The NAFTA Panel:  Jim Ryan, International Trade Center; Mark Albertson, IL Soybean Association; Maggie Shelley, US chambers of Commerce; Don Samford, Peoria Area World Affairs Council

Who Rules Britannia?
​A discussion of Brexit, then and now.​
Thursday, May 16, 2019 | Barrack's Cater Inn, Peoria
Dinner at 5:30 pm | Program at 7:00 pm
With Dr. David Cleeton, Professor of Economics
Illinois State University and the University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign

Picture
Brexit began during a referendum on June 23rd in 2016, and has since risen to the headlines of every news source in the world. Theresa May has agreed on behalf of the UK to withdrawal rules set by the EU; detailing an exit strategy and how much money the UK will owe after the separation.

The UK's exit date draws ever near, as it is set for the 31st of October in 2019. Some argue to delay the withdrawal and others are signing petitions to stop it entirely. Brexit brings uncertainty to Europe's future, how will this change effect both political and domestic affairs within Europe? PAWAC would love to see you ask precisely these questions on the 16th!

The State of Transatlantic Relations
Why German-US Ties Still Matter
Her Excellency Helga Barth
Minister of Political Affairs, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany
Thursday, May 30 
Cocktails and Cash Bar at 5 pm, Dinner at 5:30 pm, Program at 7 pm
The Lindenhof, 7601 Harker (off Pioneer Parkway)

Picture
After learning about Brexit from the British perspective, this dynamic program will offer the view from the European perspective.  Germany is one of the United States' most important allies, and Madam Barth will focus on the significant relations between Central Illinois and Germany.  And we will partner with the German American Central Society!

All tickets are $35 per person.  The Lindenhof is providing fabulous German food and traditional entertainment to accent this outstanding program.  Tickets must be purchased in advance, and we expect this event to be popular!  Print your registration form and mail it today, or register online through the link below.  See you at the Lindenhof!
Join us for the PAWAC Reads Book Club!
Sunday, April 28, 2019 at 2:00 - 4:00 pm 
Peoria Public Library, North Branch 
Like War: The Weaponization of Social Media
by Peter W. Singer and Emerson Brooking
 Picture
This book paints a fascinating and frightening portrait of the many ways in which social media has been used to control, terrorize, and reshape war. Groups and countries take advantage of online platforms. Examples include radicalization by ISIS, disinformation by Russia, China, and North Korea. This also included extensive coverage of the 2016 US political campaign. The efforts succeeded in distorting, distracting, and dividing our nation. Descriptions of ECHO chambers and confirmation bias dominated the media and reinforced the goal of the disinformation campaign.  What this book portrays is real world stuff, frightening and dangerous. Published in 2018, this book is a page turner!

​Travel with the World Affairs Councils!

​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.

To learn more and register for upcoming  trips, visit the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia website by clicking here.