BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Southeast Connecticut World Affairs Council - ECPv6.14.0//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Southeast Connecticut World Affairs Council X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://secwac.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Southeast Connecticut World Affairs Council REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260407T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260407T193000 DTSTAMP:20260408T082109 CREATED:20260107T183122Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T183453Z UID:2386-1775584800-1775590200@secwac.org SUMMARY:Great Decisions 2026 - Ruptured Alliances and the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation DESCRIPTION:SECWAC is proud to partner with the Essex Public Library for the Foreign Policy Association’s 2026 “Great Decisions” program. \nWhen: Tuesday April 7\, 2026  |  6pm – 7:15pm \nWhere: Essex Library Association – 33 West Ave\, Essex\, CT 06426 \nTopic: Ruptured Alliances and the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation \nAuthor: Gideon Rose \nU.S. alliance skepticism may drive countries like Japan and South Korea to reconsider nuclear options. What are the implications of the Trump administration’s rethinking of the U.S. alliance system for regional and global security? Will this new uncertainty alter the way allies and rivals in various regions make decisions about security and nuclear weapons? \nTo learn more about the topic\, and get up to speed with the recommended reading\, CLICK HERE. URL:https://secwac.org/event/great-decisions-2026-ruptured-alliances-and-the-risk-of-nuclear-proliferation/ LOCATION:Essex Library\, 33 West Ave\, Essex\, CT\, 06426\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260325T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260325T190000 DTSTAMP:20260408T082109 CREATED:20260305T190358Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260312T135302Z UID:2431-1774459800-1774465200@secwac.org SUMMARY:SECWAC Presents: Eric Fleury on “The Third Gulf War" DESCRIPTION:“The Third Gulf War”\nThe United States is once again at war in the Middle East. At this moment\, it is uncertain if it will be a relatively short and decisive conflict like the First Gulf War\, or a painful and drawn-out quagmire like the Second. Professor Eric Fleury of Connecticut College will discuss the origins of the conflict\, evaluate the strategies of the various players\, and address its likely consequences for both the short and the long term. \nWho: Eric Fleury\, Professor of Government and International Relations\, Connecticut College \nWhen: Wednesday March 25\, 2026 | Reception: 5:30pm | Presentation: 6:00pm \nWhere: First Congregational Church of Old Lyme \nAbout the Speaker: \nEric Fleury’s work lies at the intersection of international relations and political theory. He examines how contemporary topics build upon foundational concepts of diplomacy and warfare\, with a particular interest in how leaders both shape and are shaped by public opinion in times of crisis. His first book\, On Absolute War: Terrorism and the Logic of Armed Conflict\, examines how terrorism both affirms and modifies the classic maxim of Carl von Clausewitz\, “war is merely the continuation of policy by other means.” Prof. Fleury’s current book project focuses on the breakdown of the so-called ‘liberal international order’ as the guiding concept of U.S. foreign policy. Drawing on Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America\, he shows how the very effort to understand foreign policy as the expression of a singular ideology is in fact the byproduct of a tug-of-war between public opinion and the bureaucracy\, and that the current crisis is best understood as the failure to achieve a consensus within either body. \n\n\n \n \n Single Event Registration for Nonmembers Only\n \n \n First Name(Required)Last NameEmail(Required)\n \n Address(Required) \n \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n Address Line 2\n \n \n City\n \n \n State / Province / Region\n \n \n ZIP / Postal Code\n \n \n Single Event Registration\n \n \n Price:\n \n \n \n How Did You Hear About Us?Please choose:(Required)\n \n \n Friend or Family\n \n \n \n Email Notice\n \n \n \n Guest or Friend of Speaker\n \n \n \n Facebook\n \n \n \n Newspaper\n \n \n \n Other URL:https://secwac.org/event/secwac-presents-eric-fleury-on-the-third-gulf-war/ LOCATION:First Congregational Church of Old Lyme\, 5 Ferry Road\, Old Lyme\, CT\, 06371\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260324T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260324T193000 DTSTAMP:20260408T082109 CREATED:20260107T182819Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T183846Z UID:2383-1774375200-1774380600@secwac.org SUMMARY:Great Decisions 2026 - U.S.-China Relations DESCRIPTION:SECWAC is proud to partner with the Essex Public Library for the Foreign Policy Association’s 2026 “Great Decisions” program. \nWhen: Tuesday March 24\, 2026  |  6pm – 7:15pm \nWhere: Essex Library Association – 33 West Ave\, Essex\, CT 06426 \nTopic: U.S.-China Relations \nAuthor: Oriana Mastro \nRelations with China remain tense\, with tariffs\, military modernization\, and pressure on Taiwan. Does Trump have a coherent China policy\, and will his tariffs on Rare Earth minerals be effective? What are America’s strategic options? \nTo learn more about the topic\, and get up to speed with the recommended reading\, CLICK HERE. URL:https://secwac.org/event/great-decisions-2026-u-s-china-relations/ LOCATION:Essex Library\, 33 West Ave\, Essex\, CT\, 06426\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260217T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260217T193000 DTSTAMP:20260408T082109 CREATED:20260107T182428Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T183831Z UID:2378-1771351200-1771356600@secwac.org SUMMARY:Great Decisions 2026 - Trump Tariffs and the Future of the World Economy DESCRIPTION:SECWAC is proud to partner with the Essex Public Library for the Foreign Policy Association’s 2026 “Great Decisions” program. \nWhen: Tuesday February 17\, 2026  |  6pm – 7:15pm \nWhere: Essex Library Association – 33 West Ave\, Essex\, CT 06426 \nTopic: Trump Tariffs and the Future of the World Economy \nAuthor: Michael Mastanduno \nTrump’s aggressive trade and tariff policies have shaken global economic norms. What’s the rationale behind this radical shift in economic policy\, and what are the implications for multilateral trade and geopolitics? \nTo learn more about the topic\, and get up to speed with the recommended reading\, CLICK HERE. URL:https://secwac.org/event/great-decisions-2026-trump-tariffs-and-the-future-of-the-world-economy/ LOCATION:Essex Library\, 33 West Ave\, Essex\, CT\, 06426\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260212T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260212T190000 DTSTAMP:20260408T082109 CREATED:20260120T162803Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260126T183905Z UID:2418-1770917400-1770922800@secwac.org SUMMARY:SECWAC Presents: John Polga-Hecimovich on "Authoritarian Resilience and Regime Capture: Venezuela in the Age of Great Power Politics" DESCRIPTION:“Authoritarian Resilience and Regime Capture: Venezuela in the Age of Great Power Politics”\nThis talk situates Nicolás Maduro’s Venezuela in a broader narrative of authoritarian consolidation\, where elite loyalty\, military ties\, and narco-patronage networks created a coup-proofed state that survived repeated internal and external pressures. Against that backdrop\, this talk assessed why the U.S. chose a dramatic military operation to seize Maduro\, why it now engages Delcy Rodríguez rather than a figure from the democratic opposition\, and what strategic motivations might shape “what comes next.” \nWho: Professor John Polga-Hecimovich\, Dept Political Science\, United States Naval Academy\, Anapolis \nWhen: Thursday February 12\, 2026 | Reception: 5:30pm | Presentation: 6:00pm \nWhere: Flanders Market \nAbout the Speaker: \nJohn Polga-Hecimovich is an Associate Professor of Political Science a the U.S. Naval Academy\, where he teaches courses on comparative politics and Latin American politics. \nHis research focuses on the effects of political institutions on democratic stability\, policymaking\, and governance\, with a particular focus on Latin America. One of his primary areas of interest is how the executive branch of government exercises power and how presidents interact with legislatures and their own bureaucracies.\nHe has given briefings to the US State Department\, the Defense Intelligence Agency\, and US Southern Command on issues related to Latin American politics\, and served as electoral systems expert for the Organization of American States (OAS) electoral observation team in Ecuador. In addition\, he has participated in working groups examining Venezuela’s political crisis for the Council on Foreign Relations\, the Woodrow Wilson Center\, the United States Institute of Peace\, and the Atlantic Council.\nHe has recently co-edited a volume on Venezuela\, Authoritarian Consolidation in Times of Crisis: Venezuela under Nicolás Maduro. \n\n \n \n Single Event Registration for Nonmembers Only\n \n \n First Name(Required)Last NameEmail(Required)\n \n Address(Required) \n \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n Address Line 2\n \n \n City\n \n \n State / Province / Region\n \n \n ZIP / Postal Code\n \n \n Single Event Registration\n \n \n Price:\n \n \n \n How Did You Hear About Us?Please choose:(Required)\n \n \n Friend or Family\n \n \n \n Email Notice\n \n \n \n Guest or Friend of Speaker\n \n \n \n Facebook\n \n \n \n Newspaper\n \n \n \n Other URL:https://secwac.org/event/secwac-presents-john-polga-hecimovich-with-updates-on-venezuela/ LOCATION:Flanders Market\, 22 Chesterfield Road\, East Lyme\, CT\, 06333\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T190000 DTSTAMP:20260408T082109 CREATED:20260106T224752Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260112T172635Z UID:2370-1769016600-1769022000@secwac.org SUMMARY:SECWAC Presents: James O'Donnell on Climate Change in Connecticut\, and some impacts DESCRIPTION:Climate Change in Connecticut\, and Some Impacts\nConnecticut’s location in the northwest Atlantic and the geologic history of New England influence the character and magnitude of the consequences of climate change. The presentation will summarize the observed changes in  climate and the latest projections of what is likely.  The consequences of these changes on infrastructure and people will also be outlined. \n  \nWho: James O’Donnell\, Ph.D.\, Professor of Marine Sciences\, University of Connecticut\, and Executive Director of Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation \nWhen: Wednesday January 21\, 2026 | Reception: 5:30pm | Presentation: 6:00pm \nWhere: First Congregational Church of Old Lyme \nAbout the Speaker: \nJim O’Donnell is a Professor of Marine Sciences\, and Executive Director of the Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation (CIRCA) at the University of Connecticut. He earned a B.Sc. (Hons) in Applied Physics from the University of Strathclyde and then an M.S. and Ph.D. in Oceanography from the University of Delaware. He joined the faculty at University of Connecticut in 1987. Since then\, he has been studying the processes that determine the character of the circulation and transport of materials in the coastal ocean using observations and mathematics. Much of his work has focused on Long Island Sound. In 2014 he was appointed to lead the development of CIRCA\, an interdisciplinary Institute focused on helping Connecticut’s towns and agencies anticipate and adapt to the effects of climate change. \n  \n\n \n \n Single Event Registration for Nonmembers Only\n \n \n First Name(Required)Last NameEmail(Required)\n \n Address(Required) \n \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n Address Line 2\n \n \n City\n \n \n State / Province / Region\n \n \n ZIP / Postal Code\n \n \n Single Event Registration\n \n \n Price:\n \n \n \n How Did You Hear About Us?Please choose:(Required)\n \n \n Friend or Family\n \n \n \n Email Notice\n \n \n \n Guest or Friend of Speaker\n \n \n \n Facebook\n \n \n \n Newspaper\n \n \n \n Other URL:https://secwac.org/event/secwac-presents-james-odonnell-executive-director-of-connecticut-institute-for-resilience-and-climate-adaptation/ LOCATION:First Congregational Church of Old Lyme\, 5 Ferry Road\, Old Lyme\, CT\, 06371\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260120T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260120T193000 DTSTAMP:20260408T082109 CREATED:20260107T182209Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T183923Z UID:2375-1768932000-1768937400@secwac.org SUMMARY:Great Decisions 2026 - America and the World: Trump 2.0 Foreign Policy DESCRIPTION:SECWAC is proud to partner with the Essex Public Library for the Foreign Policy Association’s 2026 “Great Decisions” program. \nWhen: Tuesday January 20\, 2026  |  6pm – 7:15pm \nWhere: Essex Library Association – 33 West Ave\, Essex\, CT 06426 \nTopic: America and the World: Trump 2.0 Foreign Policy \nAuthor: G. John Ikenberry \nTrump’s return has marked a break from 80 years of U.S. foreign policy leadership\, embracing an “America First” approach. This chapter explores the risks of isolation and diminished influence in relation to Trump 2.0 foreign policy. \nTo learn more about the topic\, and get up to speed with the recommended reading\, CLICK HERE. URL:https://secwac.org/event/great-decisions-2026-america-and-the-world-trump-2-0-foreign-policy/ LOCATION:Essex Library\, 33 West Ave\, Essex\, CT\, 06426\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251216T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251216T190000 DTSTAMP:20260408T082109 CREATED:20251030T210004Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251119T191850Z UID:2355-1765906200-1765911600@secwac.org SUMMARY:SECWAC presents: Gregory Ramm on “A Complex Crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo\, 30 Years On” DESCRIPTION:A Complex Crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo\, 30 Years On\nGrounded in his experience living in a village as a Peace Corps Volunteer teacher in Mobotu’s Zaire\, Greg will describe the current political and humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  Through the lens of humanitarian\, development\, and rights-based organizations such as Save the Children\, Greg will talk about the various conflicts affecting the DRC and the type of humanitarian response that is possible – and desperately needed by millions of Congolese directly affected by the crises.  Greg will also touch on education and climate-related initiatives that offer hope for the Congo and the importance of the DRC for a peaceful\, prosperous world. \nWho: Greg Ramm\, Country Director for Save the Children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo \nWhen: Tuesday December 16\, 2025 | Reception: 5:30pm | Presentation: 6:00pm \nWhere: First Congregational Church of Old Lyme \nAbout the Speaker: \nGreg Ramm is the Country Director for Save the Children in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)\, and a member of the DRC’s Humanitarian Country Team. He has over 30 years of experience in humanitarian and development issues\, with a strong focus on Africa. He opened Save the Children’s first office in Kinshasa in 1998. Since then\, Greg has held various key positions including Country Director in Ghana and Regional Director for West and Central Africa. In 2014\, Greg led the Save the Children response to the Ebola crisis in Liberia. He also served as Global Program Director in London and held key leadership positions at Save the Children in Washington\, DC\, including Vice President for Humanitarian Response and Associate Vice President for International Programs focused on Child Protection and HIV/AIDS. He served as a member of the UN’s IASC Emergency Directors Group from 2016 to 2020. Greg served as a Peace Corps Volunteer teaching high school math and physics in the DRC (then Zaire). \n  \n  \n\n \n \n Single Event Registration for Nonmembers Only\n \n \n First Name(Required)Last NameEmail(Required)\n \n Address(Required) \n \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n Address Line 2\n \n \n City\n \n \n State / Province / Region\n \n \n ZIP / Postal Code\n \n \n Single Event Registration\n \n \n Price:\n \n \n \n How Did You Hear About Us?Please choose:(Required)\n \n \n Friend or Family\n \n \n \n Email Notice\n \n \n \n Guest or Friend of Speaker\n \n \n \n Facebook\n \n \n \n Newspaper\n \n \n \n Other URL:https://secwac.org/event/secwac-presents-gregory-ramm-on-a-complex-crisis-in-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-30-years-on/ LOCATION:First Congregational Church of Old Lyme\, 5 Ferry Road\, Old Lyme\, CT\, 06371\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251106T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251106T190000 DTSTAMP:20260408T082109 CREATED:20250627T202742Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251030T205521Z UID:2306-1762450200-1762455600@secwac.org SUMMARY:SECWAC Presents: Brian Katulis on Trump 2.0 Middle East Policy: Promise and Peril DESCRIPTION:Trump 2.0 Middle East Policy: Promise and Peril\nTen months into the second Trump administration\, the Middle East has become a more prominent focus of U.S. foreign policy. This period was one of high operations tempo for the United States ranging from a noteworthy trip to the Gulf by President Trump and a major policy shift on Syria\, to U.S. military strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites and the emergence of a 20-point plan for Gaza which began with the exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. Yet\, the impact of these significant actions remains mixed as the effects of Trump’s tariffs and broader trade war may ultimately undercut these openings to strengthen bilateral relations. \nIran\, Israel-Palestine\, and the Houthis in Yemen remain the three major unresolved variables in the Middle East equation. While Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure suffered considerable damage from the U.S. strikes\, the country retains the capabilities to cause instability by funneling support to key partners like the Houthis. The development of the Gaza plan and the release of hostages and prisoners were positive steps forward which offered a brief respite of hope after two years of war. However\, the implementation of the next phases of the plan will face significant challenges\, including financial support\, governance\, security\, and reconstruction. In contrast\, Syria and Lebanon present key opportunities for engagement\, but this will require steady and focused diplomatic engagement. \nThis presentation will assess whether Trump 2.0’s overall foreign policy approach—characterized by transactional diplomacy\, selective military engagement\, and attempts to use America’s economic power to gain global leverage—is likely to produce a more durable and sustainable security environment in the Middle East\, amid a rapidly evolving regional landscape. \n  \nWho: Brian Katulis\, Middle East Institute \nWhen: Thursday November 6\, 2025 | Reception: 5:30pm | Presentation: 6:00pm | Post-Presentation Dinner: 7:15pm \nWhere: Flanders Market Meeting Room \nAbout the Speaker: \nBrian Katulis is a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute\, specializing in US foreign policy and national security. He hosts the MEI podcast series Taking the Edge Off the Middle East and authors the column “Making Sense: A Regular Take on US Foreign Policy.” Katulis draws on decades of experience living and working in the Middle East\, where he has forged relationships of trust and confidence across the region with top leaders in government\, the private sector\, media\, national security\, and thought leaders from a wide variety of international organizations. \nAs a foreign policy strategist and senior fellow\, Katulis has produced influential studies that have shaped key regional policy debates and provided expert testimony to congressional committees on his findings. Prior to MEI\, he was a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress (CAP)\, where he built the center’s Middle East program. His career also includes significant experience at the National Security Council\, the US Department of State\, and the US Department of Defense. \nKatulis co-authored The Prosperity Agenda (2008) with Nancy Soderberg\, a book that examines how America’s economic advantages can be used to positively shape global dynamics. He is also frequently quoted in leading news publications and media outlets. \nHe holds a Master in Public Affairs from Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs and a BA in History and Arab and Islamic Studies from Villanova University. He was a Fulbright Scholar in Amman\, Jordan from 1994-1995\, where he conducted a research project on the peace process between Israel and Jordan. \n  \n  \n\n \n \n Single Event Registration for Nonmembers Only\n \n \n First Name(Required)Last NameEmail(Required)\n \n Address(Required) \n \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n Address Line 2\n \n \n City\n \n \n State / Province / Region\n \n \n ZIP / Postal Code\n \n \n Single Event Registration\n \n \n Price:\n \n \n \n How Did You Hear About Us?Please choose:(Required)\n \n \n Friend or Family\n \n \n \n Email Notice\n \n \n \n Guest or Friend of Speaker\n \n \n \n Facebook\n \n \n \n Newspaper\n \n \n \n Other URL:https://secwac.org/event/secwac-presents-brian-katulis-with-updates-on-the-middle-east/ LOCATION:Flanders Market\, 22 Chesterfield Road\, East Lyme\, CT\, 06333\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251025T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251025T180000 DTSTAMP:20260408T082109 CREATED:20250627T202311Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251015T205321Z UID:2299-1761411600-1761415200@secwac.org SUMMARY:SECWAC Presents: David S. Rohde on "Sincerity\, Dialogue and Empathy from Bosnia to Afghanistan to America" DESCRIPTION:David S. Rohde on Sincerity\, Dialogue and Empathy from Bosnia to Afghanistan to America\nPulitzer-Prize winning journalist David Rohde will describe how sincerity\, dialogue and empathy helped him cover the wars in Bosnia and Afghanistan and continue to help him report in a politically polarized America. Rohde will describe how sincerity helped him reveal the mass executions of 8\,000 Bosnian Muslims in the town of Srebrenica and his recent return there for the 30th anniversary of the killings. How dialogue helped him cover Afghanistan and how empathy helps him cover a divided America. In an era of growing division and cynicism\, Rohde argues that sincerity\, dialogue and empathy remain vital tools for journalists\, policymakers and citizens. \n  \nWho: David S. Rohde\, NBC Journalist and Executive\, Two-Time Pulitzer Prize Winner \nWhen: Saturday October 25\, 2025 – Presentation: 5:00pm \nWhere: La Grua Center\, 32 Water St\, Stonington\, CT \nAbout the Speaker: \nDavid S. Rohde is a distinguished American journalist and author\, best known for his in-depth reporting on international conflict and national security. A two-time Pulitzer Prize winner\, he first gained recognition in 1996 for uncovering the Srebrenica massacre while reporting for The Christian Science Monitor. He was awarded a second Pulitzer in 2009 as part of The New York Times team covering Afghanistan and Pakistan. Over the course of his career\, Rohde has reported for major news outlets including The New York Times\, Reuters\, and The Christian Science Monitor\, covering global hotspots and high-stakes political issues. In 2008\, while reporting in Afghanistan\, he was kidnapped by the Taliban and held captive for over seven months before escaping. His experience became the subject of the book A Rope and a Prayer\, co-written with his wife\, Kristen Mulvihill. Rohde is currently serving as executive editor of newyorker.com\, the digital platform of The New Yorker\, and continues to write and speak on topics related to foreign affairs\, investigative journalism\, and press freedom. \nLearn more about David here. URL:https://secwac.org/event/secwac-presents-david-s-rhode-on-his-life-in-journalism/ LOCATION:La Grua Center\, 32 Water St\, Stonington\, CT\, 06378\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251006T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251006T190000 DTSTAMP:20260408T082109 CREATED:20250627T201709Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250916T215125Z UID:2294-1759771800-1759777200@secwac.org SUMMARY:SECWAC Presents: Julia Irwin on "Catastrophic Diplomacy: US Foreign Disaster Assistance in the American Century" DESCRIPTION:Catastrophic Diplomacy: US Foreign Disaster Assistance in the American Century\nIn Catastrophic Diplomacy\, historian Julia F. Irwin offers a sweeping account of how the United States came to use foreign disaster assistance as a key instrument of diplomacy throughout the twentieth century. Spanning from the early 1900s to the mid-1970s\, the book examines how the U.S. government\, military\, and voluntary organizations responded to major international catastrophes—including earthquakes\, tropical storms\, and floods—and how these efforts shaped the broader landscape of American foreign relations. By weaving together diplomatic\, military\, environmental\, and humanitarian histories\, Irwin reveals the complex politics behind emergency aid and situates U.S. responses within a larger global context. Her work demonstrates the central\, and often overlooked\, role that disaster relief played in advancing American influence abroad. \nWho: Julia Irwin\, Author\, Professor of History Louisiana State University \nWhen: Monday October 6\, 2025 | 5:30pm reception | 6:00pm Presentation | 7:30pm Post Presentation Dinner \nWhere: First Congregational Church of Old Lyme \nAbout the Speaker: \nJulia Irwin is the T. Harry Williams Professor of History at Louisiana State University\, where she writes and teaches about the intersections of U.S. foreign relations\, humanitarianism\, and global disaster relief. Her work focuses on how the United States has used aid—especially in response to natural disasters and humanitarian crises—as a tool of diplomacy and international influence throughout the 20th century. She is the author of Catastrophic Diplomacy: US Foreign Disaster Assistance in the American Century and Making the World Safe: The American Red Cross and a Nation’s Humanitarian Awakening. Dr. Irwin earned her Ph.D. from Yale University and is a founding co-editor of The Journal of Disaster Studies and the book series InterConnections: The Global 20th Century. Her scholarship has been recognized with numerous national honors\, including the Stuart L. Bernath Lecture Prize from the Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations. \n\n \n \n Single Event Registration for Nonmembers Only\n \n \n First Name(Required)Last NameEmail(Required)\n \n Address(Required) \n \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n Address Line 2\n \n \n City\n \n \n State / Province / Region\n \n \n ZIP / Postal Code\n \n \n Single Event Registration\n \n \n Price:\n \n \n \n How Did You Hear About Us?Please choose:(Required)\n \n \n Friend or Family\n \n \n \n Email Notice\n \n \n \n Guest or Friend of Speaker\n \n \n \n Facebook\n \n \n \n Newspaper\n \n \n \n Other URL:https://secwac.org/event/secwac-presents-julia-irwin-on-catastrophic-diplomacy-us-foreign-disaster-assistance-in-the-american-century/ LOCATION:First Congregational Church of Old Lyme\, 5 Ferry Road\, Old Lyme\, CT\, 06371\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250925T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250925T190000 DTSTAMP:20260408T082109 CREATED:20250627T201058Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250702T205629Z UID:2289-1758821400-1758826800@secwac.org SUMMARY:SECWAC Presents: Helen Charov on "Tatyana’s War – Escape and Survival on the Eastern Front in World War II" DESCRIPTION:  \nTatyana’s War – Escape and Survival on the Eastern Front in World War II\nWhen Nazi troops invaded her home of Donetsk\, Ukraine\, in 1941\, Tatyana Artemyeff\, a 25-year-old teacher\, was left on her own to save her two children and mother when her conscripted husband’s unit retreated from the city. Luckily\, Tatyana spoke German and was determined to find a way to survive the brutal occupation and keep her family from dying of starvation or execution. \nDecades later\, Tatyana’s daughter Helen found her diaries in a Connecticut attic\, and discovered a unique account of Tatyana’s life as a teacher in the Stalinist Soviet Union\, the 1941 Nazi invasion of Donetsk\, her survival under Nazi occupation\, and her harrowing escape to the West. This book switches seamlessly between Tatyana’s account of life and death and the story of Helen\, her American-born daughter. \nWho: Helen Charov\, Author \nWhen: Thursday September 25\, 2025 – 5:30pm Reception | 6:00pm Presentation \nWhere: First Congregational Church of Old Lyme \nAbout the Speaker: \nBorn in Brooklyn\, New York\, of émigré parents who came to the U.S. as Displaced Persons after World War II\, Helen Charov grew up in Sea Cliff\, a village on Long Island’s north shore. After graduating from New York University\, she traveled extensively throughout the USSR with a U.S. government exhibit. She lives in Connecticut. \n\n \n \n Single Event Registration for Nonmembers Only\n \n \n First Name(Required)Last NameEmail(Required)\n \n Address(Required) \n \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n Address Line 2\n \n \n City\n \n \n State / Province / Region\n \n \n ZIP / Postal Code\n \n \n Single Event Registration\n \n \n Price:\n \n \n \n How Did You Hear About Us?Please choose:(Required)\n \n \n Friend or Family\n \n \n \n Email Notice\n \n \n \n Guest or Friend of Speaker\n \n \n \n Facebook\n \n \n \n Newspaper\n \n \n \n Other URL:https://secwac.org/event/secwac-presents-helen-charov-on-tatyanas-war-escape-and-survival-on-the-eastern-front-in-world-war-ii/ LOCATION:First Congregational Church of Old Lyme\, 5 Ferry Road\, Old Lyme\, CT\, 06371\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250618T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250618T190000 DTSTAMP:20260408T082109 CREATED:20250320T193149Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250527T164418Z UID:2247-1750267800-1750273200@secwac.org SUMMARY:SECWAC Presents: Manizha Wafeq on "How Supporting Afghan Women Makes America Safer\, Stronger\, and More Prosperous" DESCRIPTION:How Supporting Afghan Women Makes America Safer\, Stronger\, and More Prosperous\nWho: Manizha Wafeq\, Co-founder & President of Afghanistan Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry \nWhen: Wednesday June 18\, 2025 – 5:30pm Reception | 6:00pm Presentation \nWhere: Old Lyme Country Club \nAbout the Speaker: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nManizha Wafeq an Afghan-American\, is an International Development expert focused on the economic empowerment of women and girls. She has been a strong policy advocate and speaker on women’s rights topics. Her persistent advocacy work led to the creation of the Afghanistan Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AWCCI). Her influential lobbying skills resulted in the approval of several policy recommendations\, including the 5% preferential clause in the government’s national procurement procedure and the allocation of 15-25% of industrial parks’ land to small\, medium\, and women-owned businesses in the national industrial park policy before the Taliban takeover in 2021. With over 20 years of experience in development\, she has positively impacted the lives of thousands of women. In her role as Program Director and trainer for the PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS program\, she has directly trained and mentored over 800 women from more than 17 provinces in the last 19 years. She founded the Bibi Khadija Award\, an annual award honoring successful businesswomen and role models in Afghanistan. The award is named after the Prophet Mohammad’s wife\, who was the first Muslim woman trader. Furthermore\, she established a nonprofit and an online sales portal\, madebyafghanwomen.com\, to support Afghan businesswomen after the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021. She has received several awards\, including the Enterprising Women Magazine’s Advocacy and Leadership Award\, the Leadership Award from the National Business Association of the US\, and the Young Activist Award from the Afghan Women’s Network and the Afghan Parliament. She also won the award for the best membership services and entrepreneurship development of SMEs at the 11th World Chambers Congress. She holds an MBA from the American University of Afghanistan and is the mother of 10-year-old Tasnim. Recently\, she co-curated an Afghan women’s global business forum in Washington\, D.C.\, bringing Afghan women entrepreneurs from the diaspora in the US\, Europe\, and Canada to discuss business opportunities with Afghan women inside the country. \n  \n\n\n \n \n Single Event Registration for Nonmembers Only\n \n \n First Name(Required)Last NameEmail(Required)\n \n Address(Required) \n \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n Address Line 2\n \n \n City\n \n \n State / Province / Region\n \n \n ZIP / Postal Code\n \n \n Single Event Registration\n \n \n Price:\n \n \n \n How Did You Hear About Us?Please choose:(Required)\n \n \n Friend or Family\n \n \n \n Email Notice\n \n \n \n Guest or Friend of Speaker\n \n \n \n Facebook\n \n \n \n Newspaper\n \n \n \n Other URL:https://secwac.org/event/secwac-presents-manizha-wafeq-on-womens-rights-in-afghanistan/ LOCATION:Old Lyme Country Club\, 40 McCurdy Rd\, Old Lyme\, CT\, 06371\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250617T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250617T193000 DTSTAMP:20260408T082109 CREATED:20250108T184258Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250108T184258Z UID:2178-1750183200-1750188600@secwac.org SUMMARY:Great Decisions 2025 - American Foreign Policy in the Middle East: Taking Stock and Looking Ahead DESCRIPTION:  \nSECWAC is proud to partner with the Essex Public Library for the Foreign Policy Association’s 2025 “Great Decisions” program. \nWhen: Tuesday June 17\, 2025  |  6pm – 7:30pm \nWhere: Essex Library Association – 33 West Ave\, Essex\, CT 06426 \nTopic: American Foreign Policy in the Middle East: Taking Stock and Looking Ahead \nAuthor: Daniel Kurtzer \nThe war in Gaza has brought the region to a crossroads. What are the possible outcomes of the war\, and how might the United States use its influence to shape a long-term settlement that leaves both Israel and the Palestinians in a better position? How might Arab states in the wider region be brought into a settlement? What are America’s interests in the Middle East and how can it advance them? \nTo learn more about the topic\, and get up to speed with the recommended reading\, CLICK HERE. URL:https://secwac.org/event/great-decisions-2025-american-foreign-policy-in-the-middle-east-taking-stock-and-looking-ahead/ LOCATION:Essex Library\, 33 West Ave\, Essex\, CT\, 06426\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250603T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250603T193000 DTSTAMP:20260408T082109 CREATED:20250108T183933Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250108T184050Z UID:2175-1748973600-1748979000@secwac.org SUMMARY:Great Decisions 2025 - AI and American National Security DESCRIPTION:  \nSECWAC is proud to partner with the Essex Public Library for the Foreign Policy Association’s 2025 “Great Decisions” program. \nWhen: Tuesday June 3\, 2025  |  6pm – 7:30pm \nWhere: Essex Library Association – 33 West Ave\, Essex\, CT 06426 \nTopic: AI and American National Security \nAuthor: Julie George \nThe AI revolution is the leading edge of a larger high-tech revolution which promises to transform the world. Experts argue that international cooperation is needed to expand the opportunities these new technologies hold while protecting societies from their dangers. What are the key policy debates in this area\, and what are the opportunities and limits on global AI rules of the road? How will the AI revolution impact American national security? What are its policy options to secure the benefits of AI and guard against its dangers? \nTo learn more about the topic\, and get up to speed with the recommended reading\, CLICK HERE. URL:https://secwac.org/event/great-decisions-2025-ai-and-american-national-security/ LOCATION:Essex Library\, 33 West Ave\, Essex\, CT\, 06426\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250513T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250513T193000 DTSTAMP:20260408T082109 CREATED:20250108T183714Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250108T183714Z UID:2172-1747159200-1747164600@secwac.org SUMMARY:Great Decisions 2025 - The Future of NATO and European Security DESCRIPTION:  \nSECWAC is proud to partner with the Essex Public Library for the Foreign Policy Association’s 2025 “Great Decisions” program. \nWhen: Tuesday May 13\, 2025  |  6pm – 7:30pm \nWhere: Essex Library Association – 33 West Ave\, Essex\, CT 06426 \nTopic: The Future of NATO and European Security \nAuthor: Kori Schake \nEuropean security is more uncertain than it has been for decades. Putin’s Russia has launched a war with Ukraine on its doorstep\, and America’s uncertain role as leader of NATO and security provider has been called into question with the failure of Congress to pass supplemental military support for Ukraine. What are Europe’s options\, and how might developments on both sides of Western Europe – in Ukraine and across the Atlantic – impact its choices? What are America’s stakes in NATO and Europe’s strategic dilemmas? \n  \nTo learn more about the topic\, and get up to speed with the recommended reading\, CLICK HERE. URL:https://secwac.org/event/great-decisions-2025-the-future-of-nato-and-european-security/ LOCATION:Essex Library\, 33 West Ave\, Essex\, CT\, 06426\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250507T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250507T180000 DTSTAMP:20260408T082109 CREATED:20250313T185729Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250415T195346Z UID:2231-1746633600-1746640800@secwac.org SUMMARY:SECWAC Presents: Monica Duffy Toft on "Dying by the Sword: The Militarization of U.S. Foreign Policy" DESCRIPTION:09/24/2024 Fletcher School\, Tufts University- Medford\, MA.Monica Toft poses for a headshot at the Fletcher School at Tufts University on Tuesday\, September 24\, 2024\nDying by the Sword: The Militarization of U.S. Foreign Policy\nWho: Monica Dufy Toft\, Ph.D. \nWhen: May 7\, 2025 – 4:30pm Reception | 5:00pm Presentation | 6:30pm Post-Presentation Dinner \nWhere: Essex Yacht Club \nAbout the Speaker: \nMonica Duffy Toft is Academic Dean and Professor of International Politics and Director of the Center for Strategic Studies at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. Before joining Fletcher\, Professor Monica Duffy Toft taught at Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government and Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. While at Harvard\, she directed the Initiative on Religion in International Affairs and was the assistant director of the John M. Olin Institute for Strategic Studies. She was educated at the University of Chicago (MA and Ph.D. in political science) and at the University of California\, Santa Barbara (BA in political science and Slavic languages and literature\, summa cum laude). Prior to this\, she spent four years in the United States Army as a Russian linguist. Monica’s areas of research include international security\, ethnic and religious violence\, civil wars\, and demography. \n  \n  \n\n \n \n Single Event Registration for Nonmembers Only\n \n \n First Name(Required)Last NameEmail(Required)\n \n Address(Required) \n \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n Address Line 2\n \n \n City\n \n \n State / Province / Region\n \n \n ZIP / Postal Code\n \n \n Single Event Registration\n \n \n Price:\n \n \n \n How Did You Hear About Us?Please choose:(Required)\n \n \n Friend or Family\n \n \n \n Email Notice\n \n \n \n Guest or Friend of Speaker\n \n \n \n Facebook\n \n \n \n Newspaper\n \n \n \n Other URL:https://secwac.org/event/monicaduffytoft_foreign_policy/ LOCATION:Essex Yacht Club\, 13 Novelty Lane\, Essex\, CT\, 06426\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250422T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250422T193000 DTSTAMP:20260408T082109 CREATED:20250108T183503Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250108T183503Z UID:2170-1745344800-1745350200@secwac.org SUMMARY:Great Decisions 2025 - International Cooperation on Climate Change DESCRIPTION:  \nSECWAC is proud to partner with the Essex Public Library for the Foreign Policy Association’s 2025 “Great Decisions” program. \nWhen: Tuesday April 22\, 2025  |  6pm – 7:30pm \nWhere: Essex Library Association – 33 West Ave\, Essex\, CT 06426 \nTopic: International Cooperation on Climate Change \nAuthor: Josh Busby \nThe 2015 Paris Agreement established a UN-sponsored framework for negotiations on climate change and global warming. In subsequent COP meetings\, experts and political leaders have come together seeking common cause for this growing global crisis. What is the future of these efforts\, and what have they yielded? What is the U.S. role in fostering cooperation on climate change? In a divided country\, what are the possible futures for American policy leadership? \nTo learn more about the topic\, and get up to speed with the recommended reading\, CLICK HERE. URL:https://secwac.org/event/great-decisions-2025-international-cooperation-on-climate-change/ LOCATION:CT END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250410T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250410T190000 DTSTAMP:20260408T082109 CREATED:20250313T191450Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250401T135816Z UID:2237-1744306200-1744311600@secwac.org SUMMARY:SECWAC presents: David Hess on "Burnin' Down the House: The Unexpected End to a Career in USAID" DESCRIPTION:Burnin’ Down the House: The Unexpected End to a Career in USAID\nOn April 10\, SECWAC member David Hess will share stories of the best and worst of his 48 year engagement with USAID and review what has been lost with its destruction. \nWho: David Hess\, Ph.D.\, Former USAID Foreign Service Employee \nWhen: Thursday\, April 10\, 2025 – 5:30pm Reception | 6:00pm Presentation | 7:30pm Post-Presentation Dinner \nWhere: First Congregational Church of Old Lyme \nAbout the Speaker: \nMy houseIs out of the ordinaryThat’s rightDon’t wanna hurt nobodySome things sure can sweep me off my feetBurning down the house* \nDavid Hess is the son of Federal bureaucrats. Under the Marshall Plan\, his Father negotiated the first U.S. foreign assistance programs directly with Emperor Haile Selassie in 1948. When David arrived in the Bolivian jungle in 1977 to study Bolivian peasant farmer migrants settling that country’s Eastern agricultural frontier for his Ph.D. in cultural anthropology\, he landed in the middle of a USAID project where U.S. taxpayers were funding roads\, water wells\, and help for the pioneer communities with health and agricultural extension services. Three years later\, David swore to protect and defend the U.S. Constitution as he joined USAID’s branch of the Foreign Service. He served in USAID’s regional office for West Africa living in the Ivory Coast\, and then in bilateral country offices in Peru\, Bolivia\, Guinea\, India\, Rwanda\, and Mozambique. After retirement from the Foreign Service he continued to work with USAID\, including a two year resident contract with USAID/Tanzania. He thought he was blissfully retired in bucolic Connecticut when he was recruited and hired to lead USAID/Tanzania’s project that helped the Agency monitor program progress\, evaluate effects and defects\, and learn and adapt to achieve greater impact with U.S. taxpayer dollars. He and his wife Donna flew out on January 20\, 2025 to land in Dar es Salaam to begin the two year engagement. The new U.S. administration froze all USAID and other foreign assistance on January 24. David’s contract was soon terminated “for the convenience of the government” along with over 5\,000 contracts\, grants\, and cooperative agreements that funded implement partners to save lives\, monitor disease outbreaks\, teach farming\, feed starving refugees and other desperately poor\, improve education\, and strengthen democratic institutions in over 100 countries. Since 1961\, USAID was a critical tool in U.S. foreign policy called the third leg of a stool along with diplomacy and defense. It now appears irrevocably destroyed as the first target of the Trump/Musk juggernaut. \n* Talking Heads. Songwriters: David Byrne / Tina Weymouth / Jerry Harrison / Chris Franz.  1983. \n  \n  \n\n \n \n Single Event Registration for Nonmembers Only\n \n \n First Name(Required)Last NameEmail(Required)\n \n Address(Required) \n \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n Address Line 2\n \n \n City\n \n \n State / Province / Region\n \n \n ZIP / Postal Code\n \n \n Single Event Registration\n \n \n Price:\n \n \n \n How Did You Hear About Us?Please choose:(Required)\n \n \n Friend or Family\n \n \n \n Email Notice\n \n \n \n Guest or Friend of Speaker\n \n \n \n Facebook\n \n \n \n Newspaper\n \n \n \n Other URL:https://secwac.org/event/secwac-presents-david-hess-on-burnin-down-the-house-the-unexpected-end-to-a-career-in-usaid/ LOCATION:First Congregational Church of Old Lyme\, 5 Ferry Road\, Old Lyme\, CT\, 06371\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250408T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250408T193000 DTSTAMP:20260408T082109 CREATED:20250108T182515Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250108T183318Z UID:2168-1744135200-1744140600@secwac.org SUMMARY:Great Decisions 2025 - India: Between China\, the West\, and the Global South DESCRIPTION:  \nSECWAC is proud to partner with the Essex Public Library for the Foreign Policy Association’s 2025 “Great Decisions” program. \nWhen: Tuesday April 8\, 2025  |  6pm – 7:30pm \nWhere: Essex Library Association – 33 West Ave\, Essex\, CT 06426 \nTopic: India: Between China\, the West\, and the Global South \nAuthor: Leslie Vinjamuri \nIndia is an emerging major power in world affairs\, occupying a pivotal position between China\, the United States\, and the Global South. Its population size\, economy\, and geopolitical location ensure that it will be an influential voice in debates and political struggles over global order. What are India’s choices and opportunities for regional and global leadership? How will it maneuver between China and the United States\, and what is its role as a voice of the Global South? What opportunities exist for Washington to work with India? \nTo learn more about the topic\, and get up to speed with the recommended reading\, CLICK HERE. URL:https://secwac.org/event/great-decisions-2025-india-between-china-the-west-and-the-global-south/ LOCATION:Essex Library\, 33 West Ave\, Essex\, CT\, 06426\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250327T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250327T190000 DTSTAMP:20260408T082109 CREATED:20250123T152459Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250228T193620Z UID:2197-1743096600-1743102000@secwac.org SUMMARY:SECWAC Presents: Charles Trueheart on "Diplomats at War: Friendship and Betrayal on the Brink of the Vietnam Conflict" DESCRIPTION:  \n \n\nDiplomats at War: Friendship and Betrayal on the Brink of the Vietnam Conflict\nBefore it spread into a tragic war that defined a generation\, the conflict in Vietnam smoldered as a guerrilla insurgency and a diplomatic nightmare. Into this volatile country stepped Frederick “Fritz” Nolting\, the US ambassador\, and his second-in-command\, William “Bill” Trueheart\, immortalized in David Halberstam’s landmark work The Best and the Brightest and accidental players in a pivotal juncture in modern US history. \nDiplomats at War is a personal memoir by former Washington Post reporter Charles Trueheart—Bill’s son and Nolting’s godson—who grew up amid the events that traumatized two families and an entire nation. The book embeds the reader at the US embassy and dissects the fateful rift between Nolting and Trueheart over their divergent assessments of the South Vietnamese regime under Ngo Dinh Diem\, who would ultimately be assassinated in a coup backed by the United States. Charles Trueheart retells the story of the United States’ headlong plunge into war from an entirely new vantage point—that of a son piecing together how his father and godfather participated in\, and were deeply damaged by\, this historic flashpoint. Their critical rupture\, which also destroyed their close friendship\, served as a dramatic preface to the United States’ disastrous involvement in the Vietnam conflict. \nWho: Charles Trueheart\, Former Washington Post Reporter and author\, in conversation with journalist\, author and Yale Law School lecturer Lincoln Caplan (http://www.lincolncaplan.com/). \nWhen: Thursday\, March 27\, 2025 – 5:30pm Reception | 6:00pm Presentation | 7:30pm Post-Presentation Dinner \nWhere: First Congregational Church of Old Lyme \nAbout the Speaker: \nThe publication of Charles Trueheart’s Diplomats at War follows his long career as a journalist and nonprofit executive\, including fifteen years as a Washington Post correspondent and ten years as the director of the American Library in Paris. \nThe book\, which alternates between historical narrative and family memoir\, draws on the young years the author lived in Saigon\, the son of the US deputy chief of mission and the godson of the US ambassador. Trueheart’s father\, William Trueheart\, and his godfather\, Frederick Nolting\, were graduate school friends at the University of Virginia and then US Foreign Service colleagues in Paris before their assignment to Vietnam in 1961. \nTrueheart was ten at the time. After Saigon\, he went on to study at Phillips Exeter Academy and then Amherst College before embarking on a journalism career that took him from Greensboro\, North Carolina\, to Baltimore\, and to Los Angeles. In 1983\, he was named associate director of the Institute of Politics at Harvard University and director of the Kennedy School’s Public Affairs Forum. In 1986\, Trueheart returned to journalism as a reporter for The Washington Post as its principal writer on books\, authors\, the publishing industry\, and literary and intellectual issues. Among the authors he interviewed and profiled for the Post were Graham Greene\, John Le Carré\, J. M. Coetzee\, John Updike\, Martin Amis\, Gore Vidal\, Doris Kearns Goodwin\, Annie Dillard\, Norman Mailer\, Anthony Powell\, and George F. Kennan. \nIn 1992\, he joined the foreign staff of the newspaper and served first as Canada correspondent and then as Paris correspondent. There he followed French politics\, culture\, and society and covered news throughout Europe\, including extensive coverage of United Nations war crimes tribunals and the war in Kosovo. After leaving the Post in 2000\, he served briefly as a counselor and speechwriter for the US ambassador to France\, Felix Rohatyn. \nIn 2007\, Trueheart was appointed director of the American Library in Paris\, a century-old cultural nexus and the largest English-language library on the European continent. The American Library in Paris Book Award\, which Trueheart founded\, now honors the best work of the year in English about France and the French. He retired in 2017 and began work on Diplomats at War. \nThroughout the last three decades\, Trueheart has written essays and book reviews for The Atlantic Monthly and The American Scholar\, among other publications. His pieces for the Atlantic include cover stories on the American megachurch movement and the war crimes tribunals in the Hague\, and for the Scholar\, retrospective essays on Lawrence Durrell and Jacques Derrida. \nCharles Trueheart\, who was born in Washington in 1951\, now divides his time between Paris and Staunton\, Virginia. He is married to Anne Swardson\, a former Washington Post correspondent and editor at Bloomberg News\, now a blogger about France and a writer of mystery fiction. They have two adult children\, Louise and Henry. \n\n \n \n Single Event Registration for Nonmembers Only\n \n \n First Name(Required)Last NameEmail(Required)\n \n Address(Required) \n \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n Address Line 2\n \n \n City\n \n \n State / Province / Region\n \n \n ZIP / Postal Code\n \n \n Single Event Registration\n \n \n Price:\n \n \n \n How Did You Hear About Us?Please choose:(Required)\n \n \n Friend or Family\n \n \n \n Email Notice\n \n \n \n Guest or Friend of Speaker\n \n \n \n Facebook\n \n \n \n Newspaper\n \n \n \n Other URL:https://secwac.org/event/secwac-presents-charles-truehart-on-diplomats-at-war-friendship-and-betrayal-on-the-brink-of-the-vietnam-conflict/ LOCATION:First Congregational Church of Old Lyme\, 5 Ferry Road\, Old Lyme\, CT\, 06371\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250311T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250311T193000 DTSTAMP:20260408T082109 CREATED:20250108T182321Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250108T182321Z UID:2166-1741716000-1741721400@secwac.org SUMMARY:Great Decisions 2025 - U.S.-China Relations DESCRIPTION:  \nSECWAC is proud to partner with the Essex Public Library for the Foreign Policy Association’s 2025 “Great Decisions” program. \nWhen: Tuesday March 11\, 2025  |  6pm – 7:30pm \nWhere: Essex Library Association – 33 West Ave\, Essex\, CT 06426 \nTopic: U.S.-China Relations \nAuthor: Thomas J. Christensen \nWashington’s relations with Beijing have reached an ominous low ebb. Both American political parties have identified China as the country’s preeminent geopolitical challenger and\, in the eyes of many\, a systemic threat. What is driving this deterioration of Sino-American relations\, and what are America’s strategic options in the face of Chinese power and ambition? \nTo learn more about the topic\, and get up to speed with the recommended reading\, CLICK HERE. URL:https://secwac.org/event/great-decisions-2025-u-s-china-relations/ LOCATION:Essex Library\, 33 West Ave\, Essex\, CT\, 06426\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250226T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250226T190000 DTSTAMP:20260408T082109 CREATED:20241217T200118Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250204T154324Z UID:2154-1740592800-1740596400@secwac.org SUMMARY:SECWAC Presents: Edward Wong on "At the Edge of Empire: A Family’s Reckoning with China" DESCRIPTION:At the Edge of Empire: A Family’s Reckoning with China\nEdward Wong\, a diplomatic correspondent for The New York Times\, talks about the epic story in his new book: his father’s years posted along China’s frontiers when he was a soldier in the Chinese army under Mao; and his own journey charting China’s acceleration into hard authoritarian rule under Xi Jinping\, the current leader. Those dual narratives give us insight into the direction of China and US-China ties\, the most consequential relationship of the 21st century. At the Edge of Empire was chosen by The Washington Post as one of the best non-fiction books of 2024 and has been featured on CNN\, MSNBC\, PBS\, NPR and BBC\, and in The New York Times. \nWho: Edward Wong\, Award Winning Journalist\, Author \nWhen: Wednesday February 26\, 2025 –  6:00pm Presentation \nWhere: RJ Julia Booksellers\, Madison\, CT | PLEASE NOTE: Registration is required for all attendees: https://www.rjjulia.com/event/edward-wong-edge-empire \nAbout the Speaker: \nEdward Wong reports on diplomacy and foreign policy for The New York Times from Washington\, DC. He has worked for the Times for more than 25 years\, 13 of those as a correspondent and bureau chief in Iraq and China. He received a Livingston Award for his coverage of the Iraq War and was on a team of Pulitzer Prize finalists. He was awarded the Edward Weintal Prize from Georgetown University for diplomatic reporting and received an honorary doctorate from Middlebury Language Schools after the publication of his book. \nEdward has reported from a cruise in North Korea\, a walk through the Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan\, and the final trans-Atlantic flight of the Concorde. He often travels with the U.S. secretary of state to cover diplomatic trips. \nHe has been a Nieman Fellow at Harvard and done fellowships at the Belfer Center of Harvard Kennedy School and the Wilson Center in Washington. He has taught international reporting as a visiting professor at Princeton and at the University of California at Berkeley\, where he serves on the advisory board of the graduate school of journalism. Edward graduated from the University of Virginia and has joint master’s degrees from U.C. Berkeley. \nLearn more about Edward here: \nhttps://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/602734/at-the-edge-of-empire-by-edward-wong/ \nhttps://www.nytimes.com/by/edward-wong URL:https://secwac.org/event/secwac-presents-edward-wong-on-at-the-edge-of-empire/ LOCATION:RJ Julia Booksellers\, 768 Boston Post Rd\, Madison\, CT\, 06443\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250225T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250225T193000 DTSTAMP:20260408T082109 CREATED:20250108T162736Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250108T162736Z UID:2164-1740506400-1740511800@secwac.org SUMMARY:Great Decisions 2025 - U.S. Changing Leadership of the World Economy DESCRIPTION:  \nSECWAC is proud to partner with the Essex Public Library for the Foreign Policy Association’s 2025 “Great Decisions” program. \nWhen: Tuesday\, February 25\,2025  |  6pm – 7:30pm \nWhere: Essex Library Association – 33 West Ave\, Essex\, CT 06426 \nTopic: U.S. Changing Leadership of the World Economy \nAuthor: Daniel Drezner \nUnder President Biden\, the U.S. has advanced new ideas about trade\, technology\, industrial policy\, competition with China\, and the organization of the world economy. For most of the postwar era\, the U.S. has tied its global leadership to cooperative agendas aimed at creating a more open-world trading system\, but that has apparently come to an end. What are America’s options and opportunities as a leader of the world economy? How will America’s “foreign policy for the middle class” and strategic competition with China impact its leadership role? How can the postwar rules and institutions of the world economy be made safe for economic nationalism and great power competition? \nTo learn more about the topic\, and get up to speed with the recommended reading\, CLICK HERE. URL:https://secwac.org/event/great-decisions-2025-u-s-changing-leadership-of-the-world-economy/ LOCATION:Essex Library\, 33 West Ave\, Essex\, CT\, 06426\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250204T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250204T193000 DTSTAMP:20260408T082109 CREATED:20250108T162321Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250108T162321Z UID:2161-1738692000-1738697400@secwac.org SUMMARY:Great Decisions 2025 - American Foreign Policy at a Crossroads DESCRIPTION:SECWAC is proud to partner with the Essex Public Library for the Foreign Policy Association’s 2025 “Great Decisions” program. \nWhen: February 4\, 2025  |  6pm – 7:30pm \nWhere: Essex Library Association – 33 West Ave\, Essex\, CT 06426 \nTopic: American Foreign Policy at a Crossroads – Author: G. John Ikenberry \nThis chapter will explore the contours of the U.S. foreign policy debate as it plays out in a world of multiple and escalating crises and domestic polarization. \nTo learn more about the topic\, and get up to speed with the recommended reading\, CLICK HERE. URL:https://secwac.org/event/great-decisions-2025-american-foreign-policy-at-a-crossroads/ LOCATION:Essex Library\, 33 West Ave\, Essex\, CT\, 06426\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250130T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250130T190000 DTSTAMP:20260408T082109 CREATED:20241121T143322Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250108T140614Z UID:2131-1738258200-1738263600@secwac.org SUMMARY:SECWAC Presents: William J. Holstein on "U.S.-Chinese Relations: The Storm Ahead?" DESCRIPTION:  \n \n  \nU.S.-Chinese Relations: The Storm Ahead?\nAfter years of building tensions\, President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to rachet up tariffs against China by up to 60 percent. American consumers and American businesses will feel the pain\, and the government of Xi Jinping will almost certainly retaliate against American interests. Xi is a Marxist nationalist\, meaning he believes that Western capitalistic democracies must be overcome. To that end\, China’s support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Iran’s campaign to encircle Israel shows no sign of abating. China’s cyberwar against America’s Information Technology systems also has reached new heights. It is a kind of confrontation the United States has never before experienced. What is the way forward? \nWho: William  J. Holstein\, Author\, Expert on US-China relations \nWhen: Thursday January 30\, 2025 – 5:30pm reception | 6:00pm Presentation | 7:00pm Post-Presentation Dinner \nWhere: First Congregational Church of Old Lyme \nAbout the Speaker: \nWilliam J. Holstein was dispatched to Hong Kong by United Press International in 1979 and witnessed the first stirrings of China’s economic modernization in southern China. He was promoted to Beijing bureau chief and studied the Chinese language intensively. He subsequently became World Editor of Business Week magazine and either wrote for or was on staff at U.S. News & World Report\, Fortune\, The New York Times\, and Chief Executive magazine\, remaining engaged in the issues surrounding the emergence of East Asia. He is the author or co-author of 10 books\, most recently co-authoring “Battlefield Cyber: How China And Russia Are Undermining Our Democracy and National Security.” (Prometheus\, August 2023.) Another title of interest: “The New Art of War: China’s Deep Strategy Inside the United States.” (BrickTower\, 2019). \n  \n  \n\n \n \n Single Event Registration for Nonmembers Only\n \n \n First Name(Required)Last NameEmail(Required)\n \n Address(Required) \n \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n Address Line 2\n \n \n City\n \n \n State / Province / Region\n \n \n ZIP / Postal Code\n \n \n Single Event Registration\n \n \n Price:\n \n \n \n How Did You Hear About Us?Please choose:(Required)\n \n \n Friend or Family\n \n \n \n Email Notice\n \n \n \n Guest or Friend of Speaker\n \n \n \n Facebook\n \n \n \n Newspaper\n \n \n \n Other URL:https://secwac.org/event/secwac-presents-william-j-holstein-on-u-s-chinese-relations-the-storm-ahead/ LOCATION:First Congregational Church of Old Lyme\, 5 Ferry Road\, Old Lyme\, CT\, 06371\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241210T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241210T190000 DTSTAMP:20260408T082109 CREATED:20241010T185509Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241125T175442Z UID:2119-1733851800-1733857200@secwac.org SUMMARY:SECWAC Presents: Arnon Mishkin on "The U.S. Election: Inside the Numbers Analysis" DESCRIPTION:Who: Arnon Mishkin\, Elections Analyst \nWhen: Tuesday\, December 10\, 2024 – 5:30pm reception | 6:00pm Presentation \nWhere: First Congregational Church of Old Lyme \nAbout Arnon: \nBuilding on over forty years of involvement in American politics\, Arnon Mishkin leads the Fox News Election Decision Team\, which is responsible for analyzing election and polling results and developing models to project election outcomes. \nFollowing the 2016 election\, Mishkin and his team\, working with the Associated Press and the National Opinion Research Center\, developed the Voter Analysis/AP VoteCast\, the first alternative to the Network “Exit Poll\,” conducted in all states with statewide elections. It is now regarded as a definitive\, timely snapshot of American voter attitudes. \nMishkin has taught and lectured about politics as a Resident Fellow at Harvard’s Institute of Politics\, the USC Center for a Political Future\, and Northeastern University. \nHe got his start in politics as a protégé of David Garth of The Garth Group\, the firm known for the election of multiple governors of New York\, including Hugh Carey and Mario Cuomo; New York mayors\, including John Lindsay\, Ed Koch\, Rudy Giuliani\, and Michael Bloomberg; as well as Senators John Heinz and Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania. The firm was known for its pioneering use of television advertising\, at a time when most campaigns relied on it minimally. \nFormerly a partner with The Boston Consulting Group\, Mishkin earned a BA from Yale University and an MBA\, with distinction\, from Harvard Business School. \n  \n  \n\n \n \n Single Event Registration for Nonmembers Only\n \n \n First Name(Required)Last NameEmail(Required)\n \n Address(Required) \n \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n Address Line 2\n \n \n City\n \n \n State / Province / Region\n \n \n ZIP / Postal Code\n \n \n Single Event Registration\n \n \n Price:\n \n \n \n How Did You Hear About Us?Please choose:(Required)\n \n \n Friend or Family\n \n \n \n Email Notice\n \n \n \n Guest or Friend of Speaker\n \n \n \n Facebook\n \n \n \n Newspaper\n \n \n \n Other URL:https://secwac.org/event/secwac-presents-arnon-mishkin-on-the-u-s-election-inside-the-numbers-analysis/ LOCATION:First Congregational Church of Old Lyme\, 5 Ferry Road\, Old Lyme\, CT\, 06371\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241114T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241114T190000 DTSTAMP:20260408T082109 CREATED:20240709T201934Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241017T180446Z UID:2042-1731607200-1731610800@secwac.org SUMMARY:SECWAC Presents: Dr. Olena Lennon on "The U.S. Election and the Russia-Ukraine War" DESCRIPTION:Presentation: How Will the Outcome of the US Presidential Election Affect the Trajectory of the Russia-Ukraine War? \nAs Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine is approaching a third-year mark\, many wonder how the outcome of the US presidential election will affect the trajectory of the Russia-Ukraine war. With millions of Ukrainians displaced\, thousands killed or wounded\, and millions more continuing to endure bombardments of schools\, hospitals\, residential buildings\, and power plants\, Ukraine’s survival rests on continued western support. The talk will discuss the latest developments in the war between Ukraine and Russia and assess scenarios for resolution in the short and long term. \nAbout the Speaker: \nOlena Lennon\, Ph.D. is an Adjunct Professor of National Security at the University of New Haven\, where she teaches such courses as the U.S. Foreign & Defense Policy and International Relations. Formerly a Fulbright scholar from Ukraine\, and most recently a scholar at Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington\, D.C.\, she has dedicated her research to the study of conflict management and identity politics in eastern Europe\, focused on domestic and foreign policy of Ukraine. An eastern Ukraine native\, Dr. Lennon has been a regular participant in scholarly and media forums related to issues in Ukraine\, facilitating a more informed and objective analysis of the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war. She also serves as an election observer with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and has completed several election observation missions in the region. \nWhere: Old Lyme Country Club \nWhen: November 14\, 2024\, Reception: 6:00pm | Presentation: 6:30pm \n  \nPlease note a slight update in format for this event: There will be an open reception\, and discussion over hors d’oeuvres following the presentation. SECWAC is not organizing a formal dinner following the event. OLCC Members are encouraged to make a dinner reservation at the club if desired.  \n  \n\n \n \n Single Event Registration for Nonmembers Only\n \n \n First Name(Required)Last NameEmail(Required)\n \n Address(Required) \n \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n Address Line 2\n \n \n City\n \n \n State / Province / Region\n \n \n ZIP / Postal Code\n \n \n Single Event Registration\n \n \n Price:\n \n \n \n How Did You Hear About Us?Please choose:(Required)\n \n \n Friend or Family\n \n \n \n Email Notice\n \n \n \n Guest or Friend of Speaker\n \n \n \n Facebook\n \n \n \n Newspaper\n \n \n \n Other URL:https://secwac.org/event/secwac-presents-olena-lennon-november-2024/ LOCATION:Old Lyme Country Club\, 40 McCurdy Rd\, Old Lyme\, CT\, 06371\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241009T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241009T180000 DTSTAMP:20260408T082109 CREATED:20240709T200854Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240926T140531Z UID:2038-1728496800-1728496800@secwac.org SUMMARY:SECWAC Presents: Aaron David Miller on "October 7 Changed Everything. What If It Didn't?" DESCRIPTION:“October 7 Changed Everything. What If It Didn’t?“ \nAs we mark the first year of the Israeli-Hamas war\, how do we assess what’s transpired for Israel\, Palestinians\, key Arab states\, Iran\, US policy and the international community. And what are the trend lines for the region\, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict\, and US policy. \nAbout the Presenter \nAARON DAVID MILLER is an American Middle East analyst\, author\, and negotiator. He is a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace\, focusing on U.S. foreign policy. He previously was vice president for new initiatives at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and has been an advisor to both Republican and Democratic secretaries of state. He is a Global Affairs Analyst for CNN. \nMiller worked for the United States Department of State for 24 years (1978–2003). Between 1988 and 2003\, Miller served six secretaries of state as an advisor on Arab-Israeli negotiations\, participating in American efforts to broker agreements between Israel\, Jordan\, Syria\, and the Palestinians. He left the State Department in January 2003 to serve as president of Seeds of Peace\, an international youth organization founded in 1993. In January 2006\, Miller joined the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington\, D.C.\, first as public policy scholar\, and later as vice president for new initiatives. In 2014\, Miller published his fifth book\, The End of Greatness: Why America Can’t Have (and Doesn’t Want) Another Great President. \nhttps://www.foreignaffairs.com/israel/dealing-israeli-palestinian-conflict-america-has-no-easy-way-out \nWhere: Connecticut College\, and on Zoom. \nWhen: October 9\, 2024 – 5:30pm Reception | 6:00pm Presentation | 7:00pm Post-Presentation Dinner \nCost: Free for Members | Non-Member Registration (In person or Zoom) – $20 \n\n \n \n Single Event Registration for Nonmembers Only\n \n \n First Name(Required)Last NameEmail(Required)\n \n Address(Required) \n \n \n \n Street Address\n \n \n Address Line 2\n \n \n City\n \n \n State / Province / Region\n \n \n ZIP / Postal Code\n \n \n Single Event Registration\n \n \n Price:\n \n \n \n How Did You Hear About Us?Please choose:(Required)\n \n \n Friend or Family\n \n \n \n Email Notice\n \n \n \n Guest or Friend of Speaker\n \n \n \n Facebook\n \n \n \n Newspaper\n \n \n \n Other URL:https://secwac.org/event/secwac-presents-aaron-david-miller/ LOCATION:Connecticut College\, 270 Mohegan Ave Pkwy\, New London\, CT\, 06320 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240923 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240929 DTSTAMP:20260408T082109 CREATED:20240408T210547Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240806T143010Z UID:1945-1727049600-1727567999@secwac.org SUMMARY:Traveling with SECWAC: Ireland - CANCELED DESCRIPTION:  \n \n \n  \nTHIS TRAVEL OPPORTUNITY HAS BEEN CANCELED. Please contact Paul Nugent for any further information: exhibernia@gmail.com or call 860-575-1616. \nSECWAC is a cooperating council in the Philadelphia World Affairs Council (WAC) Travel Program. Through it\, members will receive information on unique international travel opportunities organized by Philadelphia WAC. \nTo kick off this collaboration\, SECWAC’s Executive Director Paul Nugent will lead a trip to Ireland 23-28 September 2024 to explore political and social history of Ireland in the 20th and 21st centuries. The trip will include 2 days in Belfast visiting the Titanic Museum and various sites associated with the Troubles\, and then 3 days in Dublin visiting Trinity College Dublin\, the Irish Parliament\, and sites associated with the 1916 Easter Rebellion. Paul has also organized presentations by experts on Irish history\, Brexit\, and the Irish Constitution. \nPaul was born and raised in Ireland\, emigrating to the US in 1989 after completing graduate studies at University College Dublin. He has a longtime interest in Irish history and current affairs\, and has made presentations to various local libraries and organizations over the past few years on the impact of Brexit on Ireland in the context of Anglo-Irish history. \n  \nIn addition\, travelers will have the opportunity to extend their visit with a 3-day golfing trip to nearby County Wicklow. \nA summary of the trip is provided below\, and here is a link to slides providing more detail. \nIf you would like to learn more about the trip\, please contact Paul at exhibernia@gmail.com or call 860-575-1616. \n\n  \nReservation Info:\nReservations can be made through the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia website at: www.wacphila.org/tour/exclusive-world-affairs-council-tour-to-ireland. \nFind additional details on page 15 of the BROCHURE\, or by clicking on the REQUEST RESERVATION link. \n\n  \n\n\n\n\nTrip Summary\n\n\n\n\nDay 1\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nArrive in Dublin Airport\, transfer to coach and travel to Belfast.\nCheck in at the Europa Hotel.\nWalking tour of areas associated withThe Troubles (1968-1998 – https://www.belfastfreewalkingtour.com/conflicting-stories-walking-tour) in afternoon\nDinner with guest speaker (one of individuals below).\nProfessor Marie Coleman: https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/marie-coleman\nProfessor Katy Hayward: https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/katy-hayward\n\n\n\n\n\nDay 2\n\n\n\n\n\nVisit Titanic Museum (https://www.titanicbelfast.com/) in the morning;\nvisit Stormont Buildings (Northern Ireland Executive: http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/visit-and-learning/visit/) in afternoon.\nDinner with other guest speaker\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDay 3\n\n\n\n \n\n\nCoach to Dublin\, check in at Buswell’s Hotel.\nVisit 14 Henrietta Street House Museum (https://14henriettastreet.ie/; article in NYT: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/10/t-magazine/henrietta-street-dublin-building-history-design.html);\nin afternoon visit Kilmainham Gaol (https://www.kilmainhamgaolmuseum.ie/) and do some sightseeing in vicinity of the hotel. Dinner with guest speaker (Professor Gerry Whyte\,                Trinity College Dublin\, https://www.tcd.ie/research/profiles/?profile=gwhyte)\n\n\n\n\n\nDay 4\n\n\n\n\n\nTour of Irish Government Buildings (https://www.oireachtas.ie/?tab=dail – unique opportunity for tourists\, as available only through appointment with member of parliament);\nIn the afternoon\, history walking tour of sites associated with 1916 Rebellion and Irish War of Independence (https://www.1916rising.com/cms/); visit to pub with Irish music for those interested.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDay 5\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVisit the General Post Office Museum (HQ of 1916 Rebellion\, https://www.anpost.com/Witness-history);\nvisit Trinity College Dublin (Book of Kells\, etc) in the afternoon\nFarewell dinner with guest (TBD).\n\n\n\n\n\nDay 6\n\n\n\n\n\nTravel to airport in the morning and depart; for those wishing to extend the visit\, opportunity to play golf or other activities.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nClick here for Registration Info. URL:https://secwac.org/event/traveling-with-secwac-ireland/ LOCATION:CT END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR