Women’s History Month Spotlight – Sandy Cook
March is Women’s History Month. Throughout the month, the World Affairs Council of Jacksonville is highlighting the women who have displayed immense leadership, created a lasting legacy, and contributed to the Council’s success. Their contributions have been integral to the growth and influence of the Council. Today, we feature Sandy Cook — an inspiring leader whose career is a testament to the power of philanthropy and empowering global education through various endeavors. Sandy’s involvement with the World Affairs Council of Jacksonville has been a cornerstone of her commitment to civic engagement and education on international affairs. Prior to becoming
Women’s History Month Spotlight – Ambassador Marilyn McAfee
March is Women’s History Month. Throughout the month, the World Affairs Council of Jacksonville will highlight the women who have displayed immense leadership, created a lasting legacy, and contributed to the Council’s success. Their contributions have been integral to the growth and influence of the Council. Today, we feature Ambassador Marilyn McAfee, a visionary diplomat and dedicated leader who transformed the Council into a thriving, dynamic organization committed to fostering global awareness and dialogue. Born in 1940, Ambassador McAfee’s professional journey took her worldwide, from the Middle East to Latin America, serving as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer. Her
Finding Our Global Roots – A Recap of Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Visit
On January 21, the World Affairs Council of Jacksonville welcomed renowned scholar, author, and filmmaker Henry Louis Gates, Jr. to the Lazzara Performance Hall at the University of North Florida for a captivating Presidential Global Issues Evening presentation. Dr. Gates, celebrated for his groundbreaking work in genealogy and African American history, took the audience on a journey through the power of ancestry and DNA research, drawing from his acclaimed PBS series, Finding Your Roots. Through compelling storytelling and video clips from his immensely popular show, he illuminated the ways in which our personal histories are deeply intertwined—across race, geography,
The New Cold Wars: A Recap of David Sanger’s Visit
On December 4, 2024, 3-time Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist David Sanger delivered an incisive presentation entitled "The New Cold Wars" at the University of North Florida, exploring the evolving dynamics of global power. Sanger reflected on the world American leaders anticipated in the 1990s—one where major powers like Russia and China aligned with U.S. values and leadership—that never materialized. Instead, he posited, the next 30 years will be defined by contention, with Moscow and Beijing leading efforts to construct an alternative to the U.S.-led international system. He traced this shift to pivotal moments, including Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014
The Future of Warfare: A Recap of General David Petraeus’s Visit
Following his introduction to the stage during Monday's sold-out Global Issues Evening, General David H. Petraeus, USA (Ret.), opened with a touch of humor: “Thank you for that introduction. And thank you for leaving out the part about me being Time Magazine's 'Person of the Year' runner-up to Vladimir Putin. However, I'm happy to report I've been sanctioned by Vladimir Putin in the past couple of years for my support of Ukraine.” This light-hearted start set the tone for an insightful evening, offering a nuanced view of a decorated American leader with a distinguished yet complex history. In conversation
Deciphering the Russia-Ukraine Conundrum: Insights from Matthew Rojansky’s Visit
As the world spins madly on, what remains at the center of the world's attention is the Russia-Ukraine war. While the war has carried on for over two years now, the implications of the conflict carries significant weight across the globe. For Americans, awareness has been heightened as the U.S. government weighs its commitment to Ukraine while balancing other fiscal and political responsibilities. Further, Tucker Carlson's visit to Russia and interview of President Vladimir Putin generated considerable buzz, particularly during an election year that could drastically shape diplomatic relations between the U.S., Russia, and Ukriane. As a result,