The Columbus Council on World Affairs

"The Columbus Council on World Affairs provides opportunities for dialogue on world issues, and Honda of America, Manufacturing is proud to be a part of such an outstanding organization."

– Koki Hirashima,
President and CEO – Honda of America Manufacturing

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Esther Silver-Parker	Women's Series presents: Voices Heard September 23, 2008 Esther Silver-Parker, Senior VP of Diversity Relations, Wal-Mart Presented with the support of Nationwide For Esther Silver-Parker, Wal-Mart's Senior Vice President of Diversity for Wal-Mart, a three-day visit to Columbus means reaching out to the following groups:
African American Leadership Academy graduates and members during an evening reception in her honor Corporate giving and diversity executives during a workshop discussion of key issues Documentary filmmaker and CCWA volunteer Deb Gregory in an exclusive interview Professionals, students, and other community members at the symposium event Voices Heard Women leaders of Columbus for a final celebration of diversity before Ms. Silver-Parker's departure. …for a total impact of nearly 200 people! Even if you missed these events, you can participate in an ongoing online discussion of women in leadership and corporate social responsibility. Just click here to join the conversation on our blog.
Charles E. Tucker, Jr. and Ida Aghdas Mirzaie	International Law: Iran, Iraq & the US October 24, 2008 Charles E. Tucker, Jr. and Ida Aghdas Mirzaie Presented in partnership with UNA-USA Columbus Economic sanctions and U.S. military options for engagement with Iran were two of the main points discussed at this event, featuring speakers Dr. Ida Aghdas Mirzaie and Charles E. Tucker, Jr. Ms. Mirzaie pointed out that misrepresentations about Iran may influence the American public's views about how the government should proceed.
For example, the view that Iranian President Ahmadinejad, is the most powerful person in the government when in reality, there are higher ranking religious figures who control the decisions. She added that Iranian youth generally like America and Americans, a potential source of soft power and U.S. influence. Overall, Mirzaie provided evidence of why (and under what conditions) sanctions are a useful diplomatic tool while also stating the negative consequences for citizens. <more> <less> Mr. Tucker discussed relations between the United States, Iraq, and Iran from a military perspective, starting with what has been called the "Bush Doctrine." Since pre-emptive action is how we have historically engaged, he argued, citizens and policymakers need not dwell on the legitimacy of this approach, but rather what happens in the aftermath. He gave several examples from history and the recent past illustrating pre-emptive force as precedent. These included Winston Churchill's engagement vis a vis France and the current conflict between Russia and Georgia. He reiterated Ms. Mirzaie's point by questioning who the victims really are when economic sanctions are implemented. He cited the statistic that 140,000 people per year for 14 years have died in Iraq as a result of U.S. sanctions. He asked rhetorically if this was not a war crime in itself? These presentations were followed by a question and answer session with the audience. Questions ranged from the specific (i.e. "Sanctions do work as containment but not as changing behavior. In what circumstances would containment be penalizing?" and "How do we deal with rogue nations? What is the recourse?") to very broad, philosophical questions about the nature of human beings and their capacity to learn from history. Overall, these interactions touched on a broad range of issues, not least of which was the role of the next U.S. President. This interactive discussion and lunch was hosted by the Columbus Council on World Affairs at the Athletic Club in downtown Columbus. It drew a mixed audience of nearly 120 citizens. This included university students (undergraduate and graduate), retired persons and people unaffiliated with any particular organization, looking to enhance their understanding of complex geopolitical issues. An economist born and raised in Iran, Dr. Mirzaie focused on economic sanctions and the effects of such policies. She addressed how these economic sanctions that were a response to Iran's nuclear program not only affected official relations, but also touched the larger civilian population. Iranian businesses suffer. Because of the need to use middlemen to complete business transactions expenses go up for entrepreneurs. By extension, those who rely on the goods and services have needs that go unmet. In addition, the country faces an average of thirty percent inflation.
	2008 Summit on Educating Ohio’s Global Talent November 14, 2008 Central Ohio business, community and education leaders convened for a meeting designed to prepare our graduating students to thrive in the global marketplace.
Discussions on pressing issues pertaining to the need for and preparation of global talent included: A Case for International Education by Carl Kohrt, CEO Battelle World Class Education in Ohio by William Hiller, Executive Director Martha Holden Jennings Foundation & Chair, International Education Advisory Committee The Global Workplace by Doug Matthews, President & COO, Right Management Models of International Education by an educator panel and Donna Alvarado, Chair Ohio Board of Regents Beyond Facebook: Technology in Education by Jay Jordan, President OCLC
The Honorable Bill Bradley	Impact '08 in Ohio: Building a Better, Safer World November 20, 2008 The Honorable Bill Bradley, U.S. Senator (1979-1997) Moderated by Joe Hallett, Senior Editor, Columbus Dispatch Global challenges facing next President Former Senator Bill Bradley offers candid observations
Impact '08 held its final event, a discussion of the global challenges and opportunities facing President-elect Barack Obama with former Senator Bill Bradley. The discussion was moderated by Columbus Dispatch Senior Editor Joe Hallett at The Ohio State University as part of Impact '08 in Ohio, a partnership between The Center for Global Engagement, the Columbus Council on World Affairs, OSU's John Glenn School of Public Affairs, and The ONE Campaign. More than 130 prominent business, community, and faith leaders were in attendance. This coalition of Ohioans called on the presidential candidates throughout the 2008 campaign to emphasize "smart power", the strategic use of diplomacy and development tools, as well as the military, in engaging the rest of the world. He commented on wide range of topics including Hillary Clinton (she'll make a good Secretary of State, he said) and the possibility that the Obama administration could salvage a relationship with Iran. Essential to this, said Bradley, is US abandonment of a "theological" approach that in essence stipulates "you agree to what we want, then we'll talk." On Iraq, Bradley imagines the possibility of a future military coup because "we've made significant investments in the Iraqi military but Iraq has not made investments in democracy." You can see a full video transcript of the event, with more of Bradley's insights on everything from Somali piracy to relations with Russia and why he thinks September 11, 2001 represents a "missed teachable moment." You can also read Joe Hallett's piece in The Dispatch.
David Wilhelm	The Obama Transition: Redefining America's Image Abroad December 10, 2008 David Wilhelm, leading political strategist & manager Barack backer talks transition David Wilhelm is an entrepreneur and political strategist with ties to some of the most powerful people in the world.
Yet, at our recent symposium, his self-deprecating style invited easy audience interaction. Wilhelm helped Bill Clinton to the White House and was called upon as an unofficial spokesperson of the Obama campaign after announcing his endorsement of the now President-elect. His remarks at our symposium centered on the idea that strategy, rather than dogma, seems to guide Obama's actions. He recalled his professional interactions with Rahm Emmanuel and others who will influence the next Administration, noting that Americans should feel confident in this group of advisors. And the media's adoption of the term "team of rivals" in reference to Obama's appointees? This label (a nod to Doris Kearns Goodwin's Lincoln biography) may not be off the mark, says Wilhelm. His observations of Obama's leadership style – one in which he says every opinion, especially a dissenting one, is valued – lends itself to success repairing global opinion of the United States and addressing trends that point to a new role in the world. Wilhelm cited a report from the National Intelligence Council saying "The era of American dominance is coming to an end. The rise of a strong Russia, China, and India is inevitable and happening in front of our eyes and we ought to realize it." This symposium drew 150 to the Ohio Statehouse, including a delegation of 40 OSU International Studies students, two high school students who are members of CCWA's Council Fellows group, a variety of distinguished business leaders and a few elected officials. We appreciate Mr. Wilhelm's generosity in spending his time with us. The event was presented with the financial support of Battelle and Nationwide. Special thanks to LimitedBrands.
Dr. John L. Esposito	Who Speaks for Islam? What a Billion Muslims Really Think January 22, 2009 Dr. John L. Esposito, Author & Professor, Georgetown University; Founding Director, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding
MP3 recording of John Esposito's presentation Dispatch article on the event: 'Islamophobia' a hot topics for Muslims When he first ventured into the study of the Muslim world, Dr. John Esposito heard cynical predictions from colleagues about its relevance. Now, in an era that is consistently referred to as "the post-9/11 world," his career choices might now seem prophetic to those same friends. Indeed, his Columbus Council on World Affairs. Dr. John Esposito at Columbus Council on World Affairslecture drew the largest crowd for an event of its kind -- 265 in attendance -- since March of 2006. And if the data Esposito presented is any indication, there is a need for many more such lectures around the country. <more> <less> Esposito's latest project for the Gallup World Poll provides evidence that, contrary to accepted doctrine (including that of former President George W. Bush, who asked "Why do they hate us?" shortly after the twin towers fell), most in the Muslim world have admiration for American ideals and do not believe that any acts of terrorism are justified. Esposito explains that US foreign policy is at the root of anti-Americanism. And, he distinguishes between anti-Americanism as a global movement in reaction to US policies and radical religious fundamentalism. Contrarily, Esposito and his team found that Western attitudes toward the Muslim world are less refined; the majority of those polled found "nothing " to admire about the people and places that comprise the Muslim world. Events like our symposium are important in exposing disinformation that leads to stereotypes. We thank Dr. Esposito for sharing his work with Central Ohioans. If you want to read more about this research, you may visit the website for the Gallup Center for Muslim Studies. With assistance from Honda of America, we were also able to provide scholarships for five students and an educator from Ft. Hayes High School to participate in the event. These young people are being considered for membership in our afterschool youth leadership development program, Council Fellows. Esposito's remarks have prompted them toward more community engagement. The Ohio chapter of the Council of American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) delivered a special "Islam 101" session following the main lecture. Presented with the support of Battelle and Nationwide; and in partnership with the Council of American-Islamic Relations and the Columbus Metropolitan Club.
John Perkins	Transforming Turmoil into a New Economy February 5, 2009 John Perkins, Economist, Former Economic Hit Man, and New York Times Bestselling Author Event partner: Wexner Center for the Arts "Every major crisis can be traced to corporate goals of maximizing profits regardless of the social and environmental costs," said John Perkins at our February 5 symposium. The author of Confessions of an Economic Hit Man and The Secret History of the American Empire said "By recognizing that the market place is a democratic voting booth, we the people have the power to demand new goals, ones focused on generating a sustainable, just, and peaceful world."
About 180 people gathered in The Wexner Center for the Arts' Mershon Auditorium to hear John Perkins' message. He laid out the methods employed by economic hit men and named the people whom he holds responsible: the "corporatacracy," or top executives at American corporations with the goal of maximizing profit regardless of social and environmental cost. <more> <less> Despite his revelations about US foreign policy vis a vis "economic hitmen," Perkins' talk was notable in its ability to inspire hope. He believes that these are revolutionary times, equal to the Agricultural and Industrial Revolutions. He sees the recent election of Barack Obama as a major step in the right direction, an amazing transfer of power between two polar-opposites. Most impressive, he says, is the way American democracy allows for such a drastic exchange of power without violence or military action. Perkins expressed similar optimism when explaining that the American Empire has been forged almost entirely without military action. Because our tactics have been economic, Perkins believes that problems can be solved using the market --not war-- as a democratic tool. "Every time you buy something, or choose not to, you vote," he said, "if you let the companies know about it." Perkins stressed personal responsibility, petitioning his audience to use their passions and talents to create a "more sustainable, just, and peaceful world." A memorable moment came about half-way through Perkins' talk, when he reached for a glass of water. "This is the way we should all be drinking water," he said, lifting the glass to his lips. He shuns the practice of bottled water, and suggested that if people don't like the tap water in their community, they should pressure the water companies to make changes rather than purchase bottled varieties. This was just one of the every-day actions Perkins suggested as a way to promote change. Our presenter's relationship with the Columbus Council on World Affairs began nearly a year before his visit, when he met CCWA youth group members at the 2008 Green Festival. Perkins saw the students as like-minded individuals and approached them about their role in the global economy. In addition to giving the symposium address last month, Perkins also made a classroom visit to Fort Hayes High School. His classroom visit explored similar themes to his talk at Mershon, but emphasized the opportunity that students had as future leaders. Among the students were a few foreign exchange students from countries affected by the policies implemented by the United States and economic hit men. Presented with the support of Nationwide and Battelle, and in partnership with The Wexner Center for the Arts. TALK BACK on our blog: What can YOU do to create a more sustainable, just, peaceful world?
International Awards Ceremony	International Awards Ceremony Tuesday, March 3, 2009 The Council's annual ceremony honoring international leaders was also a showcase of the organization's programs, vision, and goals for future success.
CCWA's membership seems determined to sustain its support for our work even in the face of the current global economic recession. Nearly 500 people attended the March 3 event, to recognize The Ohio State University as International Organization of the Year and Lee Link as International Educator of the Year. The Board of Trustees and our staff heartily thank all who attended, and those who give throughout the year, for maintaining a base of support that allows us to apply 81 cents of every $1 directly to educational programs!
India & the Global Economy	India & the Global Economy March 24, 2009 Dr. Vinod K. Jain, President & CEO of the India-US World Affairs Institute. He spoke on opportunities, challenges, trends, and off-shoring and reverse off-shoring related to India and the global economy. See data and trends illustrated in a PowerPoint presentation. Respond to a blog prompt from our speaker.
Ohio in the Global Economy Series - The Global Economy: the G20, the Stimulus Bill & Ohio	Ohio in the Global Economy Series - The Global Economy: the G20, the Stimulus Bill & Ohio April 15, 2009 There are three houses for every family in the US. Housing is one salient example of unsustainable market trends that that have typified the US economy and led to our current "crisis."
Yet, Dr. Stephen Buser, our April 15 symposium speaker (an Economist and Professor Emeritus at the Ohio State University) says that 1. we are not in the "worst economy since the Great Depression", 2. efforts were made in the Alan Greenspan years to push growth back down to sustainable levels, 3. despite the efforts, growth in housing construction was well beyond the sustainable level, 4. the housing situation represents one important falling domino that put us where we are today 5. the economy may be helped by the (admittedly imperfect) stimulus plan, and 4. we should all "start preparing for economic recovery."
Ohio in the Global Economy Series: Bloomberg: US/Ohio Business & the Global Economy	Ohio in the Global Economy Series - Bloomberg: US/Ohio Business & the Global Economy April 28, 2009 Matt Miller: Host Bloomberg Television
Ohio in the Global Economy Series: Local Business, Global Markets	Ohio in the Global Economy Series - Local Business, Global Markets May 12, 2009 Sharon Kay Doherty, President, Vellus Products Tariq Farwana, Managing Partner, StrateSphere David Stein, Co-Founder Beer Tubes
Country Presentation: Serbia	Country Presentation: Serbia May 18, 2009 In partnership with CIP
Empowering Women Through Microenterprise	Empowering Women Through Microenterprise May 29, 2009 Bill Abrams, President, Trickle Up
The Economist: Global Business Trends & Prospects for Ohio Companies	The Economist: Global Business Trends & Prospects for Ohio Companies June 4, 2009 Matthew Bishop, American Business Editor and New York Bureau Chief, The Economist
Global Markets, Local Business: Succeeding Through Innovation and Entrepreneurship	Global Markets, Local Business: Succeeding Through Innovation and Entrepreneurship June 24, 2009 Panel including: Catherine Adams, Owner, Caterina Ltd., Robert Clark, President & CEO, CBI Global and Judy Huang, Founder & President, 889 Global Solutions, Ltd.
Global Health: The World's Most Pressing Issues	Global Health: The World's Most Pressing Issues July 1, 2009 Dr. Daniel Carucci, Vice President of Global Health, United Nations Foundation and Maurice Middleberg, Vice President of Public Policy, Global Health Council
IRAN: Tyranny or Democracy?	IRAN: Tyranny or Democracy? August 27, 2009 Dr. Richard Herrmann Dr. Richard Herrmann is an expert on international security who said at this symposium that the United States should proceed with Iran by "emphasizing the need for democracy more and emphasizing the nuclear issue less."
By adhering to this basic mantra, he feels that many U.S objectives for the region will be achieved. The way to accomplish this is by supporting the reformers and regime changers who have emerged in Iran's recent post-election backlash as "groups to watch," according to Herrmann. These are 1. women and 2. twenty-something men. As noted by Herrmann, the world got a glimpse of the threat posed by the former, as personified by Neda Agha Sultan. This Iranian protester was murdered during a street protest, her death subsequently broadcast online via social media networks, and has since become a martyred "every woman" figure. The latter is a bit trickier to predict and engage. Their views range the political spectrum and many derive personal benefits from working within the current regime, said Herrmann, so they may be less willing to put their status at risk. To accomplish the goal articulated by our speaker, the US would need to find a balance of supporting young Iranian reformers without appearing to be controlling them and without forcing them to take a stand against Iran's nuclear development. TALK BACK ON OUR BLOG. Hear WCBE's coverage of the event content.
Beyond Aid: Building Communities in the Developing World	Beyond Aid: Building Communities in the Developing World September 22, 2009 Steve Hollingworth, Chief Operating Officer, CARE USA Cliff Lenton, Public Health Expert, World Vision Angela Plummer, Executive Director, CRIS Dr. Phil Cass, CEO, Columbus Medical Association & Foundation

Head of State Visit Somalia: Prospects for Peace	Somalia: Prospects for Peace Head of State visit to Columbus one of three stops in US October 7, 2009 Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, President President Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed's visit was a chance for him to see the progress being made by members of the Somali Diaspora in their new home.
It was also a forum for sharing his hopes for the future of Somalia -- a positive outcome he said is reliant on help from Central Ohioans, and the American public at large. Somalia needs policies and resources that strengthen the education system there. This is essential in combatting terrorism, according to Ahmed, who added that young people have been "taken advantage of by people who are against the government, who believe in extremist ideologies, and...are holding the country at ransom." The President (himself a Sheik and former teacher) argued against the politicization of religion and offered a refresher course on Islam -- a faith he says was founded to address social problems through peaceful means. Ahmed urged refugees to take advantage of educational opportunities in the US, to better the prospects for their native homeland. He said education gives them the tools they can use to rebuild when conditions are right for them to return home. He asked US universities to "lend a hand" to ensure that Somalis have access to higher education. <more> <less> At a local event preceding the CCWA symposium, The President asked the Diaspora to apply pressure to their relations still living in Somalia, challenging them to consider if their activities are right or wrong. He urged families to keep an eye on their own children to make sure they are not subject to messages of extremism that would put them at risk for recruitment by terrorist organizations, as recently occured in Minnesota. While outlining the many challenges his administration will face as it seeks stability and transformation, Ahmed noted the many positive attributes of his people and land -- the very sources from which the country can draw strength and inspiration. "The Somali people are resourceful and business-oriented," he said. They have a history of reverence for education, including for female leaders, and they live on a fertile land that nourishes livestock. Ahmed believes there is potential for an enhanced agricultural market to be one route out of the current quagmire. Ahmed stated that this and other positive initiatives will require support from the United States and he cautioned against a repeat of previous global responses. He said, "The stage at which the government collapsed was a very critical one in 1991. And we can assert that the world did not pay the necessary attention to Somalia." SEE VIDEO of the program and read an ENGLISH TRANSCRIPT of the highlights; READ an article produced by graduates of our very own Somali journalism program (for high school students) and posted online in partnership with the Columbus Dispatch in their NOW section for kids; Read articles on the President's visit from the COLUMBUS DISPATCH (OCT 7), COLUMBUS DISPATCH (OCT 8) and WOSU.
The United Nations in Somalia	The United Nations in Somalia October 22, 2009 Speakers: Sadia Aden Writer and Peace Activist Mussah Farah Co-Founder & President, Horn of Africa Dr. Alexander Thompson Professor, The Ohio State University

Sustainability: The Triple Bottom Line	Sustainability: The Triple Bottom Line November 10, 2009 Andrew Savitz, Author

Head of State Visit, President of Iceland	The Future of Climate Change: Economic Growth through Energy Transformation December 11, 2009 Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson President of Iceland

Human Trafficking: In Ohio, In our World	Human Trafficking: In Ohio, In our World January 12, 2010 Ambassador Mark P. Lagon, PhD Executive Director & CEO Polaris Project

CCWA AFTER-WORK: Haiti: Before & After the Earthquake	Haiti: Before & After the Earthquake February 4, 2010 A Free Community Event Speakers: Joe Hallett Senior editor at The Columbus Dispatch Dr. Craige Roberts OSU linguistics professor and co-author of a Haitian/ French/ English dictionary Representatives of CARE, Hand to Hand Haiti, Shelterbox, The Haitian Timoun Foundation, and the The Sporting Chance Foundation on hand to describe their work.

The Global Nexus of Energy and Water	The Global Nexus of Energy and Water February 8, 2010 Dr. Michael Webber Slides from Dr. Webber's talk Bibliography from Dr. Webber's talk

© 2010 Columbus Council on World Affairs	Last modified: February 17 2010