About the Institute:

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.

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.

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.

Course Overview:

The Global Affairs & U.S. Foreign Policy Institute will provide 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.

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 Session of the Institute.

Courses are held once per week on Tuesday from 6:00-8:45 pm with a 10-minute break in the middle of each course. 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 of Programs 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.

Course Outline:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Course 7 – ‘Considerations & Concerns for the Years Ahead‘ and Optional Student End of Course Presentations

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