About News & Views
Today, international news stories can change from minute to minute, and lectures and panel discussions can’t always dive in to the latest developments. News & Views, a conversation-based series from the International Relations Council, brings together a small group of community members for respectful, substantive discussion around one of that week’s top international news stories. Facilitated by a member or friend of the International Relations Council, the group meets in different informal settings around town, like a happy hour on the Plaza, or on Zoom for a guided conversation about a topic and articles that we’ll ask you to review in advance. Individuals of all backgrounds, interests, and perspectives are welcome – we just ask that you bring an open mind, thoughtful questions, and common courtesy. Registration is free but helps us with planning; individuals cover their own food and drinks.
As part of the IRC’s News & Views Discussion Group, we hosted an AWQ mini-series again this year, designed to bring local high school students and their teachers into the international conversation.
For each edition, based around 5 of the 10 categories included in the 2022 Academic WorldQuest Global Knowledge competition, an expert discussion leader led all participants – students, IRC members, and members of the public, to study and think critically about each international topic.
Next Conversations
Thursday, April 14, 2022 – Honduras
Facilitator: Judy Ancel
Tuesday, May 3, 2022 – Wildlife Conservation (registration coming soon)
Special Time: 4:30-5:30 p.m. CT
Previous Topics
Thursday, March 3, 2022 – AWQ News & Views: Insecurity in China’s Neighborhood
Facilitator: John Kennedy
Thursday, February 24, 2022 – AWQ News & Views: Technology and Democracy: Threat or Promise?
Facilitator: Kirk Doan
Thursday, February 17, 2022 – AWQ News & Views: Human-Centered Agenda to the Future of Work
Facilitator: TBD
Thursday, February 3, 2022 – AWQ News & Views: Where Climate and Migration Meet
Facilitator: David Tripp
Thursday, February 10, 2022 – AWQ News & Views: Afghanistan: End of the 20-Year U.S.-Led Intervention
Facilitator: Colonel Josh Stevenson
November 11, 2021 – U.S. Policy in Africa
Facilitator: Michael Burke
September 30, 2021 – International Management During COVID
Facilitator: Dave Hallmark
September 2, 2021 – The Role of the American Embassy
Facilitator: Michael Burke
August 5, 2021 – Pandemic-Era Diplomacy
Facilitator: Scott Harris
July 1, 2021 – Haiti
Facilitator: Jim Grant
June 24, 2021 – Coups
Facilitator: Mike Makara
June 17, 2021 – National Defense Stockpiles
Facilitator: Frank Klimas
June 3, 2021 – Secession Movements
Facilitator: Mike Wood
May 6, 2021 – Global Child Protection
Facilitator: Connie Belciug
April 29, 2021 – The Future of Venezuela
Facilitator: Alexandra Winkler
April 22, 2021 – Brexit and the EU
Facilitator: Kirk Doan
April 8, 2021 – Caucasus
Facilitator: Alan Holiman
April 1, 2021 – Conflict in East Africa
Facilitator: Steven Youngblood
November 12, 2020 – Belarus
Facilitator: Shari Wilson
October 8, 2020 – US Global Military Presence
Facilitator: Mark Wilcox
October 1, 2020 – Comparative Healthcare Systems
Facilitator: Kirk Doan
September 10, 2020 – Journalist Safety
Facilitator: Steven Youngblood
August 20, 2020 – The United Nations
Facilitator: Jay Sjerven
August 13, 2020 – International Pharmaceutical Market
Facilitator: Kirk Doan
August 6, 2020 – Ukraine
Facilitator: Gregory Cook
July 23, 2020 – Global Energy Demand
Facilitator: Jeff Spivak
July 9, 2020 – Political Movements
Facilitator: Letitia Harmon
June 18, 2020 – Globalization of Art
Facilitator: Consuelo Cruz
June 4, 2020 – Russia
Facilitator: Alan Holiman
May 28, 2020 – Yemen
Facilitator: Dr. Michael Makara
May 21, 2020 – Secession Movements
Facilitator: Dr. Emir Yazici
May 14, 2020 – The Widening Social & Wealth Gap
Facilitator: Ella Rose
April 30, 2020 – Travel & Tourism
Facilitator: Jason Fulvi
April 23, 2020 – Local Journalism During a Global Pandemic
Facilitator: Stephen Steigman
April 16, 2020 – Covid-19 in the Media
Facilitator: Steven Youngblood
April 9, 2020 – Pandemic Complexities for Refugees
Facilitator: Letitia Harmon
April 2, 2020 – Global Economy
Facilitator: Randall Moore
March 26, 2020 – Oil
Facilitator: Kirk Doan
February 20, 2020 – Coronavirus: International Implications of a Viral Outbreak
Facilitator: Kirk Doan
January 23, 2020 – Global Impact of Aging Populations
Facilitator: Melissa Miller
November 13, 2019 – Current Events in Mexico
Facilitator: Mary Sanchez
September 19, 2019 – GDP as a Measure of Well-Being
Location: Songbird Cafe
Facilitator: Dr. Tom Patterson
August 29, 2019 – Ebola and Public Health
Location: Char Bar
Facilitator: Dr. Nathan Bahr
July 20, 2019 – Media and Horrifying Images
Location: Calibration Brewery (North Kansas City, MO)
Facilitator: Steven Youngblood
June 20, 2019 – Turkey Today
Location: Tanner’s Bar & Grill (Kansas City, Kansas)
Facilitator: Dessa Crum
May 23, 2019 – European Elections
Location: Kokoro Maki House (Kansas City, MO)
Facilitator: Kit Dawson
April 24, 2019 – 25 Years After Rwanda: Atrocity Prevention and U.S. Policy
Location: CommuniTea (Overland Park, KS)
Facilitator: Daniel R. Mahanty
March 14, 2019 – Animal Conservation in South Africa
Location: Seasons 52 (Kansas City, MO)
Facilitator: Mike Wood
February 28, 2019 – Venezuela
Location: Sol Cantina (Kansas City, MO)
Facilitator: Kirk Doan
