World Affairs Conversations

World Affairs Council of Charleston podcasts

Distinguished speakers from government, academic organizations, and the business community present timely lectures on international events affecting our lives. For more information: www.waccharleston.org

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20 episodes
Avg 35 min
English

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September 25 · 27 min
Dispatch from the Middle East
Mary Bell-Ruiz on a Region in Realignment
May 6 · 29 min
The Spirit of America
Jim Hake, founder and CEO of Spirit of America, talks about an unprecedented partnership with the U.S. Dept. of Defense, "patriotism without politics," and why the untapped power of the American people may be one of our greatest national security assets.
April 9 · 41 min
Declassified: A Conversation with John Powers
John Powers leads the Office of the Historian at the U.S. Department of State, where his team of historians and information professionals decides which chapters of America's foreign policy history are ready for the public to read.
March 25 · 30 min
Decisions That Matter: Africa, the NSC, and Leading in Uncertainty
Retired Major General Jami Shawley unpacks the evolving landscape of U.S. strategy in Africa—from rising investment and great power competition to persistent security challenges and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how high-stakes policy decisions are made, with candid leadership lessons for the next generation in complex, uncertain environments.
Dec 19, 2025 · 30 min
A conversation with John Hewko
With government spending on social needs and services declining worldwide, the role of civil society is more crucial than ever. John Hewko, general secretary and CEO of Rotary Int'l and the Rotary Foundation, speaks to the important role of global organizations in filling the gap to promote peace and address social needs and services at all levels.
Nov 21, 2025 · 33 min
Diplomacy, Democracy and Regional Vectors
Amb. Jimmy Story provides a real-time perspective on prospects for democracy in Venezuela and the Western Hemisphere
Sep 24, 2025 · 40 min
Life and Marriage in the CIA
Rolf and Rosie Mowatt-Larssen offer a fascinating glimpse into their careers in the CIA, as employees and spouses.
May 21, 2025 · 28 min
New Threats to Journalism
A conversation with Andy Alexander, award-winning journalist and news industry leader, about threats and challenges to journalists around the globe – and here at home.
Apr 25, 2025 · 36 min
Dispatch from the Middle East
A conversation about a region in turmoil as the Administration upends traditional international relations and the functioning of our diplomatic corps.
Mar 21, 2025 · 23 min
US Diplomacy in the 21st Century
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
Dec 16, 2024 · 32 min
US - China Economic Competition
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.
Oct 28, 2024 · 31 min
Putin's World
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.
Sep 29, 2024 · 33 min
The Next President's Foreign Policy Inbox
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.
Apr 6, 2024 · 20 min
Bruce Hoffman on Terrorism
One of the world's leading experts on terrorism and insurgency provides an insightful update on this global threat.
Mar 9, 2024 · 31 min
Global Population: Myths & Misconceptions
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.
Feb 16, 2024 · 34 min
Crisis in the Red Sea
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.
Dec 15, 2023 · 35 min
Threats to the democratic world order
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.
Sep 24, 2023 · 50 min
Why Africa Matters
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.
S4 · E3
May 17, 2023 · 55 min
The Future of Intelligence
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.
S4 · E2
Feb 28, 2023 · 56 min
Latin America: Challenges and Opportunities
Ambassador Earl Anthony Wayne served as U.S. Ambassador to Argentina and as Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs under three Secretaries of State, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs, and Deputy Ambassador in Afghanistan. Ambassador Wayne is presently Distinguished Diplomat in Residence at American University in Washington, DC, and holds senior positions at the Wilson Center, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and the Atlantic Council.

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