Previous events

Arthur Vandenberg: The Man in the Middle of the American Century
Presentation and book signing with
Hank Meijer
Wednesday, December 6, 2017
Social Time -- 5:15-6:00 PM
Program -- 6:00-7:00 PM
University Club of Grand Rapids
111 Lyon Street NW, Grand Rapids, 49503
Cost to attend: $15
Includes admission and light hors d'oeuvres
Free parking in the 5th/3rd lot if you park after 5 PM
(Lot entrance on Ottawa between Michigan and Lyon)
Cash Bar
Books available for purchase at the event:
$30 (tax included, $5 off list price)
This event is sold out and we are no longer accepting reservations.
Join us for "Dixie's Favorites," our Fall Lecture Series!
We're honoring Dixie Anderson's 22 years
at the World Affairs Council
by hosting three of her many
favorite speakers over the years.
She's chosen these special friends
not only because they're wonderful speakers
but also because their topics are relevant
and of critical concern right now.
Tues., Oct. 17: "The Middle East: Regional Shifts and Global Responses"
Mr. Reza Marashi
Research Director, National Iranian American Council
Wed., Nov. 8: "Top Five Threats to America's National Security"
Dr. Lori Murray
Senior Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations
Tues., Nov. 14: "Russia 2018: Putin's Last Act?"
Ambassador John Beyrle
U.S. Ambassador to Russia (former)
7:00-8:30 PM
Western Michigan University
Grand Rapids East Beltline Campus
2333 E. Beltline, Grand Rapids 49546
(north of Woodland Mall on west side of Beltline)
Free Convenient Parking
$15 per lecture
Prepay for the next event with Dr. Lori Murray below.
Avoid standing in line and sign-in at the pre-paid desk.

The World Affairs Council of Western Michigan
cordially invites you to attend:
“Soft Power in the Balkans”
with
His Excellency Vasko Naumovski
Ambassador of the Republic of Macedonia to the United States
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
5:15 —6:00 PM Social Hour
6:00—7:00 PM Program
The Balkans—which include the European countries of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia and Slovenia—are strategically located between Russian and Western zones of influence. Both Russia and the European Union are working hard to draw Balkan counties closer.
However, from ancient time until today, it has been difficult for one power to control the Balkans. This intense geopolitical competition makes the Balkan region one of the most contested and conflict-prone regions in the world, and part of that rivalry is unfolding through soft power and cultural diplomatic means.
Dr. Naumvoski has been an ambassador since 2014. He is a professor of international relations at the department of law “Iustinianus Primus” at the St. Cyril and Methodist University in Skopje, where he earned his bachelor, master’s and doctoral degrees.
From 2009 to 2011, Dr. Naumovski was deputy president of the government of the Republic of Macedonia in charge of European affairs. In that post he began the process for Macedonia’s entry into the European Union. Macedonia is currently listed as a “candidate country,” in the process of integrating E.U. legislation into national law.
$15 (includes admission to event plus light hors d’oeuvres)
Cash Bar
University Club, 10th Floor
111 Lyon Street NW, Grand Rapids, 49503
Free parking available in the building’s lot if you park after 5 PM
Formerly Fifth Third Lot (parking entrances on Ottawa and Monroe)
Reservations are not necessary but appreciated for planning purposes.
To reserve, email: rsvp@worldmichigan.org or call our office: 616.776.1721
Deadline to reserve/cancel: Friday, Nov. 3. No shows will be billed.

"Debriefing Palau"
with Kris Lloyd and Ben Ueda
moderated by Dr. Mark Schaub, GVSU
Wednesday, October 4th
DeJourno Room -- Aquinas College Campus
(located at Browne Center on Woodward Avenue – watch for signs)
Free parking right at building
Cost: $10
No reservations needed. Pay at door.


"American Foreign Policy
in a Time of Fractured Politics"
with
P.J. Crowley
Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs
U.S. Dept. of State (former)
Tuesday, September 12
Social Hour -- 5:15-6:00 PM
Discussion -- 6:00-7:00 PM
University Club of Grand Rapids
Cost to attend: $15 (includes admission and light hors d'oeuvres)
Just announced: Free parking to all attendees*--no need to RSVP!
You must park in the building's lot after 5 PM to receive free parking

Co-Sponsor:
#Global Connections Event
Film Screening of "America's Diplomats:"
A documentary about the
U.S. Department of State
Wednesday, August 30
Wealthy Theatre
Screening at 7 PM. Doors open at 6:30 PM
Suggested Donation: $5