Happy Birthday to Our Founder!

Join in on a UNA-USA Nationwide Conference Call!