2025 Sumners Civics Lecture featuring former U.S. Ambassador to Russia John J. Sullivan; moderated by the Bradford M. Freeman Managing Director of Global Policy, the George W. Bush Institute Igor Khrestin. On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. James Sullivan, U.S. Ambassador to Russia, recalls being awakened in the middle of the night to a prearranged code when Russian troops crossed the border into Ukraine. He had been warning others that this was a possibility. Why had no one taken the whispers seriously? Could this war have been stopped? The geopolitical atmosphere has since shifted; democracies around the world have clamored, reliant on Ukraine successfully keeping Russia at bay. On March 20, join the Council to hear Ambassador Sullivan’s insider perspective. Ambassador John J. Sullivan, former U.S. deputy secretary of state and former U.S. ambassador to the Russian Federation, is a partner in Mayer Brown’s DC and New York offices. His career spans four decades in public service under five U.S. presidents and in private law practice at Mayer Brown. Before rejoining the firm in January 2023, he was the U.S. ambassador to Russia from December 2019 to October 2022. Prior to his post in Moscow, Ambassador Sullivan served for almost three years as the deputy secretary of state following a bipartisan Senate confirmation in 2017. He was responsible for both the formulation and conduct of U.S. foreign policy and the management of the State Department’s global operations. Ambassador Sullivan has been a member of the Supreme Court and Appellate practice and was a co-founder of the National Security practice. From 2010 to 2016, he served by appointment of the Obama Administration as chair of the U.S.-Iraq Business Dialogue. He previously held senior positions in the Departments of Justice, Defense, and Commerce in two prior administrations; until January 2009, he was the deputy secretary of commerce under President George W. Bush, following his service from 2005 to 2007 as the general counsel of the department. In President Bush’s first term, he was appointed deputy general counsel of the Defense Department by Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld. In the George H.W. Bush Administration, Ambassador Sullivan was counselor to Assistant Attorney General J. Michael Luttig in the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel. Ambassador Sullivan received his bachelor’s degree from Brown University and his law degree from the Columbia University School of Law, where he was Book Reviews Editor of the Columbia Law Review. Additionally, he is a Distinguished Scholar at the school of Foreign Service of Georgetown University and a Distinguished Fellow at the School of International and Public Affairs of Columbia University. He serves as a Contributor to CBS News, is quoted frequently in international media as a leading authority on foreign affairs, and has written a book on his experiences as ambassador, Midnight in Moscow, published in August 2024. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate

Featuring former U.S. Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman and Inaugural Director of AJC Abu Dhabi: The Sidney Lerner Center for Arab-Jewish Understanding Marc Sievers; moderated by Diplomat in Residence in the John Goodwin Tower Center for Political Studies and International Affairs at Southern Methodist University Robert Jordan. Part 4 of 4 in the 2025 International Perspectives Series. How can the past help us predict the future? Can diplomacy make progress despite rising tensions? How will alliances shape the future of the Middle East and the world at large? Join us for Middle East Alliances: What’s in the Crystal Ball with retired Ambassador Marc J. Sievers to explore the complexity of Middle Eastern alliances and learn the path forward to full collaboration. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Ambassador Marc J. Sievers (ret.), inaugural Director of AJC Abu Dhabi: The Sidney Lerner Center for Arab-Jewish Understanding, was a U.S. diplomat for more than 30 years, serving across the Middle East and North Africa, as well as in Turkey, including postings in Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Morocco and Saudi Arabia. The U.S. Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman from 2016 to 2019, he joined AJC in 2021 after a stint as Non-resident Senior Fellow with the Atlantic Council. As Director of AJC Abu Dhabi, Ambassador Sievers is building on over 25 years of AJC engagement with governments and civil society in keyArab states. Heading the first office of a global Jewish organization in an Arab or Muslim-majority country, Ambassador Sievers is focused on deepening ties with the leadership and people of the Arabian Gulf, promoting the consolidation of the historic Abraham Accords, and serving as a bridge between the American Jewish community and the region. Ambassador Sievers received a BA from the University of Utah and a master’s degree in International Relations and Middle East Studies from Columbia University. His professional awards include the State Department’s Meritorious and Superior Honor awards, the Intelligence Community’s Agency Shield and Exceptional Collector awards, and the American Foreign Service Association’s Sinclaire Award for his study of Arabic language and culture. ABOUT THE MODERATOR Robert Jordan is Diplomat in Residence in the John Goodwin Tower Center for Political Studies and International Affairs at Southern Methodist University. He served as U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia from 2001-2003. During the critical period following the attacks of 9/11 he led American efforts to maintain relations with Saudi Arabia, enlist Saudi cooperation in combating terrorism, and advance U.S. values and interests. He was a partner in the international law firm Baker Botts L.L.P. for many years and headed the firm’s Middle East practice based in Dubai until his retirement in 2014. He is Vice Chair of the Tower Center Board of Directors and a member of the Board of Governors of the Middle East Institute and the Southwestern Medical Foundation. He is also a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a past president of the Dallas Bar Association. He has been a frequent commentator with international media including CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, CNBC, Bloomberg, and the New York Times. He is a contributing columnist for the Dallas Morning News. His memoir, Desert Diplomat: Inside Saudi Arabia Following 9/11, was published by Potomac Books. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate

A VIRTUAL event, featuring Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute Paul Salem and moderated by interim CEO of the Council Jim Falk. The first missile strikes of Israel’s operation “Rising Lion” accounted for the most widespread single-day assault Iran has experienced since the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s. They targeted Iran’s nuclear program and military encampment sites and killed some of Iran’s most important military leaders and scientists instrumental in their nuclear operations. In response, Iran launched hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones into the densely populated regions of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. What does this mean for the region and the possibility of a nuclear treaty? What role will the U.S. play in forging negotiations? What is the possibility of nuclear response? Join us for a RealTime Report on Thursday, June 19, featuring senior fellow at the Middle East Institute Paul Salem (joining from Beirut) and moderated by interim CEO of the Council Jim Falk. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Paul Salem is a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute (MEI). He previously served as MEI’s president and CEO and as vice president for international engagement. His research focuses on political change, democracy and governance, social and economic policy, as well as regional and international relations in the Middle East. Prior to joining MEI, Dr. Salem was the founding director of the Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut, Lebanon (2006–2013). From 1999 to 2006, he served as director of the Fares Foundation, and earlier founded and led the Lebanese Center for Policy Studies (1989–1999), Lebanon’s premier public policy think tank. Dr. Salem is the author and editor of several books and reports and writes regularly on his Substack blog, Thinking Middle East. ABOUT THE MODERATOR Jim Falk is President Emeritus of the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth, currently serving as interim CEO of WACDFW. Additionally, Jim hosts the podcast World Now with Jim Falk. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

Liz Brailsford, Marc J. Sievers, and Robert Jordan sit down for a conversation ahead of our event "Middle East Alliances: What’s in the Crystal Ball?"

Liz Brailsford and Ihor Terekhov sit down for a conversation ahead of our event "Kharkiv’s Story: Leadership, War, and the Fight for Democracy."

Liz Brailsford and Cullum Clark sit down for a conversation ahead of our event "The U.S. National Debt: How Does It Affect Foreign Policy?"

Liz Brailsford and Liz Truss sit down for a conversation ahead of our event "A Conversation with Liz Truss: Why Global Leadership Matters."

Liz Brailsford and Jeffrey Toobin sit down for a conversation ahead of our event "The Pardon: The Politics of Presidential Mercy."

Liz Brailsford and David Rohde sit down for a conversation ahead of our International Educator of the Year Awards Luncheon.

Liz Brailsford and John J. Sullivan sit down for a conversation ahead of our event "On the Frontlines: Service to Country, Moscow, and the West’s Global Challenge."

More than half of the world’s countries are democratic and 2024 has become the election year, with 49% of the world’s population going to the voting booth. With a record number of elections being held this year, how do the results abroad affect our upcoming November election? Join the Council in welcoming back Mark McKinnon in conversation with former Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings for the 2024 Mike Rawlings Endowed Lecture Series. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Mark McKinnon is a multifaceted figure known for his roles as a political advisor, advocate for reform, media columnist, and television producer. He is the creator and co-host of Showtime’s acclaimed documentary series The Circus and has worked with President George W. Bush, Senator John McCain, and Bono. Committed to bipartisanship, McKinnon co-founded No Labels and is a board member of Take Back Our Republic, which advocates for electoral reforms. McKinnon is a columnist and served as a governor of the Broadcasting Board of Governors. He attended the University of Texas, where he was editor of The Daily Texan. ABOUT THE MODERATOR The Honorable Mike Rawlings was the longest serving Mayor of Dallas (2011-2019) in over 50 years. Rawlings is a founding partner of CIC Partners, its current vice-chairman, and has been with the firm since its inception in 2004. He is a graduate of Boston College. Mike Rawlings is a recipient of the H. Neil Mallon Award, presented by the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth in 2019, where the Mike Rawlings Endowed Lecture series was first announced. The Mike Rawlings Annual Lecture Series was created to honor Mr. Rawlings for his service to our city – especially for raising the international prominence of the City of Dallas while mayor. During his terms as mayor, he fostered meaningful relationships with other leaders who proved the wide-reaching impact of local leadership. Since its inception, the series has hosted Rahm Emmanual (former mayor of Chicago), Keisha Lance Bottoms (former mayor of Atlanta), and, in partnership with the Dallas Morning News, Joe Straus (former Speaker of the TX House of Representatives). Thank you to our Mike Rawlings Endowed Lecture sponsors: FOUNDING DONORS Billingsley Company, The Beck Group, Crow Holdings, HALL Group, Tim Headington & Headington Companies, KDC Real Estate Development, and Laura & Jack Matthews SUPPORTERS Doug Chestnut, Jill & Michael Dardick, Frank Mihalopoulos,Herb Weitzman, and Abigail & Todd Williams . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate

Featuring Panelists: Brookings Institution Senior Fellow in Foreign Policy, Center on the United States and Europe Fiona Hill; George W. Bush Institute Executive Director and George W. Bush Presidential Center Vice President David Kramer; Brookings Institution Senior Fellow in Foreign Policy and Fritz Stern Chair at Germany and Trans-Atlantic Relations Constanze Stelzenmüller; Moderated by The Dallas Morning News Vice President and Editorial Page Editor Rudy Bush.

On June 11, Susan Glasser joins us for a discussion about the evolution and future of democracy with Jeremi Suri of the University of Texas. Glasser and Suri will explore the 2024 election with all its implications. Each summer, the leadership of the 90 World Affairs Councils network gather in a different city for networking and professional development. This year the Council was honored to win the bid to host the Council Leadership Meeting, in partnership with the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA). The kickoff for the Council Leadership Meeting is our Susan Glasser program. This is a special opportunity for our members to meet Council leaders from across the nation and the WACA national office and its board – don’t miss it! Join us in giving a hearty Texas “howdy!” to the WAC national network and to featured speaker Susan Glasser at Election Echoes: Tracing the Evolution & Future of Democracy. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Susan B. Glasser is a staff writer at The New Yorker, where she writes a weekly column on life in Washington. Glasser has served as the top editor of several Washington publications, including Politico, where she founded the award-winning magazine, and Foreign Policy, which won three National Magazine Awards, among other honors, during her tenure as editor in chief. Before that, she worked for a decade at the Washington Post, where she was the editor of the publication’s Outlook and national news sections. She also oversaw coverage of the impeachment of Bill Clinton, served as a reporter covering the intersection of money and politics, spent four years as the Post’s Moscow co-bureau chief, and covered the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. She edited Roll Call, a Capitol Hill newspaper, early in her career. Her books include Kremlin Rising, The Man Who Ran Washington, and, most recently, The Divider, a best-seller depicting the White House during the Trump Presidency, co-authored with husband Peter Baker. ABOUT THE MODERATOR Jeremi Suri holds the Mack Brown Distinguished Chair for Leadership in Global Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. He is a professor in the University’s department of history and the LBJ School of Public Affairs. Suri is the author and editor of eleven books on politics and foreign policy, most recently: Civil War By Other Means: America’s Long and Unfinished Fight for Democracy. His writings appear in the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, CNN.com, Atlantic, Newsweek, Time, Wired, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, and other media. His writing and teaching have received numerous prizes, including the President’s Associates Teaching Excellence Award from the University of Texas and the Pro Bene Meritis Award for Contributions to the Liberal Arts. Suri also hosts a weekly podcast, “This is Democracy.” . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate

The 2024 election has ramifications that extend beyond our border. As the country approaches a Trump vs. Biden rematch, the two candidates have opposite views on foreign policy, particularly on NATO, tariffs, and China. The 2024 election will be consequential for many reasons; however, the current state of European and Eastern volatility makes foreign policy the most crucial issue. Join the Council for the International Perspective Series with George W. Bush Institute Executive Director David Kramer. Part of the International Perspectives Series. ABOUT THE SPEAKER David J. Kramer serves as the Executive Director of the George W. Bush Institute. Prior to joining the Bush Institute, he taught at Florida International University’s Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs, where he also was Senior Fellow in the Václav Havel Program for Human Rights and Diplomacy and Director for European and Eurasian Affairs. Before moving to Miami, Kramer worked in Washington, DC for 24 years, including as Senior Director for Human Rights and Democracy with The McCain Institute for International Leadership; President of Freedom House; and Senior Transatlantic Fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States. Kramer also served eight years in the U.S. Department of State during the George W. Bush administration, including as Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor; Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs (responsible for Russia, Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus affairs as well as regional non-proliferation issues); Professional Staff Member in the Secretary’s Office of Policy Planning; and Senior Advisor to the Undersecretary for Global Affairs. He also was Executive Director of the U.S. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy in Washington. He is author of the book, Back to Containment: Dealing with Putin’s Regime. Kramer chairs the board of the Free Russia Foundation and serves on the board of the International Republican Institute. A native of Massachusetts, Kramer received his M.A. in Soviet studies from Harvard University and his B.A. in Soviet Studies and Political Science from Tufts University. ABOUT THE MODERATOR Jason J. Galui is the Director for Veterans and Military Families at the George W. Bush Institute, CEO of 4 Liberty Consulting LLC, and a Professor at SMU’s Cox School of Business. He served in combat, taught at West Point, and advised in the Pentagon and two White Houses. Notably, he was Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Security Council and Senior Advisor for National Security at the Council of Economic Advisers. He holds an M.S. in Economics from The University of Texas at Austin and a B.S. in Economics from West Point. Galui is actively involved in various boards and committees. He and his wife Samantha, both combat veterans, have two teenage children. To read Galui’s full bio, click here. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate

Kosovo is in a fight for state recognition, and next month the Council of Europe will vote to include or exclude Kosovo. Despite the fact that 12 of its 46 member states do not consider Kosovo to be an independent state, the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly has already weighed in, voting 31 to 29 for Kosovo’s inclusion. This membership would be a step forward in their struggle to be recognized as a legitimate nation. Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani recently represented Kosovo in a case at the International Court of Justice, defending the legality of Kosovo’s independence as she has her entire political career. One week prior to the May 16 vote by the European Council, the Council welcomes her to the Fairmont Hotel in downtown Dallas. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate

Is the U.S. upholding the ideals of democracy? In 2022, 161 million Americans were registered to vote and that number is expected to rise in the upcoming presidential election. However, faith in our voting system has dropped in the past few years. Fighting between Republicans and Democrats has made voters distrustful of “the system.” Voter trust is pivotal for a democracy. Now, more than ever, civil discourse in our democratic republic is vital. Join the Council for a discussion on American democracy in our Sumners Civics Lecture Series with former White House Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove. Moderated by Council President & CEO Liz Brailsford. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Karl Rove served as Senior Advisor to President George W. Bush from 2000–2007 and Deputy Chief of Staff from 2004–2007. At the White House, he oversaw the Offices of Strategic Initiatives, Political Affairs, Public Liaison, and Intergovernmental Affairs and was Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, coordinating the White House policy-making process. Before Rove became known as “The Architect” of President Bush’s 2000 and 2004 campaigns, he was president of Karl Rove + Company, an Austin-based public affairs firm that worked for over 75 Republican candidates for senator, governor and congressman, as well non-partisan causes and non-profit groups. Today, Mr. Rove writes a weekly op-ed for the Wall Street Journal and is a Fox News contributor. He is the author of two books – a critically acclaimed volume on the 1896 presidential election entitled The Triumph of William McKinley and the 2010 New York Times Bestseller Courage and Consequence. He is now working on a book on presidential decision-making. He is the founder of the American Crossroads/Senate Leadership Fund super-PAC. ABOUT THE MODERATOR Liz Brailsford joined the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth from the World Affairs Councils of America, the network’s national office in Washington, DC, where she served as chief operating officer. Liz currently serves as an international task force member of the Dallas Regional Chamber; an ex-officio board member with the North Texas Commission; a Texas State advisory committee member of the U.S. Global Leadership Commission; and is a Tando Institute Fellow. She holds an M.P.A. in global policy from the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School and a B.A. in media arts from the University of South Carolina. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate

The Berlin Wall came down in 1989 followed by the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. For many in the West, this represented the end of the Cold War and symbolized capitalism’s triumph over communism. However, in China and Russia it was merely a setback in their fight against Western influence. Putin and Xi Jinping have since begun trying to rectify their nation’s 20th century mistakes by testing the boundaries of the West. Putin is pushing back against NATO’s westward expansion with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Xi Jinping has his sights set on reclaiming the island nation of Taiwan, adding a final chapter to the Chinese Communist Revolution that begun in 1927. Russia and China have grown stronger by forging relationships with India, Brazil, and South Africa. Many are beginning to realize the Cold War never ended – it only took a brief pause. Where does this leave the U.S.? Are we willing to defend democracy from these threats? Are we as inclined to fight communism as we were last century? Join the Council with Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Sanger for a discussion on his new book, New Cold Wars. ABOUT THE SPEAKER David E. Sanger is the White House and national security correspondent for The New York Times and the bestselling author of The Inheritance, Confront and Conceal, and The Perfect Weapon. He has been a member of three teams that won the Pulitzer Prize, including in 2017 for international reporting about Russia’s effort to manipulate the presidential election. A contributor to CNN, he also teaches national security policy at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. ABOUT THE MODERATOR Randall L. Stephenson is the former chairman and chief executive officer of AT&T Inc. During his 13-year tenure as chairman and chief executive officer, AT&T became one of the world’s largest companies in the technology, media and telecom space with 2019 revenues of more than $180 billion. During his tenure, AT&T led the world in the deployment of high-speed wireless networks, launching the world’s first iPhone. Randall led AT&T’s launch of HBO Max under the HBO umbrella reaching over 60 million global customers at the end of his tenure. Randall also led AT&T’s $550 million signature philanthropic initiative, AT&T Aspire, which drives innovation in education to promote student success in school and the workplace. Randall began his career with Southwestern Bell Telephone in 1982 in Oklahoma. He served in a number of executive roles including chief financial officer and chief operations officer. Randall is a member of the Walmart Board of Directors. Randall previously served as the chairman of the Business Roundtable, made up of the CEOs of America’s leading companies representing over $10 trillion in annual revenues. Randall also served as the Chairman of the Boy Scouts of America. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate

Throughout U.S. history there are presidents whose qualities separated them from the rest and propelled them to the highest office Washington’s honesty, Lincoln’s leadership, Kennedy’s charisma, Roosevelt’s fortitude, the list could go on. But which of these qualities can be transferred to the next generation? What leadership lessons apply today? In Talmage Boston’s new book, How the Best did it: Leadership Lesson’s From our top Presidents, he explores the best qualities of former U.S. presidents and what we can learn from them. Historian and Council friend Jon Meacham calls it “A discerning examination of what all of us can learn from some of our most effective leaders who have held—and wielded—ultimate power at the highest level.” ABOUT THE SPEAKER Talmage Boston is a partner at the Shackelford Law Firm in Dallas. He is also a former board member of the World Affairs Council and a member of the Mallon Circle, an honorary body comprised of members who have served the Council with distinction. He is a historian, author, speaker, and interviewer. Boston has spoken at the National Archives, six presidential libraries, 12 World Affairs Councils, and many universities. He has had the pleasure of having previously interviewed Henry Kissinger. ABOUT THE MODERATOR Liz Brailsford joined the Council in February 2021 from the World Affairs Councils of America, the network’s national office in Washington, DC, where she served as chief operating officer. Liz currently serves as an international task force member of the Dallas Regional Chamber; an ex-officio board member with the North Texas Commission; and an advisory committee member of the U.S. Global Leadership Commission of the Southwest region. She holds an M.P.A. in global policy from the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School and a B.A. in media arts from the University of South Carolina. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate

KEYNOTE – Salvatore A. Giunta Specialist Salvatore A. Giunta distinguished himself at the risk of his life in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan, on October 25, 2007. While under heavy enemy fire, Specialist Giunta sprinted towards cover and engaged the enemy. After seeing that his squad leader had fallen, Specialist Giunta exposed himself to enemy fire and raced towards his squad leader, helped him to cover, and administered medical aid. While administering first aid, enemy fire struck Specialist Giunta’s body armor and his secondary weapon. Amidst the ongoing fire, Specialist Giunta continued to engage the enemy before prepping and throwing grenades, using the explosions for cover to hide his position. Attempting to reach additional wounded fellow soldiers, Specialist Giunta and his team encountered a barrage of enemy fire that forced them to the ground. Specialist Giunta’s unwavering courage, selflessness, and decisive leadership while under extreme fire were integral to his platoon’s ability to defeat an enemy ambush and recover a fellow American soldier from the enemy. On September 10, 2010, the White House announced that Staff Sgt. Giunta would receive the Medal of Honor, the first awarded to a living recipient since the Vietnam War. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate

Cyberspace is like the Wild West – a vast and lawless land. Both cyber warfare and cyberweapons have been used in the Russo-Ukrainian war. Rapid technology advancement and global dynamics challenge governments to protect military and critical infrastructures. Can the 2024 U.S. election occur without interference? Cyber expert Christopher Whyte joins us this January as we kick off our annual International Perspectives Series with The Shifting Geopolitics of Cyber Conflict: American Strategy in a Time of Change. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Dr. Christopher Whyte is an assistant professor of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness at Virginia Commonwealth University. His research focuses on the decision-making dynamics of cyber operations, digital age influence campaigns, and the impact of artificial intelligence on cyber conflict. Whyte is author/co-author of nearly three dozen peer-reviewed articles on these subjects, numerous other articles/reports and four books on cyber conflict, including Information in War, published with Georgetown University Press in 2022. ABOUT THE MODERATOR Valmiki Mukherjee is a distinguished Global CISO, Entrepreneur, and Philanthropist CEO, boasting a remarkable two-decade career that has significantly impacted the global cybersecurity landscape. Renowned for his visionary leadership, Mukherjee extends his influence beyond organizational and industry confines, orchestrating transformative programs globally. As the founder of the Cyber Future Foundation (CFF) in 2015, he has created a vital platform connecting leaders and experts worldwide. Mukherjee’s philanthropic initiatives, such as supporting cybersecurity education and workforce development programs, demonstrate his commitment to creating a safer world. Currently serving as the Board Appointed Global CISO of Accolite, he previously held executive roles, including Managing Director at EY. Mukherjee holds a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from the University of North Texas and is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) by ISC2. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate