GLOBAL AFFAIRS & U.S. FOREIGN POLICY INSTITUTE – PART III
The Eternal & Enduring Revolutions Still Shaping Our World
The Iranian Revolution still dramatically shapes the geopolitical forces and the mindsets of the vital players in the Middle East today. The origins and outcomes of the revolution still influence: the regime’s deep mistrust of the West; its justifications for its nuclear program; and its ever-deepening economic, political and military ties with China, Russia and North Korea.
Not long after WWII, tense uprisings in then British Colonial India helped lead to the brutal, haphazard and disastrous Partition of India and Pakistan. Partition sowed the seeds for past wars and very recent military conflicts between the only two nuclear powers in the world, who have gone to war directly with each other multiple times over the years.
Just over a decade ago, the peaceful and inspirational Maidan Revolution swept much of Ukraine. It united millions with shared hopes for a more open government and common desires to strengthen ties with Europe. Fearing a threat to his ability to control Ukraine, Putin started a bloody war in 2014, that has devolved into by far the most deadly and consequential war in Europe since WWII.
While it has been years since an American soldier fought in Vietnam, its legacy still casts a long shadow over U.S. foreign policy objectives. The Vietnam War affects how and when we as a nation will accept the use of substantial military force. Despite the difficult lessons that we should have gained from Vietnam, how did or did we not apply that hard-won wisdom to Afghanistan, Iraq or other conflicts in the years to come?
Arguably, the Russian Revolution and the emergence of the world’s first communist state is the most globally disruptive, monumental and consequential revolution in history. Besides laying the foundations for the Cold War and for Chinese Communists to take and still hold power in China today, its lasting influences and skepticism of the West inform the outlooks and justifications for Putin’s war on Ukraine and maybe Xi’s possible willingness to launch a devastating invasion of Taiwan.
While some powerful revolutions may have occurred a few years or a few decades in the past, their powerful echoes continue today, shaping crucial leaders and players in vital parts of the world. What did the U.S. learn or should it have learned from these rebellions, continues to shape our nation’s foreign policy decisions – and influence the likelihood of success or failure of our nation’s critical global aspirations.
The Institute benefits those who are interested in global affairs, but have only a limited knowledge of the issues. It will also enhance the understanding of those who have an existing familiarity and experience with international issues, but desire to learn more and delve deeper.
At the end of Institute, all attendees will receive a ‘Certificate of Completion’ from the World Affairs Council of Greater Houston – which is a Certified Education Provider (CPE #501-096) by the Texas Education Agency.
To learn more about the Global Affairs and U.S. Foreign Policy Institute click here.
Schedule for Fall 2025
The Institute consists of 7 sessions held once per week on Tuesdays from 6:00-8:30 pm.
Please note – because of work/travel/family it is fine to miss a class or two. Every class is recorded, so if people miss, they can just watch the video of the class and go over the courses materials/slides, whenever it is convenient for them.
