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Free online lectures: Explore a world of ideas

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WorldBoston Great Decisions Series

Great Decisions is a series organized by WorldBoston

  • In Person
    Virtual
    Access to oil and gas has long held an influence over the politics of individual nations and their relations with others. But as more countries move toward sustainable energy, and supply chain shortages affect the availability of oil and gas, how will these changes in energy industries impact relations geopolitics?

    Join WorldBoston for a timely discussion of this topic with Sarah Emerson, founder and president of Energy Security Analysis, Inc (ESAI). The program will feature expert remarks from Ms. Emerson, live audience Q&A, and time for networking and discussion with other globally-oriented participants.

    To celebrate the end of WorldBoston's 2023 programming, a special reception with light refreshments will be held in the Newsfeed Café from 7:00-7:30 PM.

    This program is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required.
    Click here to register to attend virtually.

    Partner:
    WorldBoston
  • By the fall of 2022, Iran was in a state of turmoil due to widespread protests against government-enforced wearing of the hijab, a failing economy, an ineffective new president, and the looming succession of the country’s leader, Ayatollah Khamenei. Abroad, renewal of the Iran nuclear deal seemed doubtful and tensions remain high between Iran, Israel, and Arab states. Many Iranians have lost hope of a better future, and the country seems at a crossroads. How should the United States deal with it?

    Join WorldBoston for a timely discussion of this topic with Tara Kangarlou, Global Affairs Journalist, Award-Winning Author, Professor at Georgetown University, and Founder of Art of Hope.
    Partner:
    WorldBoston
  • Waging economic warfare consists of a variety of measures from implementing sanctions to fomenting labor strikes. Such tools are utilized by states to hinder their enemies, and in the case of the United States have been used as far back as the early 19th century. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, economic warfare has been the main means for the west to challenge Russia. How effective will these sanctions be at convincing Russia to cease its war?

    Join WorldBoston for a timely discussion of this topic with Jason Blazakis, Professor at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies and Director of MIIS’s Center on Terrorism, Extremism, and Counterterrorism.
    Partner:
    WorldBoston
  • Russia's invasion of Ukraine has resulted in widespread charges of war crimes and calls for justice. But what exactly are war crimes? Opinions of what constitutes a war crime have evolved, as have ways to identify and punish the perpetrators. How will the war crimes committed in Ukraine be dealt with? Join WorldBoston for a timely discussion of this topic with **Dr. Michael E. O’Hanlon, Senior Fellow and Director of Research in Foreign Policy at the Brookings Institution**. The program will feature expert remarks from Dr. O’Hanlon, live audience Q&A, and time for networking and discussion with other globally-oriented participants.
    Partner:
    WorldBoston
  • In recent years, Latin America has experienced a wave of changing political trends, both domestic and international. From a left-wing surge, as evidenced by recent elections, to the rise of the non-alignment stance, these developments will have a lasting impact on the region and the rest of the world. Join WorldBoston for a timely discussion of this topic featuring Ambassador Jorge Heine, Research Professor at the Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University and Global Fellow at The Wilson Center. The program features expert remarks from Ambassador Heine and live audience Q&A.
    Partner:
    WorldBoston
  • Fears of global food shortages have followed Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has disrupted grain shipments from the major grain producer. But what about countries and regions that were suffering before this impending shortage? How is famine defined, and how is it different from simple food shortages? What if any remedies are there? Join us to learn more about global famine and hunger when we host a virtual discussion with Kimberly Flowers, international development consultant and former Director of Global Food Security at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and Alex de Waal, Executive Director of the World Peace Foundation.
    Partner:
    WorldBoston
  • As climate change accelerates and drought and rising sea levels become more common, millions of people in affected regions must uproot themselves and seek safety elsewhere. Who are these affected individuals, and how might the United States aid them, and be affected by the migration? Join us for a timely discussion of this topic with Dr. Karen Jacobsen, Henry J. Leir Professor in Global Migration at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. The program will feature expert remarks from Dr. Jacobsen, live audience Q&A, and time for networking and discussion with other globally-oriented participants. This program is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required.
    Partner:
    WorldBoston
  • For the past ten years, the United States and China have been locked in a competition for who has the greatest global influence. One major point of contention is the status of Taiwanese sovereignty, which has become even more relevant recently with the possibility that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine may prompt China to take similar action regarding Taiwan. How will the United States engage a China which is increasingly seeking to expand its sphere of influence?  Join us for a timely discussion of this topic with David Lampton, Senior Research Fellow at the SAIS Foreign Policy Institute and Professor Emeritus at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.
    Partner:
    WorldBoston
  • The Biden administration has inherited a challenging geopolitical landscape, with great power competition with China intensifying, multilateral cooperation weakening, and threats of climate change, pandemic diseases, nuclear weapons, and cyber warfare rising. How can the United States leverage its alliances with its North American neighbors to advance democratic leadership and the liberal international order? Join us to learn more about Biden’s agenda from the perspective of two of the U.S.’s strongest partners with Rodger Cuzner, Consul General of Canada in Boston, and Alberto Fierro Garza, Consul General of Mexico in Boston.
    Partner:
    WorldBoston
  • The ideological divide in the United States on the subject of climate change has impeded progress in curbing greenhouse emissions. But extreme weather events at both ends of the thermometer have focused attention on the consequences of inaction. What role will the United States play in future negotiations on climate? Join us for a discussion of this complex topic with Rachel Kyte, Dean of The Fletcher School at Tufts University. The program features expert remarks from Dean Kyte followed by live audience Q&A.
    Partner:
    WorldBoston