75th Anniversary Special Luncheon:
Meeting America’s Global Defense Responsibilities

April 20, 2006

There is no foreign policy issue that divides America more than the war in Iraq. Congressman John Murtha has been a significant and controversial voice within that debate. In our nation’s struggle to fight against terrorism and meet America’s defense responsibilities both at home and abroad, how should we frame our national security and foreign policy priorities for the future?

No refunds for cancellation after Monday, April 17

Special Luncheon

Congressman John P. Murtha (D-PA)

Special Luncheon: Security in the Age of Terrorism
The New Transatlantic Security Agenda

March 31, 2006

In the 1990s, there was much speculation that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) had outlived its usefulness.  Since then, NATO’s membership has increased from 16 to 26, with 20 additional “Partner” countries encompassing virtually all of Europe and the states of the former Soviet Union.  NATO led peacekeeping operations in the Balkans and continues to lead operations in Afghanistan.

After 9.11, NATO formally declared that the attack on the U.S. constituted “an attack on all” within the Alliance.  Combatting terrorism, preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and improving joint efforts for economic and homeland security have all become central to NATO’s security mission.  Yet, as an organization, NATO is little in the headlines.

Recently appointed to serve as the principal policy planner and speechwriter for NATO’s Secretary General, Michael Rühle has worked within NATO’s International Staff since 1991.  He holds a graduate degree from the University of Bonn and has also served as a Volkswagen-Fellow at the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and a Visiting Fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).  He is a member of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) and the German Atlantic Treaty Association.  He has also taught European security at the American University in Brussels.

Program presented in cooperation with the American Council on Germany, Pittsburgh Warburg Chapter.

Special Luncheon

Michael Rühle, Head of Policy Planning and Speechwriting, Political Affairs, NATO Headquarters

CANCELLED
Noon Briefing Energy and Security: Toward a New Foreign Policy Strategy

March 16, 2006

This Noon Briefing has been cancelled. If you are interested in meeting Mr.Goldwyn and attending a smaller luncheon program, please contact the World Affairs Council at 412-281-7970 for more details.

Noon Briefings

Noon Briefing
Energy and Security: Toward a New Foreign Policy Strateg

David L. Goldwyn
Former Assistant Secretary of Energy for International Affairs
President, Goldwyn International Strategies LLC
Co-author, Energy Security in the 21st Century

Great Decisions 2006:
Energy

March 15, 2006

The U.S. is more than ever dependent on foreign energy supplies, which are coming at much higher prices. Should the emphasis of U.S. policy be on finding new supplies, securing current sources or reducing its dependence on fossil fuels ― or are all three elements indispensable? David L. Goldwyn will discuss these and other important issues.

Facilitated small-group sessions promote informal give-and-take among participants in exploring all sides of an issue. This program is part of an energy and security series. For details on the other series programs, please download the series flyer.

As a guide to discussion, we use the Foreign Policy Association's (FPA) annual Great Decisions book, which highlights eight global and regional policy issues with background and arguments from various sides to stimulate discussion, debate, and a better understanding of the challenges facing policy makers.

For reservations and more information on David Goldwyn's program, please contact Brandon Wallace, Program Director at 412-281-1259 or at brandon@worldaffairspittsburgh.org.

Great Decisions

David L. Goldwyn, Former Assistant Secretary of Energy for International Affairs
President, Goldwyn International Strategies LLC
Co-author, Energy Security in the 21st Century

Academic WorldQuest:
International Knowledge Competition for High School Students

March 9, 2006

Academic WorldQuest is a knowledge-based competition with questions focusing on international affairs, current events, the global economy, geography, world history, and general knowledge about the world. 

WHO CAN PLAY?
This is a team competition.  Teams consist of four high school students from the same school.  In order to allow for as many schools as possible to participate, we have a one team per school district limit.  Second teams from the same school will be put on a waiting list and will be notified after the registration deadline.

This event is offered at NO CHARGE and is open to the teams of high school students and their accompanying teachers or chaperones. Lunch will be provided.

HOW DO TEAMS REGISTER?
STEP 1:  Complete the Preliminary Registration Form on this brochure and submit it to the Council to let us know that you are planning on sending a team. 
Due by Tuesday, January 31, 2006

STEP 2:   We will send you preparation materials and a more detailed Team Registration Form for you to provide us with team members’ names.
Due by Monday, February 20, 2006

STEP 3:   We will mail you a confirmation packet two weeks before the competition with directions to the competition site and additional information. 

HOW CAN TEAMS PREPARE?
Questions will be categorized into different rounds such as:  World Cultures, Geography, Flags, The World in the 20th Century, Global Economy and Business, People in the News, and Current Events. The Council will provide a brief preparation guide to teams once they have registered.  This guide will explain the content of each round and provide suggested websites and resources to help teams prepare for the competition.

WHAT IS THE GRAND PRIZE?
The 1st place team will go on to the National Academic WorldQuest competition to be held in Washington, DC from March 31st-April 2nd sponsored by the World Affairs Councils of America.  Participants at the national competition will enjoy a weekend of exciting activities, including visits to the Mall museums and monuments, a discussion with a prominent Washingtonian, and a Capitol Steps political satire performance.  These events, as well as transportation and hotel costs, will be covered for the winning team and one teacher sponsor or chaperone. 

There will also be awards for 2nd and 3rd place teams.  All competition participants will receive t-shirts.

For more information, please call 412-28-7973 or email Laura Kehrl, Education Program Manager.

Academic WorldQuest