Global I.Q. Podcast

Episode

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  Women in Power on the Global Stage 08.06.2026 57mnt

  From Taiwan’s Tsai Ing-wen to Barbados’s Mia Amor Mottley to Estonia’s Kaja Kallas, a new generation of women leaders has stepped into some of the most consequential roles in global politics – and faced some of the most complex challenges of our time. Linda Robinson, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and award-winning foreign policy journalist, will draw on the vivid stories behind her new book, Women in Power, and explore what these leaders’ experiences reveal about power, resilience, and the state of the world today. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Linda Robinson is senior fellow for women and foreign policy at the Council on Foreign Relations where she writes about women’s political and economic leadership, the relationship between gender equality and democracy, technology-facilitated violence, and current international affairs. Her book, Women in Power: Fighting for Democracy in an Age of Authoritarianism, spotlights the current cohort of women political leaders and tells the powerful stories of the women on the frontlines of the battle between democracy and authoritarianism. ABOUT THE MODERATOR Lee Cullum is host of CEO, KERA’s original monthly series of interviews with North Texas business leaders that airs on KERA television and radio. She is also a commentator for Morning Edition on KERA-FM and contributes columns to The Dallas Morning News. A veteran journalist, Lee was previously a commentator for The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer and All Things Considered on NPR. In addition, she was editor of the editorial page of the Dallas Times Herald and host of Conversations, a series on KERA with major newsmakers. Lee also worked as a reporter, on-air moderator, and executive producer of Newsroom on KERA. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: www.dfwworld.org/donate
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  Sports Diplomacy: Is It an Effective Tool of Foreign Policy? 01.06.2026 1j 3mnt

  Part 3 of 4 in the 2026 International Perspectives Series. Sports have become a growing part of international diplomacy. Governments now use athletics to shape how the world sees them, build influence, and advance their political goals – raising key questions about where sports end and foreign policy begins. With the FIFA World Cup approaching and Dallas set to be part of the global spotlight, the timing couldn’t be better to dig into these questions. Join us as we ask whether sports diplomacy actually works as a foreign policy tool – and what its growing role means for fans, cities, and global audiences. We’ll hear from a leading policy expert alongside a legendary Texas sports voice for a conversation that goes well beyond the game. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Kristian Coates Ulrichsen is the Fellow for the Middle East at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. His research spans the political economy and international relations of the Gulf States and their changing position within the regional and global order. Coates Ulrichsen holds a PhD in History from the University of Cambridge and is the author of seven books about the Gulf States, including Insecure Gulf: The End of Certainty and the Transition to the Post-Oil Era, The United Arab Emirates: Power, Politics, and Policymaking, Qatar and the Gulf Crisis, Centers of Power in Arab Gulf States, and, most recently, Kingdom of Football: Saudi Arabia and the Remaking of World Soccer. Prior to joining the Baker Institute in 2013, Coates Ulrichsen co-directed the Kuwait Research Program at the London School of Economics for five years from 2008 and served as an Associate Fellow at the Royal Institute of International Affairs between 2012 and 2022. ABOUT THE MODERATOR Mac Engel has worked for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram for more than 20 years. He has covered the Texas Rangers, Dallas Stars, Dallas Mavericks, and Dallas Cowboys as a beat writer, as well as every major college in Texas. He has also covered multiple Rose Bowls, Cotton Bowls, Summer Olympics, and countless other major sports stories and events. In 2023, he was named one of the top sports columnists in the country by the nation’s most prestigious sports journalism organization, the Associated Press Sports Editors. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate
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  The Builder’s Mindset: How Gary Wojtaszek Turns Ideas Into Industries 13.05.2026 59mnt

  This is part 2 of the 2025 CEO Series. Gary Wojtaszek has spent his career turning bold ideas into billion-dollar businesses. He led CyrusOne’s rise into a $12 billion global data center company. He then founded RecNation, now the largest institutional RV and boat storage platform in the U.S. Time and again, he has built and scaled companies that redefine their industries. In this conversation, Gary will share what he’s learned along the way. He’ll talk about how to spot opportunity amid disruption, lead with agility, and sustain culture through rapid growth. It’s a candid look at what it takes to innovate, invest, and inspire in a business landscape that never stops changing. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Gary Wojtaszek is a seasoned executive with a proven track record of founding, scaling, and transforming companies across real estate, data centers, and technology. His career spans both public and private company leadership, from entrepreneurial startups and fast-growth platforms to global publicly traded enterprises. He has extensive private equity advisory and board governance experience, guiding organizations through IPOs, LBOs, restructurings, and high-growth phases. ABOUT THE MODERATOR Brendan McGuire is executive vice president and regional president for PNC Bank, North Texas. He is responsible for overseeing PNC’s lines of business, as well as all sponsorship, philanthropic, and branding efforts important to PNC’s national main street banking model in the region. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: www.dfwworld.org/donate
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  The Human Cost of War: A Reporter’s Firsthand Perspective from Ukraine 07.05.2026 1j 2mnt

  War is often described in impersonal ways – through moves and countermoves, land disputes, and troop movements. But as Jen Stout’s coverage of the war in Ukraine has shown, war is deeply personal; she’s reported from night trains and birthday parties, military hospitals and bunkers. She has compiled these stories into her debut book "Night Train to Odesa," which covers the human cost of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Join us for a journalist’s firsthand account of life in a conflict zone.
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  The Loves of Theodore Roosevelt 07.05.2026 54mnt

  Featuring Author and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation Edward F. O’Keefe; moderated by Presidential Historian Talmage Boston.
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  Power and Money: The Feud Between Presidents and Business Leaders 07.05.2026 37mnt

  It’s a universal truth that U.S. presidents need businessmen and businessmen need U.S. presidents. But competing interests have long made their relationship fraught, as explored by Tevi Troy in his latest book The Power and the Money: The Epic Clashes Between Commanders in Chief and Titans of Industry. Join us for a discussion of presidents’ battles with famed leaders in business from John D. Rockefeller to Mark Zuckerberg.
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  Soft Power: Is the U.S. Losing its Edge? 27.04.2026 59mnt

  Part 2 of 4 in the 2025 International Perspectives Series. From celebrating Halloween in Spain, Stanley Starbucks cups being released in Japan, and McDonald’s creating the “McBaguette” in France, the United States’s soft power and global influence is evident. But globalization and rapid social media connectivity has brought Korean skincare, the viral French butter bell, and Argentinian football to the masses. The opportunity for nations to become “soft power influencers” has equalized with globalization. A recent Gallup poll about influence had the U.S. leading 81 countries to 131 surveyed, while China only had 52. But is U.S. influence lagging? In a world where the Chinese app TikTok dominates social platforms, how will this impact global perception of the U.S.? Gaps in Africa and Latin America have allowed China and Russia to fill the void and gain influence in those regions. While military and economic power dominate the political spheres, soft power’s attractiveness plays the long game. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Kori Schake is a senior fellow and the director of foreign and defense policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute. Previously, Dr. Schake was the deputy director-general of the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London. She has had a distinguished career in government, working at the U.S. State Department, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the National Security Council at the White House. She has also taught at Stanford, West Point, Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies, National Defense University, and the University of Maryland. Dr. Schake is the author of five books and has been widely published in policy journals and the popular press, including in CNN, Foreign Affairs, Politico, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post. She is a contributing writer at The Atlantic and War on the Rocks. Dr. Schake has a PhD and MA in government and politics from the University of Maryland, as well as an MPM from the University of Maryland School of Public Policy. Her BA in international relations is from Stanford University. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate
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  Unlocking Education: A Discussion on Freedom and Opportunity 25.04.2026 1j 10mnt

  Debates over voucher programs, public school funding, and the government’s role in education have dominated headlines across Texas and the nation. At the same time, the recent NAEP test shows that less than half our kids are proficient in reading and math. Studies indicate that when the education system fails, far more is at risk than an individual student’s growth. Education shortcomings pose a risk to national security and global competitiveness. So, what can we do to ensure the next generation gets off to the best possible start? Join the Council for a panel event focused on the intersection of education, freedom, and national security. ABOUT THE SPEAKERS Pete Geren The Honorable Preston “Pete” Geren is president and CEO of the Sid W. Richardson Foundation, which provides grants to educational, health, human service, and cultural nonprofit organizations in Texas. Geren served in the Department of Defense from 2001-2009, holding positions that included Acting Secretary of the Air Force and Secretary of the Army. He served four terms as a member of Congress, representing the 12th District of Texas from 1989-1997. A lawyer and former business executive, Geren has held leadership positions in numerous civic, educational, business, and philanthropic organizations in Texas. He has more than 30 years of combined service on corporate boards, including Union Pacific Resources, Anadarko Petroleum, Cullen Frost, and Texas Capital Bank. He was honored as a Distinguished Alumnus of the University of Texas and a Distinguished Alumnus for Public Service of the University of Texas Law School. A Fort Worth native, he is married with three daughters and one granddaughter. Sandy Kress made a personal decision over 30 years ago to transfer his energy and spirit to the task of reforming public education. He became senior adviser on education in the White House when George W. Bush became President of the United States. He spearheaded the development of policy within the administration and helped lead negotiations with the Congress over legislation that became the No Child Left Behind Act. Upon his return to Texas, Sandy Kress was appointed by Governor Rick Perry to chair the Commission for a College Ready Texas and serve on his Competitiveness Council. Kress has served as a fellow at both the Bush Institute in Dallas and the Hunt Institute in North Carolina, where he worked on major national education reform initiatives. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate
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  Partners Under Pressure: Germany, the U.S., and a Changing Europe 25.04.2026 57mnt

  As both a European leader and a key U.S. ally, Germany stands at the epicenter of issues like the war in Ukraine and European energy and economic uncertainty. Axel Dittmann, the Germany Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission, will join the Council to explore how transatlantic relations are evolving, what’s at stake for the future of NATO and the EU, and how Germany and the U.S. can work together to address a rapidly shifting geopolitical and energy landscape. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Axel Dittmann is Germany’s Deputy Chief of Mission. He represents the German Ambassador and heads the German Embassy in his absence. He deals with all political issues of fundamental nature and manages the internal proceedings of the German Embassy. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate
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  What’s Next for U.S.-China Relations? 25.04.2026 1j 8mnt

  Open to the public; complimentary for Global Forum Members. Join David Firestein, President and CEO of the Bush China Foundation, for an essential discussion on the world’s most consequential relationship. We’ll explore what’s really driving U.S.-China tensions: strategic rivalry, Taiwan, the global tech race, and the domestic forces shaping policy in both nations. The discussion will offer clear insights on how this superpower competition impacts everything from global markets to national security – and what it means for Texas and beyond. Whether you’re tracking geopolitical risks, navigating business decisions, or simply want to understand the forces reshaping our world, this conversation will give you the strategic perspective you need. ABOUT THE SPEAKER David Firestein is the inaugural president and CEO of the George H. W. Bush Foundation for U.S.-China Relations and a founding and current member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Prior to joining the Bush China Foundation, Mr. Firestein was the founding executive director of The University of Texas at Austin’s China Public Policy Center and a clinical professor at UT’s Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs. ABOUT THE MODERATOR Jim Falk is President Emeritus of the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth, and is now interim CEO of WACDFW. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate
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  The Future of War: Defense Innovation in the Age of AI, Drones, and Digital Conflict 25.04.2026 59mnt

  From AI-powered drones to battlefield-ready microsatellites, the future of warfare is being redefined – not just by governments, but by tech entrepreneurs and venture capital. Join us for a conversation with Christopher Kirchhoff, co-founder of the Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit and former senior advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He’s the author of the new book Unit X: How the Pentagon and Silicon Valley Are Transforming the Future of War. Drawing on his experience at the intersection of the U.S. military and Silicon Valley, Kirchhoff will share how he helped build a new model for rapid innovation inside the Pentagon – one that bypassed bureaucracy and directly connected cutting-edge startups with defense needs. From supplying Ukraine with real-time battlefield technology to navigating the U.S.-China tech arms race, he’ll offer a rare inside look at how 21st-century conflicts are being shaped behind the scenes. Touching on national security, innovation policy, and the geopolitics of emerging tech, Kirchhoff will unveil his insights on the evolving nature of modern warfare – and how America must adapt to stay ahead. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Christopher Kirchhoff has dedicated his career to strengthening America’s military technological advantage through senior defense and national security roles. He co-founded the Defense Innovation Unit, the bridge between the Pentagon and the technology business ecosystem. His service includes director of strategic planning for the National Security Council and senior civilian advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, where he helped shape military strategy and defense policy during the Obama administration. Kirchhoff continues to advise the Defense Innovation Unit on modernizing military technology adoption. He earned his AB from Harvard College and holds a PhD in social and political sciences from Cambridge University. ABOUT THE MODERATOR Jay T. Young has over forty years of experience in government and industry that has included senior roles in the management consulting, technology services, and diversified industrial manufacturing industries. In his commercial career, he was head of strategic planning at two NYSE-listed companies. He has also worked with the DoD and the intelligence community in military intelligence assessment, technology strategy/security, regional security (Indo-Pacific, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East) and economic statecraft/geo-economic issues. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate
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  International Security and Global Migration: How Should the U.S. Respond? 25.04.2026 1j 6mnt

  Part 1 of 4 in the 2025 International Perspectives Series. In 2023, 110 million people around the world were forcibly displaced by conflicts, violence, and human rights abuses – a number that has tripled in this century. What role should the U.S. play in addressing this forced migration? The authors of a recent report suggest our role is one of “consistent response and effective leadership” but “border dysfunction and a global displacement crisis has sapped U.S. resources, resolve, and leadership within the international refugee regime.” They warn that U.S. attention to this global issue is dependent its foreign policy interests, or when a spotlight on humanitarian crises draws the attention of the American people. The Council kicks off part one of the International Perspectives Series with a panel featuring Arnold Professor of International Political Economy and Director of the John G. Tower Center of Political Studies at Southern Methodist University James F. Hollifield; Director of Refugee and Forced Displacement Initiative at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars John Thon Majok; and Donald G. Herzberg Professor Emerita of International Migration in the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University Dr. Susan Martin. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate
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  42nd H. Neil Mallon Award Dinner 21.04.2026 1j 9mnt

  James (Jim) W. Keyes is a global business leader, best selling author, philanthropist, artist, musician, commercial pilot, and modern renaissance man. He is the former CEO of two internationally recognized Fortune 500 companies, 7-Eleven, Inc. and Blockbuster, Inc. His other business interests cover a broad range of industries from retail, consumer products, technology, healthcare, cyber security, new space, energy, and advanced nuclear. He sits on several public company boards and serves as a board adviser to a venture capital firm and a number of start-up companies. Keyes’ philanthropic initiatives have an equally broad focus, including serving on the Board of Governors for the American Red Cross, acting as the former Chairman of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and serving on the board of directors for institutions such as UT Southwestern Medical School, Cooper Institute, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Dallas Performing Arts Center, SMU Cox School of Business, Columbia Business School, and his alma mater, College of the Holy Cross. He has had a lifelong commitment to education, serving as a founding director of the Dallas Education Foundation and is the founder of the Education Is Freedom Foundation. He is the author of Education is Freedom: The Future Is in Your Hands which provides the “what,” “why,” and “how” of learning. It outlines the importance of education for all mankind, the power of education to change our world, and the wisdom to unlock our personal freedom while reserving our democracy. Keyes is a personification of the American Dream, as he comes from humble beginnings. He was inducted in 2005 as a Member of the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans. In 2024, he received the Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award presented by Methodist Health System Foundation to recognize demonstrated community leadership. Named in honor of the Council’s founder, the H. Neil Mallon Award is presented annually to individuals who have excelled at promoting the international focus of North Texas. Funds raised from this event support the Council’s public and education programming, international exchanges, and diplomatic services.
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  Remember Us: Untold Stories of World War II Heroes 20.04.2026 49mnt

  Please note: The audio is shaky in the beginning, but it steadies around five minutes in. The first member of the 101st Airborne to receive the Medal of Honor. A soldier who escaped the poverty and racism of Alabama only to face a new indignity. A teenager who falls in love with an American soldier. These and other long-overlooked stories are compiled by Robert M. Edsel in his latest book, Remember Us: American Sacrifice, Dutch Freedom, and a Forever Promise Forged in World War II. Drawing on never-before-seen letters and diaries, Edsel brings to life his subjects in a way that will render them unforgettable. Join us for a discussion of humanity, grief, and the price of freedom then and now.
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  The U.S. National Debt: How Does It Affect Foreign Policy? 20.04.2026 1j 5mnt

  Debt apologists argue that the U.S. has the leading reserve currency and the strongest geopolitical power. However, what happens when government spending exceeds GDP? Or when a great power fades? Historically, countries that spend too much flounder and fail, such as the Roman Empire, Imperial Spain, or China in the 1800s. But there are countries who have turned the tide and found prosperity, such as Sweden, Denmark, and Finland. Tackling the issue of the U.S. national debt is complicated and will only be solved through bipartisanship – once other issues such as war, immigration, and tariffs are able to be deprioritized. As the U.S. debt hits 36 trillion, how can the government course-correct spending?
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  Nuclear Challenges in the New Era: Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran 16.04.2026 1j

  The global nuclear landscape is shifting. The United States now faces a more complex set of challenges than at any point since the Cold War. Long-standing assumptions about deterrence and strategic stability are being tested – with serious implications for global security. We’ll examine the nuclear challenges posed by four key actors. Russia has used nuclear signaling during the war in Ukraine. China is rapidly expanding its nuclear forces to close the gap with the United States. North Korea continues to advance its arsenal and long-range missiles. And Iran’s nuclear potential remains a live concern in the wake of ongoing conflict in the region. We’ll also look at how U.S. policymakers are assessing risk and escalation in a more crowded nuclear environment – and what it all means for stability in the years ahead. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Robert Litwak is a Research Professor at George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs. Litwak was previously Senior Vice President and Director of International Security Studies at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Litwak is a consultant to the Los Alamos National Laboratory. He served on the National Security Council staff as director for nonproliferation. He was an adjunct professor in the Security Studies Program at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and has held visiting fellowships at Harvard University’s Center for International Affairs, the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the Russian Academy of Sciences, and Oxford University. Litwak is author of Rogue States and U.S Foreign Policy, Outlier States, Managing Nuclear Risks, Nuclear Crises with North Korea and Iran, and, most recently, Tripolar Instability: Nuclear Competition Among the United States, Russia, and China. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate
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  Power and Politics in Washington: Impacts Beyond U.S. Borders 15.04.2026 1j 2mnt

  For more than a decade, Robert Costa has been one of the country’s most respected and deeply sourced political reporters, covering the shifting dynamics inside the White House, on Capitol Hill, and across the national security community. As chief Washington correspondent for CBS News – and previously at The Washington Post, NBC News, and Washington Week – Costa has had a front-row seat to the forces reshaping American politics. In this conversation, Costa will explore the trends, emerging power centers, and political undercurrents defining Washington today. Drawing on the deep reporting behind Peril – his bestselling collaboration with Bob Woodward – and his current work at CBS News, he’ll examine how national security challenges, institutional pressures, and evolving leadership dynamics in Washington are influencing U.S. policy and shaping America’s role in the world. Known for his nonpartisan, deeply sourced approach, Costa brings clarity, context, and rare behind-the-scenes insight to a political landscape still in motion. His analysis offers audiences a grounded, panoramic view of where Washington may be headed – and why it matters. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Robert Costa is a national correspondent for “CBS News Sunday Morning” and chief Washington analyst for CBS News. Costa’s work at “Sunday Morning” includes coverage of national politics, in-depth interviews with newsmakers, and features on culture, literature and the arts. As chief Washington analyst for CBS News, Costa offers reporting and analysis to the “CBS Evening News,” “Face the Nation,” “CBS Mornings” and CBS News 24/7 programs. Costa was named a national correspondent for “Sunday Morning” in February 2025 following three years of contributions to the broadcast, including an exclusive sit-down in the White House residence with President Joe Biden in August 2024. It was Biden’s first interview after he announced his decision to not seek reelection. Costa and colleagues at “Sunday Morning” won an Emmy Award in 2023 for Outstanding Recorded News Program. ABOUT THE MODERATOR The Honorable Mike Rawlings was the longest serving Mayor of Dallas (2011-2019) in over 50 years. Rawlings is a founding partner of CIC Partners, its current vice-chairman, and has been with the firm since its inception in 2004. He is a graduate of Boston College. Mike Rawlings is a recipient of the H. Neil Mallon Award, presented by the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth in 2019, where the Mike Rawlings Endowed Lecture series was first announced. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate
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  2026 International Educator of the Year 07.04.2026 53mnt

  HONOREE – Julia Wilson Julia Wilson, an educator with 25 years in the profession, currently serves as the IB Coordinator at Trinity High School, where she has worked for seven years. Prior to this role, she was an IB and AP teacher and the Social Studies Department Chair at Trinity. Julia is the sponsor of the Trinity Junior World Affairs Council, the most active JWAC in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Her JWAC hosts a weeklong Trinity Culture Week with activities for students daily. Her dedication to education has been recognized in multiple ways: in 2013, she was awarded the Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD Elementary Teacher of the Year; in 2019 she was selected as a national delegate for the Street Law Supreme Court Teacher Institute; in 2023 she was awarded the HEBISD Educational Foundation Double Grant; and in 2025 she was awarded a spot on the Council’s UAE teacher study tour. Her principal describes her as “one of the heartbeats of our campus” and “one of the most selfless humans I have ever met.” Julia holds an M.Ed in Educational Technology and Leadership with numerous teaching certifications, serves as part of the Council’s teacher advisory and as an AP reader for US Government and Politics, and is the proud mother of two sons and an avid fan of K-dramas. KEYNOTE – Robert Jordan Robert Jordan is Diplomat in Residence in the John Goodwin Tower Center for Political Studies and International Affairs at Southern Methodist University. He served as U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia from 2001-2003. During the critical period following the attacks of 9/11 he led American efforts to maintain relations with Saudi Arabia, enlist Saudi cooperation in combating terrorism, and advance U.S. values and interests. He was a partner in the international law firm Baker Botts L.L.P. for many years and headed the firm’s Middle East practice based in Dubai until his retirement in 2014. He is Vice Chair of the Tower Center Board of Directors and a member of the Board of Governors of the Middle East Institute and the Southwestern Medical Foundation. He is also a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a past president of the Dallas Bar Association. He has been a frequent commentator with international media including CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, CNBC, Bloomberg, and the New York Times. He is a contributing columnist for the Dallas Morning News. His memoir, Desert Diplomat: Inside Saudi Arabia Following 9/11, was published by Potomac Books. About the International Educator of the Year Award In working directly with high schools, the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth has encountered numerous educators devoted to enriching their students’ knowledge of world affairs and expanding international learning opportunities for their students. These teachers and administrators demonstrate leadership by going above and beyond their normal responsibilities. Just as these teachers feel it is important to help their students develop a better understanding of the world, we at the Council feel it is equally important to recognize the efforts of these dedicated individuals. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate
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  A Conversation with Congressman Seth Moulton 31.03.2026 53mnt

  Join us for a conversation with Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA) who will share his perspective on today’s timeliest international topics ranging from strategic competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party to ongoing geopolitical events in the Middle East and beyond. Congressman Moulton will also discuss his work in promoting the next generation of bipartisan congressional leadership and the importance of public service in American life. Congressman Moulton is in his sixth term representing Massachusetts’ 6th District. Moulton served four tours as a Marine in Iraq, including working for General David Petraeus as a liaison to senior Iraqi leadership. He earned joint graduate degrees on the G.I. Bill and worked in high-speed rail before elected office. He serves on the House Armed Services; Transportation and Infrastructure; and Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the U.S. and the Chinese Communist Party. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Congressman Seth Moulton is a veteran, a husband, and a father proudly serving Massachusetts’ Sixth District. Seth sits on the House Armed Services; Transportation and Infrastructure; and Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the U.S. and the Chinese Communist Party. Back home, Seth works tirelessly to deliver for the people of the North Shore. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate
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  Rights in the Age of AI: Protecting Freedom, Fairness, and Justice 12.03.2026 58mnt

  This is part 3 of the AI Series. As artificial intelligence reshapes the social, legal, and ethical landscape, its impact on human rights is becoming one of the most urgent questions of our time. We will explore the evolving efforts to build meaningful guardrails – from emerging international frameworks like the Council of Europe’s new AI treaty to U.S. state-level action, with California leading the way on privacy protections. The program will also examine the rapidly developing frontier of neurorights: the protection of brain data, mental integrity, and mental privacy in an era where AI and neurotechnology are advancing quickly. What does it take to safeguard our freedoms when the most personal data of all – our thoughts and neural signals – may be at risk? ABOUT THE SPEAKERS Jared Genser has been an international human rights lawyer for more than two decades. He is Managing Director of Perseus Strategies, outside General Counsel to the Neurorights Foundation, and a member of the Advisory Board to the Carr-Ryan Center for Human Rights at Harvard University, where he was previously a Senior Tech Fellow. He also served as Special Adviser on the Responsibility to Protect to the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (2020-2025). Referred to by the New York Times as “The Extractor” for his work freeing political prisoners worldwide, he has served as pro bono counsel to five Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, including three Laureates who won their Prize while imprisoned — Aung San Suu Kyi (Burma, 2006-2010), Liu Xiaobo (China, 2010-2017), and Ales Bialiatski (Belarus, 2023-Present) — as well as Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Elie Wiesel. Giulia Neaher is a Research Analyst with the Strategic Foresight Hub at the Stimson Center, a Washington, DC-based think tank that works on issues of security, peace, and prosperity. She leads projects on AI policy and the sociopolitical impacts of emerging technologies. Her research spans responsible AI efforts in the Global South, ethical AI governance, open-source software security, and technical standards for AI and related technologies. Prior to joining Stimson, Giulia served as Assistant Director at the Atlantic Council’s GeoTech Center, where she led programming and authored research on responsible AI, international standards, and the geopolitics of technology. She also worked as a Research Associate at the Center for AI & Digital Policy, tracking U.S. AI policy developments and advocating for responsible AI practices. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate