April Program Announcement:
"Ukraine at the Forefront" with Ambassador William Taylor on Wednesday, April 25

PAWAC is partnering with Bradley University's Institute of International Studies for the spring Distinguished Speaker Series.  Ambassador William Taylor, U.S. ambassador to Ukraine 2006-2009, will speak on Wednesday, April 25.  Dinner will be served at 5:30 pm in the Executive Suite, and the program will begin at 7 pm in the Marty Theater, both on the lower level of the Michel Student Center at Bradley University.

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Ukraine has struggled to find her place between East and West.  Anxious to set her own path which faces more toward the West, Ukraine still finds the ties that bind her to the East are strong.  With the Maidan movement of 2014 and subsequent civil war and annexation of Crimea by Russia, figuring out how to help Ukraine along her path is as important for Western Europe and the United States as it is for Ukraine.

Ambassador Taylor currently serves as Executive Vice President at the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, DC.  He has also served as special coordinator for Middle East Transitions in the U.S. State Department, and he oversaw assistance and support to Egypt, Tunisia, Libya and Syria.  

Seating for dinner is limited!  Please make your dinner reservations as soon as possible here or by submitting your form and check to the PAWAC office.  You can also purchase your tickets via Square with your credit card.  Tickets for dinner are $35 for PAWAC members and students, $45 for non-members.  There is no cost for the presentation only.
  

​PAWAC Reads Spring 2018 Selections Focus on the State of Democracy Globally

The PAWAC Reads Spring 2018 selections explore the state of democracy around the world – a choice of two books (or read both if you like)

Democracy:  Stories from the Long Road to Freedom by Condoleezza Rice
“We find ourselves at an unexpected point in history, as several events that seemed unlikely – or impossible – have come to pass within our own democracy.  Which is why it’s welcome to see a book from someone as accomplished and experienced as Dr. Rice – an academic and former secretary of state – seeking to analyze the history of democracy around the world, and offer an analysis of its present state.  Few people can discuss geopolitical events with the gravitas and authority that Dr. Rice can muster, making this an essential book for getting ready for the year to come.” (The Best Non-Fiction of 2017 – Barnes & Noble Reads).
​Book Cover by Amazon

How Democracies Die by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt
“Is our democracy in danger?  Harvard professors Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt have spent more than twenty years studying the breakdown of democracies in Europe and Latin America, and they believe the answer is yes.  Democracy no longer ends with a bang – in a revolution or military coup – but with a whimper:  the slow, steady weakening of critical institutions, such as the judiciary and the press, and the gradual erosion of long-standing political norms.  The good news is that there are several exit ramps on the road to authoritarianism.  The bad news is that, by electing Trump, we have already passed the first one. Drawing on decades of research and a wide range of historical and global examples, from 1930’s Europe to contemporary Hungary, Turkey, and Venezuela to the American South during Jim Crow, Levitsky and Ziblatt show how democracies die – and how ours can be saved.”
Book Cover by Amazon

 The next PAWAC Reads meeting is set for Sunday, April 29, 2018 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Peoria Public Library - North Branch.

Travel to Cuba with PAWAC's Don Samford

The Peoria Area World Affairs Council frequently partners with the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia to offer unique travel tours to fascinating destinations around the world. Our trips and partner-travel opportunities offer all the highlights of touring plus access to local experts who give behind-the-scenes perspective, and provide opportunities for travelers to connect authentically with people across the world.

This year, PAWAC’s Don Samford is leading a trip to Cuba.  Cuba: Art, Culture & People with Don Samford is set for November 4 – 12, 2018.  To learn more and register for this trip, visit the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia website by clicking here.

Note from the PAWAC Office

The Peoria Area World Affairs Council (PAWAC) is excited to announce the return of Angela Weck to the position of Executive Director. She will begin her duties later this month and will be working with Kristin to effect a smooth transition in leadership.
 
We are fortunate that Angela has extensive experience with our organization, and we think she will build upon the revitalization efforts that Kristin has established.  We are also looking forward to the new ideas that Angela has shared that will help continue to grow the organization.
 
The Board of Directors would like to take this opportunity to thank Kristin McHugh-Johnston for her leadership over the last three years. She has reinvigorated the working committees of this organization and has overseen the establishment of programming partnerships, such as Global Lens with the Peoria Riverfront Museum and the international dinners with Illinois Central College Culinary Arts Institute. We have benefited from her network of contacts which has brought in great speakers such as Keith Porter of the Stanley Foundation and Charlie Brown of Strategies for Humanity. Kristin has brought her passion and professionalism to each project and it has helped PAWAC immeasurably. We wish her great success in her future endeavors.