Teachers: The World Affairs Council of Greater Houston is a CPE provider. This course qualifies for TEA continuing professional education credit.

Gain a better understanding of how the current world order emerged and the U.S.’s role in the world. Talk with and learn directly from former: FBI Agents, CIA Analysts, diplomats, journalists, energy geopolitical experts & more.

Part I – ‘How the Modern World Order Came to Be & the U.S.’s Role in the World’

With Russia’s brutal war on Ukraine and the growing global might of China, has a New Cold War Era begun? Arguably in the past 30 years, the impact of world events and the need to better understand geopolitical power has never been greater.

This course ‘Part I’ provides a general overview of how the world’s current geopolitical order has come to into being, and what has been and can be the U.S.’s role in influencing the world in the years to come. Particular focus will be placed on those parts of the world where the U.S. has been significantly involved in recent years, such as the broader Middle East. The discussion will include the challenges presented by other major players such as China and Russia, and how other factors shape the world, such as: energy, globalization, nuclear proliferation, alliances and cyber threats.

Week 1 – ‘How the Modern World Order Came to Be’ & Course Overview & Student Introductions

Week 2 – ‘The Rise of the U.S. & Its Involvement in Latin America’ 

Week 3 – ‘Special Topics: The U.S.’s Role in the Middle East & How Energy Shapes Geopolitics’

Week 4 – ‘How WWI, WWII & the Cold War Shaped the Modern World Order’  

Week 5 – ‘The Rise of China, the Resurgence of Russia & Other Challenges for Democracy & U.S. Influence’ 

Week 6 – ‘U.S. Foreign Policy Since 9/11 & the Challenge of Global Cybersecurity Threats’

Week 7 – ‘Considerations & Concerns for the Years Ahead’ & Student End of Course Presentations

About the Institute:

For those pursuing a deeper understanding of global affairs and U.S. foreign policy to benefit their professional development or personal knowledge, the Global Affairs & U.S. Foreign Policy Institute is an excellent resource to gain a more comprehensive grasp of the world as it is today, and what factors will shape it in the years ahead. The Institute allows attendees to enhance or develop key competencies and a global understanding applicable to: international business, careers with the US government, international NGO’s & non-profits, global risk analysis and a variety of other fields impacted by world events.

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.

Outside experts will join classes 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 to stimulate discussion and allow students to ask them questions directly. Background reading materials will be given to students before the start of the session, and each week in advance of the next class. Some of featured experts who have spoken to recent sessions of the Institute have been: Fmr. FBI Supervisory Special Agent; Fmr. CIA Senior Analyst; Fmr. U.S. Ambassador; Fmr. Venezuelan diplomat; Middle East journalist & analyst; Fmr. cybersecurity expert for the U.S. State Department; University Dean & expert on East Asia; and a New York Times national energy business correspondent.  A similar selection of experts will be present at all Sessions of the Institute.

The first part of each class from 6:00pm to 7:20pm covers the material and topics for that week; and it is taught by the Council’s Chief Programs Officer Ronan O’Malley. The guest speakers/experts join the class at 7:30pm for the conversation and discussion with the students. Courses are held in person in the Council’s conference room and most, if not all, of the outside experts will join the class in person. At the end of Course 7, the last course of the session, students have the option to make a short presentation and lead a short discussion with the class on a topic of their choosing.

The Institute consists of 7 sessions held once per week on Tuesdays from 6:00-8:45 pm

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.

PLEASE NOTE:

Classes will start on Tuesday March, 5th & conclude on Tuesday, April 23rd – There is NOT A CLASS on Tuesday, March 12th because of Spring Break.

Class #3 – will be held on Monday, March 25th. The Council is hosting General David Petraeus on Tuesday, March 26th. Therefore, Class #3 has been moved from Tues. 3/26 to Mon. 3/25.

Not a problem to miss a class or two – Usually about half the class has to miss a class or two because of work/family/travel. We record a video of each class. Every week, we email a private link to the video of that week’s class – along with the course notes/slides/reading materials for that week’s class.

For more information, please email [email protected] or call the Council at 713 522-7811.