ARIZONA’S EARLIER HISTORIC ROUTE TO CALIFORNIA

Thursday, April 25 at 6:00 pm | 3830 N Marshall Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Join Scottsdale’s Museum of the West and Scottsdale Sister Cities for a live, bilingual production on a fun, informative historical summary of the expedition and a factually based but fictional representation of the family members on the journey.

This program is free of charge and predicted to reach seating capacity, reserving a seat is recommended.

AWAKENING - A Unique Musical Experience Celebrating March Equinox: Come and celebrate the reactivating power of sunlight and energy this Spring with a unique live concert performance collaboration featuring Swedish vocal artist GAYEA and Native American flute player KEL MOCKINGBIRD from Arizona. Experience the exceptional blend of uplifting Nordic and Southwest spirits and allow the healing vibrations to awaken you.

While pandemic preparedness and the next international response to the health crisis must be more efficient, Russia is a critical starting point for thinking about the future of cooperation on global health security. Together, the war in Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic has driven Russian health policy – both domestic and international – into the grasp of state military and security purposes.

Would a wartime security approach to global health be inconsistent with the Kremlin’s diplomacy logic and overriding goals to remain a global technologically and scientifically advanced superpower?

Quite to the contrary! Russian global health policy and practice employ strategic, long-term approaches keeping its focus as anti-Western as a great power at war.

This talk will focus on an analysis of renewed Russian foreign policy strategy, its continuity and change, and cases of Kremlin’s wartime diplomacy in global health from different regions.

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Nataliya Shok, PhD, is a Public Policy Fellow at the Kennan Institute (Washington, DC), working on the intersections of vaccine diplomacy and biosecurity, national public health, and science policies in the context of the future global health, and geopolitics. She  has spent more than 15 years working transdisciplinary in academia, government, and civil society as social science and humanities person with a foot in the medical school world. Dr. Shok pursues an interdisciplinary approach and combines data from comparative policy analysis, history, life sciences and strategic studies.
Her current research focuses on Russian policy and its alliances across non-Western regions as an emerging case in global health amidst strategic competition.
 

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This event is co-sponsored at ASU by the:

* School for the Future of Innovation in Society, and
* Melikian Center: Russian, Eurasian and East European Studies.

Join The Atlantic Council for a virtual celebration of the powerful role women play in advancing security, prosperity, and justice.

In recognition of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, the Atlantic Council, in partnership with Vital Voices Global Partnership, is convening a day-long conference exploring the pivotal role of women and girls in tackling the world’s most pressing challenges. 

Through insightful conversations and expert perspectives, the conference will delve into various facets of women’s leadership and empowerment. From shaping foreign policy agendas to advocating for equal access to resources, education, and rights, women are at the forefront of driving meaningful change globally. The conference will also highlight strategies and initiatives employed by women and girls to address multifaceted challenges, emphasizing their resilience, innovation, and determination in creating a more inclusive and equitable world for all. 

Join the Atlantic Council in amplifying the voices of women leaders, celebrate their accomplishments, and explore pathways for greater collaboration and impact. 

Japan’s National Security Strategy: The Role of Alliance and Partnerships

Join the Stimson Center for a discussion on the impacts of Japan’s National Security Strategy on Tokyo’s security cooperation with Washington and other like-minded partners.

Japan’s bilateral alliance with the United States and its ever-expanding security partnership with like-minded countries are integral part of Japan’s national security strategy. How has the evolution of Japan’s national security strategy influenced the way in which Tokyo engages Washington and other security partners around the world? What are some of the accomplishments so far, and what are the challenges moving forward? Join Yuki Tatsumi as she engages Dr. Chikako Kawakatsu Ueki, Visiting Scholar at MIT, to explore the issues in this essential element of Tokyo’s national security strategy.

Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 harms the people and territories of Ukraine the most, but the ripples of concern, shock, and fear about Russia’s actions continue to reach outwards to other regions and affect geopolitical thinking and decision-making.

The Arctic is one international arena concerned about future competition instead of cooperation. Decades-long cooperation among the eight Arctic states (USA, Canada, Iceland, Greenland, Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Russia) is currently stalled due to Russia’s war, leading to large and potentially lasting consequences for urgent matters requiring circumpolar collaboration, such as climate change, regional security, and Indigenous wellbeing.

Russia’s turn away from cooperation with Western nations in the Arctic is creating angst around the Arctic about what may come next, militarily, geopolitically, and socioeconomically. This talk discusses such concerns as the unintended, yet quite real, consequences of Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

Jessica Graybill is a Geographer and a Professor of Russian and Eurasian Studies working closely with and for individuals and communities to address energy, climate, and cultural changes in Russia and the Arctic.

Jessica has become an expert on sustainability after spending 20+ years working with inter- and transdisciplinary partners to understand how multiple actors co-create environments, livelihoods, and possible futures.

She knows that investigating issues such as sociopolitical, energy, and climate change-induced transformations of postsocialist, urban, and remote regions requires integrating various kinds of data and using interdisciplinary approaches, especially when working with local and Indigenous communities.

Jessica is bilingual in English and Russian and is the Editor-in-Chief of Polar Geography.

The Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations (PCFR) and Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) have partnered for a speaking program featuring Ambassador Kirsten Hillman, Canada's Ambassador to the United States. The program will be the Ambassador's inaugural visit to the Grand Canyon State. The evening program will feature a moderated conversation with Ambassador Hillman during which she will discuss the key issues shaping the relationship between Canada and the United States.

Canadian companies have made Canada the number one source of foreign direct investment in Arizona and employ more Arizonans than any other country. The one million Canadians who visit Arizona every year inject $1 billion into the Arizonan economy. Nationwide, Canada maintained its position as the number one trading partner of the United States in 2022 at over $900 billion, amounting to over $2.5 billion a day and 15% of total U.S. trade. Bilateral investment between Canada and the United States also surpassed the $1 trillion mark for the first time in 2022.

The bilateral relationship goes far beyond trade and investment: Canada is one of the closest allies and friends of the United States, and a key partner on transnational issues that affect both North America and the world. Ambassador Hillman will touch on various topics, including trade, climate initiatives, the current geopolitical landscape, foreign policy, and the potential impact of the upcoming U.S. elections on bilateral relations. Additionally, she will discuss areas of further collaboration between the two countries. Ambassador Hillman's visit to Arizona will also include meetings with key stakeholders in the public and private sectors.

This event with Ambassador Hillman provides a unique opportunity to gain her valuable insights into the pivotal Canada-U.S. relationship.

PCFR and ACA cordially invite you to attend a reception on Tuesday, January 9th at 5:30 pm, followed by the program at 6:00 pm in the Great Hall of the Beus Center for Law and Society in Phoenix.

Why Is This Important for Arizona

This program is vital for Arizonans due to the substantial economic ties between Canada and the state, with Canada being the second-largest trading partner. The event will address key issues such as trade and climate initiatives, providing attendees with insights into the complex nature of the Canada-U.S. relationship and its impact on Arizona's economy. This makes it an essential event for business leaders, policymakers, students, and academics interested in fostering stronger ties between Arizona and Canada.

Innovation & Investment in Kosovo:
A Conversation with Ambassador Ilir Dugolli of Kosovo to the U.S.

Monday, November 20, 2023 | 4 PM to 5 PM MST

ASU Tempe Campus, ISTBX Building, Room 481
800 South Cady Mall, Tempe, AZ 85081
Click here for the ISTBX Building Google Map link.

[Name recently changed from Wrigley Hall to ISTBX.]  

The ASU Melikian Center in cooperation with the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society, invites you to a program with Ambassador Ilir Dugolli, the Ambassador of Kosovo to the United States who is also a former scholar-in-residence at ASU.

In a moderated conversation, Ambassador Dugolli will discuss such topics as:

• Innovation and investments in Kosovo and the flow of them between the U.S. and Kosovo

• The influence of AI on the economy of Kosovo and its trade prospects with the U.S.

• The perceptions of risk and these perceptions' influences on foreign direct investment in Kosovo by the U.S.

Ambassador Ilir Dugolli currently serves as Ambassador of Kosovo to the United States, having previously served as Ambassador to Turkey (with non-resident accreditations to Pakistan, Jordan and Afghanistan), as Ambassador to Sweden (with non-resident accreditations to Norway, Finland, Iceland, Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia), and as Ambassador in Brussels (in charge of relations with Belgium, Luxembourg, NATO and EU). He has also served as Director for NATO and Security Policies at Kosovo’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Before joining the diplomatic service, he was affiliated with the University of Prishtina Law School and a number of civil society initiatives, during which time he was at Arizona State University as a scholar-in-residence on a U.S. Dept. of State grant program administered by what is now the ASU Melikian Center. 

"Preserving the Past, Constructing the Future"

This presentation weaves knowledge from the past with the future educational and life goals of our students. Diverse cultures contain rich insights and approaches that lend another perspective to addressing the complex issues of our world. It is important to acknowledge that as humans, we are interconnected not only with one another, but with the land, water, and air around us. Learn how we can engage in building our futures by harnessing diverse ways of knowing. For example, the Nepohualtzintzin, a Mesoamerican calculator (similar to an abacus), can help today’s students not only learn math but to teach it as well. It can also develop a sense of cultural identity in the sciences. Students can think of ways that the Nepohualtzintzin was an introduction to the tools needed for today’s technology! Our past can also propel us into the future through deciphering ancient stone writing and preserving this shared human heritage for healthy, knowledgeable communities.

Presenters:

• Sharon Stefan, Residential Faculty, Mathematics, and Director, STEM Center of Excellence, Estrella Mountain Community College

• Dr. Niccole Villa Cerveny, Residential Faculty, Geosciences & Sustainability, Mesa Community College

• Nicholas Baker, Residential Faculty, Biology, Glendale Community College

Please see the registration website for the presenters' bios.

 These events support the igniting talent, transforming lives, and enriching communities through teaching, learning and service Mission of the Maricopa Community Colleges related to providing student global learning opportunities that stem from courses infused with global perspectives.

Over the past two decades, China's presence in Latin America has experienced a remarkable surge, with Chinese state firms becoming significant investors in the region's energy, infrastructure, and space sectors. South America now sees China as its top trading partner, second only to the United States for Latin America as a whole. And the recent diplomatic switch of Honduras from Taipei to Beijing is also indicative of China's growing influence in the region.

Join PCFR for a discussion with Margaret Myers, an expert on China and Latin America, and Director of the Asia & Latin America Program at the Inter-American Dialogue. Ms. Myers will provide invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of China's influence in Latin America and its broader impact on global geopolitics.

This event offers a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding and awareness of the geopolitical dynamics at play and how China's actions in Latin America may affect regional and international relations. Don't miss this critical discussion with a leading expert. Register now to secure your spot.

Why is this Important for Arizona?

Arizona has significant trade relations with Latin American countries, particularly Mexico. China's expanding presence in the region and its role as a significant trading partner could have implications for Arizona's trade and economic interests in the region. Understanding China's actions and intentions in Latin America can help Arizona businesses and policymakers make informed decisions and develop strategies for economic cooperation.

Join PCFR on October 25 for a discussion with a Wall Street Journal correspondent, Pulitzer Prize finalist, and one of the most admired reporters covering China today, Chun Han Wong on his new book, Party of One.

Party of One provides a revealing and timely account of Xi Jinping's rise to power, dispelling misconceptions about his leadership and highlighting his centralization of power, cult of personality, and moves towards indefinite rule. Through his firsthand reporting and historical analysis, Wong explores Xi's impact on China and the world, as he challenges Western influence and promotes China's authoritarian model on the global stage.

The conversation will be moderated by Ian Curtiss, an Associate Faculty at ASU's W. P. Carey School of Business and PCFR Member. There will be time for Q&A, so get reading and come prepared with questions!

Why is this important for Arizona?

China, the world's second-largest economy, is increasingly seen as an alternative to Western democracy. The country is currently led by one man, Xi Jinping. Understanding his leadership and dispelling myths is crucial to understanding US-China relations and China's future on the world stage.

“Using Public Databases to Teach Forensic Anthropology in Community College"

Dr. Alvrus discusses the use of publicly accessible databases in an introductory forensic anthropology class at Mesa Community College. Students examine the issue of border crossing deaths, using these databases to explore the problems associated with recovery and identification of human remains found in Arizona deserts. Through the exercise, students also gain an understanding of the scope of the problem, as well as the role of socio-political forces in the rise in border crossing deaths in the last two decades.

Presenter: Annalisa Alvrus, Ph.D., Residential Faculty, Cultural Science Department, Mesa Community College

“In the Aftermath of Asylum: Guatemalan Women’s Struggles for Survival and Dignity”

Dr. Green will address the dilemmas Guatemalan Mayan women face after their asylum claims in the US are denied and they are deported back to the violent situations they fled in Guatemala.

Presenter: Linda Green, Ph.D., Professor of Anthropology, University of Arizona

Join PCFR on September 21 for a discussion with author and Asia expert Charles Dunst on his new book, Defeating the Dictators.

The world is experiencing the lowest levels of democracy in over thirty years, and autocracy is on the rise. Defeating the Dictators explores the dangers of rising authoritarianism and outlines steps democracies must take to rebuild trust, restore accountability, and build a better future for generations to come.

The conversation will be moderated by Parker Novak, a nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Council. There will be time for Q&A, so get reading and come prepared with questions!

Why is this important for Arizona?

An over-reliance on autocratic regimes for essential products and services hinders the growth and influence of democratic institutions. Defeating the Dictators recommends policies for building the human capital needed to construct products like semiconductors, including in places such as Arizona.

Meet the German Marshall Fellows to learn about their lives in Europe and the Ukraine today. The event will consistent of a lively and moving community dialog about how these young leaders view their future.

Be part of an important community dialog and gain perspective from young leaders in today’s Europe and Ukraine.

Please RSVP by Sept 7th by sending an email to Scott Jacobson at Sjake001@yahoo.com.

Cross-Border Connecting: "Preparing Students for a Career in the Global Economy"

Tuesday, September 12, 2023
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (US Arizona Time)

It is crucial that students understand how to develop skills and knowledge that will enable them to navigate and work in today's global economy. This forum will focus on describing how students and educational institutions can develop needed skills.

Online through Zoom.

THE STATE OF U.S.-AFRICA RELATIONS: A CONVERSATION WITH AMB. MICHAEL HAMMER

CPD will host Ambassador Michael Hammer, President Biden’s Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, to discuss key issues related to U.S. foreign policy towards Africa, with a particular focus on the importance of engaging African nations to promote peacebuilding, democracy and the rule of law in the Horn of Africa.
With an extensive career in the United States Foreign Service, Ambassador Hammer brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. He has previously served as the United States ambassador to Chile from 2014 to 2016 and the United States ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 2018 to 2022.
The event will be hosted in collaboration with the U.S. Africa Institute.

To attend in person, register here. To attend online, register here.

The Workplace of the Future is Here.

 Meet Sonya Simmonds and get some insights into how this world-renowned Swedish audio-streaming company has managed to sustain culture, spark creativity, and keep their employees connected whether working from the office or home. Sonya will share how Spotify employees align whilst they work from anywhere across a diverse workforce in over 30 countries across the globe.