Turkish Consul General Raife Gülru Gezer: Turkey’s Foreign Policy and the Current Syrian Refugee Crisis

June 3, 2016 World Affairs Council Past Speakers/Events, Slide, Upcoming Events

Save the Date

{ Thursday, June 2nd, 2016 }

Turkish Consul General Raife Gülru Gezer: Turkey’s Foreign Policy and the Current Syrian Refugee Crisis

As Turkish Consul General in Los Angeles, Raife Gülru Gezer represents approximately 70,000 Turkish citizens living across twelve western states. She graduated from the Department of Political Science and International Relations at Boğaziçi University in 2000 and completed her M.A. in European Political and Administrative Studies at the College of Europe.

In 2002, Gezer joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey and worked at the European Union Political Affairs Deputy Directorate as a Candidate Career Diplomat. She spent two years at the Turkish Embassy in Damascus. In 2010, Gezer became Chief of Cabinet of the Under Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Four years later, she was appointed Consul General of Turkey.

REGISTER HERE

Location: Lake Mission Viejo Clubhouse

22555 Olympiad Rd
Mission Viejo, CA 92692

Time: 6:00PM Registration/ 7:00PM Speaker Program

Building Our Global Community

In Conversation with Senator Lindsey Graham on US Foreign Policy

May 4, 2016 World Affairs Council Upcoming Events

Save the Date

{Wednesday, May 4th, 2016 }

Lindsey Graham has earned a reputation as a conservative problem-solver and one of the strongest proponents of a robust national defense. A frequent visitor to American troops stationed overseas for on-the-ground assessments, Graham has consistently pushed for outcomes in the War on Terror which protect our long-term national security interests. One leading conservative recently wrote that when it comes to defending America, “[Lindsey] Graham has been right about more things on foreign policy for longer than just about anyone…if anyone has bragging rights on foreign policy, it is Graham.”

Graham is also a leader in cutting spending, reforming entitlements, and getting government out of the way so businesses can create jobs. One national conservative organization called him a Taxpayer Hero who puts “the interests of the taxpayer ahead of politics by consistently voting to cut wasteful spending, reduce the tax burden, and make government more accountable to taxpayers. “Graham was elected to the United States Senate in 2002 and was re-elected in 2008 and 2014. He became – and remains today – the top vote-getter in South Carolina history by garnering over one million votes in the 2008 general election. Prior to serving in the Senate, Graham was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994 as the first Republican from the Third Congressional District of South Carolina since 1877.

Before being elected to Congress, Graham compiled a distinguished record in the United States Air Force as he logged six-and-a-half years of service on active duty as an Air Force lawyer. From 1984-1988, he was assigned overseas and served at Rhein-Main Air Force Base in Germany. Upon leaving active duty Air Force in 1989, Graham joined the South Carolina Air National Guard where he served until 1995. During the first Gulf War in the early 90’s, Graham was called to active duty and served state-side at McEntire Air National Guard Base as Staff Judge Advocate where he prepared members for deployment to the Gulf region. In 1995, Graham joined the U.S. Air Force Reserves. During American military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, Graham put his experience in military law to use pulling numerous short-term Reserve duties in both countries over congressional breaks and holidays. Graham retired from the Air Force Reserves in June 2015 having served his country in uniform for 33 years. He retired at the rank of Colonel. A native South Carolinian, Graham grew up in a blue collar family in the small town of Central where his parents ran a restaurant and pool hall. The first member of his family to go to college, Graham earned his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of South Carolina. He lives in Seneca and is a member of Corinth Baptist Church.

REGISTER HERE

Location: The Pacific Club

4110 MacArthur Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92660

Time: 5:45pm Reception/ Registration| 6:45 Dinner| 7:00pm Speaker Program/ Q&A

An Evening With Fayçal Gouia, Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia

April 6, 2016 World Affairs Council Slide, Upcoming Events

Save the Date: {Tuesday November 1st, 2016}

On May 18, 2015, President Barack Obama accepted the credentials of H.E. Fayçal Gouia, a longtime high ranking member of his country’s foreign service, to be Tunisia’s Ambassador to the United States. This is the second time Ambassador Gouia has been posted to his country’s embassy in Washington.

Ambassador Gouia, who was born on July 10, 1959, attended the National School of Administration in Tunis, Tunisia. He received a Master’s degree in 1984 and went into government service, beginning in the Ministry of Women and Family Affairs as the head of the International Relations Department. After two years, he returned to the National School of Administration and earned an advanced Master’s degree in 1989 (Laureate). He later attended the National Defense University in the United States and the National Defense Institute in Tunis.

Ambassador Gouia went back into government service in 1989, as Head of the Budget Management Division at the Ministry of Finance. He moved to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1993, first as Deputy Director for South Asia and later as Director for the Americas.

Ambassador Gouia’s assignments to the Tunisian Embassy in Washington began in 1995 as Cultural and Press Counselor, then went on to be its Economic and Commercial Counselor in 1997 as its Deputy Chief of Mission in 1999.

He returned to Tunis in 2001 to head the Americas Department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ambassador Gouia received his first ambassadorial assignment beginning in 2006 in Jakarta, Indonesia. He was accredited to Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and, beginning in 2007, to Malaysia and Brunei as well.

Ambassador Gouia returned home in 2010 to become Director General for Africa and the African Union and in 2011 he was appointed Director General for the Americas and Asia in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In January 2014, he was named Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. One of the issues he worked on was the number of kidnapped Tunisians in neighboring Libya. He held that job until being named Ambassador of his country to Washington.

Ambassador Gouia is Chevalier of the Republic Order and was granted the Distinguished Alumni Award of the Near East-South Asia Center for Strategic Studies in 2013.

Ambassador Gouia is married and has two daughters. He speaks Arabic, English and French.

Personal Insights From the Front Line of Diplomacy

April 1, 2016 World Affairs Council Home, Past Speakers/Events, Slide, Upcoming Events

Save the Date

{Wednesday, March 23rd, 2016}

*Premium Members Only:

This is a Special Program for Premium Members with former U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Ambassador Robert Jordan- “Personal Insights From the Front Line of Diplomacy”

Robert Jordan is Diplomat in Residence and adjunct professor of political science in the John G. Tower Center for Political Studies and Southern Methodist University. He served as US ambassador to Saudi Arabia from 2001-2003 and as a partner in the international law firm Baker Botts LLP for many years where he headed Middle East practice in Dubai. Jordan is Vice Chair of the Tower Center Board of Directors and of the Board of Governors of the Middle East Institute. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a past president of the Dallas Bar Association and the Dallas Committee on Foreign Relations. In addition, he is a member of the American Arbitration Association Commercial Panel of Arbitrators, the Panel of Distinguished Neutrals of the CPR International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution, and the London Court of Arbitration. He serves on the Advisory Board of the Bilateral US-Arab Chamber of Commerce and is a frequent commentator with international media including CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, CNBC, Al Jazeera America, Bloomberg News and the New York Times.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Location: The Westin, South Coast Plaza ( 686 Anton Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626)

Time: 5:45- Registration/ 6:30 Dinner/ 7:00 Speaker Program

Notice of Cancellation: Any refund requests will be facilitated through emails to orangecounty@worldaffairscouncil.org or through phone to (949) 253-5751 no later than 72 hours prior to the day of the event. Refunds will not be issued within 72 hours of the event date, as prior event payments have already been processed by the venue.

Building Our Global Community

Hoover Institution’s Dr. Angelo Codevilla- Identity Politics

March 1, 2016 World Affairs Council Home, Past Speakers/Events

Save the Date

{Tuesday, March 1st, 2016}

Angelo Codevilla – “Hoover Institution’s Dr. Angelo Codevilla: Identity Politics”

Angelo Codevilla is professor emeritus of international relations at Boston University, and was as a visiting professor at Princeton and Georgetown. He was a fellow at Stanford’s Hoover Institution, and is the author of thirteen books. Codevilla’s articles have appeared in journals from Foreign Affairs and The National Interest to The Claremont Review of Books, and his op eds in the Times and Journal as well as abroad. Born and raised in Italy, Angelo Codevilla has a Ph.D from Claremont, where he studied with Leo Strauss and Harry Jaffa. He served as a naval officer and as a US Foreign Service officer. Between 1977 and 1985 he was on the staff of the Senate Intelligence Committee. Angelo Codevilla’s books and articles have been about the nature of regimes, as well as of war and peace. The Character of Nations shows how peoples shape their character by how they govern themselves. Advice to War Presidents explains the instruments of power. Informing Statecraft examines the role of intelligence in statecraft and defines its functions. The Ruling Class is about today’s American regime. His newest book, To Make And Keep Peace, shows how American statecraft’s loss of focus on our peace engenders dysfunction at home and abroad.

Location: The Westin South Coast Plaza

686 Anton Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Time: 6:00PM – 8:30 PM

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Notice of Cancellation: Any refund requests will be facilitated through emails to orangecounty@worldaffairscouncil.org or through phone to (949) 253-5751 no later than 72 hours prior to the day of the event. Refunds will not be issued within 72 hours of the event date, as prior event payments have already been processed by the venue.

Building Our Global Community

2016 Academic WorldQuest

February 28, 2016 World Affairs Council Home, Past Speakers/Events, Slide, Upcoming Events

World Affairs Council of Orange County

Invites you to participate in our

8th Annual Academic WorldQuest
February 27, 2016

Register Your OC High School Team Today!

Academic WorldQuest is a team competition, held among Orange County high school students, testing students’ knowledge of global affairs. This year the local winning team from Orange County will have the opportunity to participate in the National Academic WorldQuest in Washington DC on April 23, 2016! Recruit your team of trivia all-stars and join us for an afternoon of fun, food, and friendly competition!

Who: One team of 4 students per high school

Cost: There is no fee to participate

What: Academic WorldQuest competition to be held on Saturday, February 27, 2016 in Orange County. Teams respond to a combination of multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, true/false, and open-ended questions in the following categories:

Current Events
Great Decisions
NATO
Asia Matters for America
International Trade and Finance
Sultanate of Oman
Privacy in the Digital Age
The Arctic
Food Security
Organization of American States

When: Saturday, February 27, 2016

Time: 3:30 pm – 7:00 pm.

Location: Chapman University
George H.W. Bush Conference Room, Beckman Hall Room 404

Attire: Business casual

Things to note: Please do not bring any additional study guides or study materials to the competition. All writing utensils, paper, and further materials needed to compete will be provided. Snacks will be provided, and dinner will be served after the competition.

Registration: – A teacher registers the team by emailing us at Education@WorldAffairsCouncil.org

How: Preparation – A study guide willl be mailed to you when your team is confirmed.

Why it is Important: Academic WorldQuest is a great way for students to learn about and engage in international affairs through fun and challenging activities along with being able to include their experience on their resume or college applications. This year the local winning team from Orange County will have the opportunity to participate in the National Academic WorldQuest in Washington

Click here to be a AWQ Sponsor!

Luncheon – Eurozone Equity Markets versus US Equity Markets

January 26, 2016 World Affairs Council Home, Past Speakers/Events, Slide, Upcoming Events

Save the Date

{ Thursday, February 25th, 2016 }

Member’s Luncheon

Jerry Braakman – “Eurozone Equity Markets versus US Equity Markets”

In Partnership With The British American Business Council of Orange County (BABC-OC)

Jerry Braakman

First American Trust Executive Vice President, Chief Investment Officer, Managing Director

Jerry brings 20 plus years of experience with the firm in various management roles.

Currently, Jerry oversees all Trust and Wealth Management activities of the firm. He creates the vision and executes the strategy of the firm’s expertise. He ensures client goals are achieved with an experienced team of fiduciary and investment professionals.

As Chief Investment Officer, Jerry oversees the investment outlook, portfolio strategy, asset allocation, risk management and investment processes. He regularly provides expert commentary on the financial markets to various media outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Associated Press, Reuters, CNBC and Bloomberg.

Jerry began his career at First American Trust in 1995 and during his tenure has held various operational and investment management positions. Previous to his current responsibilities, he oversaw the management of First American’s $2.3 billion corporate investment portfolio.

Jerry holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from University of California, Irvine.

Location: The Pacific Club

(4110 MacArthur Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92660)

Time: 11:30am – 2:00pm

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

*Must register by Friday, February 19th–After this date, prices increase to $65 for Members and $80 for Non-Members/Guests

Notice of Cancellation: Any refund requests will be facilitated through emails to orangecounty@worldaffairscouncil.org or through phone to (949) 253-5751 no later than 72 hours prior to the day of the event. Refunds will not be issued within 72 hours of the event date, as prior event payments have already been processed by the venue.

Building Our Global Community

Premium Members Event: Private Luncheon with Sir Tony Brenton (LIMITED SEATING!)

January 23, 2016 World Affairs Council Home, Past Speakers/Events, Slide, Upcoming Events

{January 22, 2016}

Premium Members Event: Private Luncheon with Sir Tony Brenton

Topic:

Sir Tony Brenton is a distinguished British diplomat and commentator on public affairs issues. He served for over thirty years with the British Foreign Service, including postings in the Middle East, the European Union, Washington DC, and Russia. In particular he was in charge of the British Embassy in Washington through the Iraq War, and was British Ambassador to Russia through a particularly tense time in UK/Russia relations. He has been a lead UK negotiator on such problems as global climate change and international energy and human rights issues. He has written a well received book, “The Greening of Machiavelli”, on international environmental politics. On retirement from the Foreign Service he has become a Fellow of Wolfson College Cambridge, where he is writing a book on Russian history. He is now also a regular commentator and contributor on international affairs on the BBC and in such publications as the ‘Times’ and ‘Standpoint’.

Location: Il Fornaio
18051 Von Karman Ave, Irvine, CA 92612

Date: January 22, 2015

Time: 11:30AM to 1:30PM

(parking can be validated by restaurant staff)

~

Please note this event is opened to Premium Members Only – Very Limited Seating!

Premium Member’s Price: $45

(Premium members include Consul, Diplomats, and Ambassador Members)

SOLD OUT!!

Notice of Cancellation: Any refund requests will be facilitated through emails to orangecounty@worldaffairscouncil.org or through phone to (949) 253-5751 no later than 72 hours prior to the day of the event. Refunds will not be issued within 72 hours of the event date, as prior event payments have already been processed by the venue.

Building Our Global Community

“Living with the Bear: What do we do about Russia?”

January 22, 2016 World Affairs Council Eastern Europe / Russia, Home, Past Speakers/Events, Slide, Upcoming Events

Save the Date

{Thursday, January 21st, 2016}

“Living with the Bear: What do we do about Russia?“

Sir Tony Brenton

Former UK Ambassador to Russia

Lead UK Negotiator on International Energy and Global Climate Change

Sir Tony Brenton is a distinguished British diplomat and commentator on public affairs issues. He served for over thirty years with the British Foreign Service, including postings in the Middle East, the European Union, Washington DC, and Russia. In particular he was in charge of the British Embassy in Washington through the Iraq War, and was British Ambassador to Russia through a particularly tense time in UK/Russia relations. He has been a lead UK negotiator on such problems as global climate change and international energy and human rights issues. He has written a well received book, “The Greening of Machiavelli”, on international environmental politics. On retirement from the Foreign Service he has become a Fellow of Wolfson College Cambridge, where he is writing a book on Russian history. He is now also a regular commentator and contributor on international affairs on the BBC and in such publications as the ‘Times’ and ‘Standpoint’.

Location : Westin South Coast Plaza
686 Anton Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

(please note earlier start times)
5:45pm Reception & Registration | 6:30pm Dinner | 7:00pm Speaker Program

*Complementary Self-Parking is included

Notice of Cancellation: Any refund requests will be facilitated through emails to orangecounty@worldaffairscouncil.org or through phone to (949) 253-5751 no later than 72 hours prior to the day of the event. Refunds will not be issued within 72 hours of the event date, as prior event payments have already been processed by the venue.

Building Our Global Community

Trustees Social

January 11, 2016 World Affairs Council Home, Past Speakers/Events, Slide, Upcoming Events

Sunday, January 10, 2016

{ Trustees Social }

Location: Tomassian Residence (Address given upon rsvp)

Time: 4:00pm-7:00pm

Wine and heavy hor duevers will be served

Open to Trustee + 1 guest

Must RSVP by January 5, 2016

We are delighted to have Azim Khamisa, internationally renowned speaker and award-winning author deliver an inspirational message at the social gathering as well. You can inquire more about him at www.azimkhamisa.com.

Thank you to Serge & Mona Tomassian for hosting and underwriting this event!

Save the Date

{ Thursday, June 2nd, 2016 }

Turkish Consul General Raife Gülru Gezer: Turkey’s Foreign Policy and the Current Syrian Refugee Crisis

Save the Date

{Wednesday, May 4th, 2016 }

Save the Date

{Wednesday, March 23rd, 2016}

*Premium Members Only:

This is a Special Program for Premium Members with former U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Ambassador Robert Jordan- “Personal Insights From the Front Line of Diplomacy”

Save the Date

{Tuesday, March 1st, 2016}

Angelo Codevilla – “Hoover Institution’s Dr. Angelo Codevilla: Identity Politics”

Save the Date

{ Thursday, February 25th, 2016 }

Member’s Luncheon

Jerry Braakman – “Eurozone Equity Markets versus US Equity Markets”

In Partnership With The British American Business Council of Orange County (BABC-OC)

Jerry Braakman

First American Trust Executive Vice President, Chief Investment Officer, Managing Director

{January 22, 2016}

Premium Members Event: Private Luncheon with Sir Tony Brenton

Please note this event is opened to Premium Members Only – Very Limited Seating!

Premium Member’s Price: $45

SOLD OUT!!

Save the Date

{Thursday, January 21st, 2016}

“Living with the Bear: What do we do about Russia?“

Sir Tony Brenton

Sunday, January 10, 2016

{ Trustees Social }

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