Category: Monthly Luncheon

SPEAKER

Dr. Thomas Fingar

Former Deputy Director of National Intelligence
Now a Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute
for International Studies at Stanford University

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Overview

Foreign policy was not a major focus of the 2024 presidential campaign but developments beyond our borders do not take time out while the new American administration appoints officials and establishes priorities. Dozens of transition papers were prepared by the Biden administration and incoming officials will receive help from the professional bureaucracy, but coping with legacy problems, unanticipated developments, and efforts by other countries to shape administration policy will pose daunting challenges for the new foreign policy team. Tom Fingar, who held senior national security positions during four presidential transitions, will describe the process and illustrate the kinds of problems the new administration will face.

Tom Fingar is Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Center Fellow at Stanford’s Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies. His previous positions include Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Chair of the National Intelligence Council, Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Analysis. Dr. Fingar is a graduate of Cornell University (A.B. in government and history) and Stanford University (M.A. and Ph.D. both in political science).

Date and Times

• Tuesday, December 17, 2024
• 11:30 AM: Registration
• 12:00 PM: Luncheon
• 12:45 PM: Speaker

Menu

• Salad: California Field Greens Salad with Arugula, Cherry Tomato, Pine Nuts & Shaved Parmesan with Lemon & Balsamic Dressing
• Bread & Butter
• Entree: Seared Chicken Cordon Bleu in a Mushroom Cream Sauce, Creamy Mashed Potatoes & Sauté of Seasonal Vegetables
• Vegetarian Alternative: Spinach & Cheese Ravioli, Tuscan Sauce of Sun-Dried Tomato, Artichoke, Kalamata Olives & Capers
• Dessert: New York Cheesecake with Chocolate & Caramel Drizzle & Spiced Walnuts

Cost

• $45 for World Affairs Council members
• $55 for Guests

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Registration

If you encounter difficulties with our online registration please
email info@wacmb.org to reserve a spot by the registration deadline.

A limited number of seats for auditors (at no charge) will be available.
Please notify the WACMB office no later than Tuesday, December 10th to
www.wacmb.org or tel 831-643-1855. Auditors will be allowed entry at 12:40 pm

Registrations are now closed.

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Location

The Big Sur Room

Hilton Garden Inn, Monterey
1000 Aguajito Road
Monterey, CA 93923

How the Global Positioning System transformed life on earth for 8 billion people and 195 nation states.

SPEAKER

Dr. Bradford Parkinson

Edward C. Wells Professor of Aeronautics & Astronautics (Recalled), Stanford University

Co-Director, Stanford Center for Position, Navigation, and Time

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Overview

GPS, originally Navstar GPS, is a satellite-based radio navigation system owned by the United States Space Force. Beyond helping you in your car each day, GPS provides critical positioning capabilities to military, civil, and commercial users around the world. In many surprising ways, GPS has transformed life on our planet.

Our guest, Dr. Bradford Parkinson, is a world renowned American engineer and inventor widely known as the “Father of GPS.” He was the Chief Architect for GPS and led the original advocacy for the system in 1973 as an Air Force Colonel. He went on to develop and lead many innovative applications of GPS. In his remarks he will discuss the development of the Global Positioning System and its international applications.

Bradford Parkinson is Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics (Emeritus) in the School of Engineering, Stanford University. Before joining the Stanford faculty, he served twenty-one years in the Air Force, from 1957 to 1978, where he logged 160 hours of combat missions in Southeast Asia, and received the Bronze Star and Presidential Unit Citatio. Among his many awards is the Draper Prize of the National Academy of Engineering; one of three prizes that constitute the “Nobel Prizes of Engineering.” Parkinson earned his PhD. in Astronautical Engineering from Stanford University. He has been selected as a Stanford Engineering Hero and as a Distinguished Graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. Professor Parkinson was the Director & Co-Principal Investigator of the Stanford Relativity Program, Gravity Probe B, which validated Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity.

Date and Times

• Tuesday, November 19, 2024
• 11:30 AM: Registration
• 12:00 PM: Luncheon
• 12:45 PM: Speaker

Menu

• Salad: Caesar Salad – Romaine, Kale, Grape Tomatoes, Brioche Croutons with Shaved Parmesan & Lemon-Caesar Dressing
• Bread & Butter
• Entree: Pan-Seared Salmon with a Citrus Beurre-Blanc, Sweet Pea Risotto Beet Medley, Blistered Tomato Relish
• Vegetarian Alternative: Mushroom Ravioli with Gilroy Garlic Cream Sauce, Artichoke Ratatouille, Tomato-Basil Stew
• Dessert: Pineapple-Carrot Walnut Cake

Cost

• $55 for World Affairs Council members
• $65 for Guests

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Registration

If you encounter difficulties with our online registration please email info@wacmb.org to reserve a spot by the registration deadline.

A limited number of seats for auditors (at no charge) will be available.
Please notify the WACMB office no later than Tuesday, November 12th to
www.wacmb.org or tel 831-643-1855. Auditors will be allowed entry at 12:40 pm.

Registration is now closed.

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Location

The Ferrantes Room
Monterey Marriott
350 Calle Principal
Monterey, CA, 93940

SPEAKER

Brooks Hurd

Sirius UHP
Founder and Managing Director

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Overview

Today, military, economic and geopolitical power are built on a foundation of computer chips. Semiconductors have been described as the most critical technology in the world. Our guest, Brooks Hurd, has over 35 years experience in the international semiconductor industry in more than a dozen countries, including Poland, Mexico, Italy, Israel, Japan, Taiwan, and Korea. In his remarks he will discuss the transformation of the semiconductor industry over the past 3 decades as well as the strategic global importance of the semiconductor materials supply chain today.

Mr. Hurd is a founding partner of Sirius UHP, a firm that provides consulting services and support for the semiconductor industry. Most recently he served as Senior Construction Adviser to the TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor) project in Phoenix, Arizona. Hurd holds a B.S. Degree in Chemical Engineering from Ohio State University.

Date and Times

• Wednesday, October 16, 2024
• 11:30 AM: Registration begins
• 12:00 PM: Luncheon
• 12:45 PM: Speaker

Menu

• Salad: Vinaigrette Salad
• Bread & Butter
• Entree: Panko Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Sherry Crean Sauce
• Vegetarian Alternative: Harvest Grain Stuffed Bell Pepper
• Dessert: Chef’s Cake of the Day

Cost

• $65 for World Affairs Council members
• $75 for Guests

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Registration

If you encounter difficulties with our online registration or wish to audit the presentation please email info@wacmb.org to reserve a spot by the registration deadline.

WACMB will accept auditors to this event, requiring notification to the WACMB office no later than, October 11th, 2024  Auditors will be allowed entry at 12:35 pm.

Registration is now closed.

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Location

Wedgewood – Carmel Fields
(Palo Corona Regional Park)

The Fiesta Room
4860 Carmel Valley Road
Carmel, CA 93923

SPEAKER

Dr. Brendan Kelly

Middlebury Institute of International Studies and
Int’l. Artic Research Center, Univ. of Alaska, Fairbanks

Monday, September 30, 2024

Overview

“Polar ice caps are melting as global warming causes climate change. We lose Arctic Sea ice at a rate of almost 13% per decade, and over the past 30 years the oldest and thickest ice in the Arctic has declined by a stunning 95%. If emissions continue to rise unchecked the Arctic could be ice-free in the summer of 2040. What happens in the Arctic does not stay in the Arctic. Sea ice loss has far reaching effects around the world.” – World Wildlife Fund

Brendan Kelly, a marine biologist with a focus on sea ice environments – along with Indigenous, scientific, and canine collaborators – has documented ecological consequences of rapidly diminishing snow and sea ice cover. He subsequently devoted much of his career to studying environmental change in the Arctic and the consequences for ecosystems and people. In his slide-illustrated presentation, Dr. Kelly discusses the current state of the Arctic, the consequences of change, and the prospects for a sustainable future.

Dr. Kelly is a senior fellow with the Center for the Blue Economy at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies. He also serves as Science Director for the Study of Environmental Arctic Change. He previously served as Assistant Director for Polar Science in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and Chief Scientist for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Brendan Kelly received degrees in Biology from the University of California Santa Cruz (BA), the University of Alaska Fairbanks (MS) and Purdue University (PhD).

Date and Times

• Monday, September 30, 2024
• 11:30 AM: Registration begins
• 12:00 PM: Luncheon
• 12:45 PM: Program

Menu

• Salad: Butter Lettuce Salad with Roasted Beets, Oranges and California Goat Cheese Citrus Vinaigrette
• Bread & Butter
• Entree: Maple & Mustard Glazed Salmon with Basmati Rice & a Stir Fry of Seasonal Vegetables
• Vegetarian Alternative: Maple & Mustard Glazed Roasted Cauliflower “Steaks” with Basmati Rice & a Stir Fry of Seasonal Vegetables
• Dessert: Rasberry Cheesecake Swirl Over Chocolate Drizzle & Mint

Cost

• $36 for World Affairs Council members
• $41 for Guests

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Registration

If you encounter difficulties with our online registration or wish to audit the presentation please email info@wacmb.org to reserve a spot by the registration deadline.

WACMB will accept auditors to this event, requiring notification to the WACMB office no later than Wednesday, September 25th to www.wacmb.org. Auditors will be allowed entry at 12:35 pm.

Registration is now closed.

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Location

Big Sur Room

Hilton Garden Inn, Monterey
1000 Aguajito Road
Monterey, CA 93923

SPEAKER

Colonel William McArthur

U.S. Army Aviator & NASA Astronaut (retired)

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

Overview

Some believe that space exploration over the next few decades will change the face of global politics. Already competition between the United States, China, and Russia in space is having consequences for us here on Earth. In March of this year the U.S. House Intelligence Committee became alarmed when they discovered that Russia was developing a space-based anti-satellite weapon potentially armed with a nuclear warhead. Space is central to our communications, economics and military strategy,
and increasingly important to international relations.

Our guest, Colonel Bill McArthur, is a veteran of three Space Shuttle missions and one expedition to the International Space Station via the Russian Soyuz capsule, logging 224 days in space. He will discuss the evolution of cooperation in human spaceflight, the new space race, the key players and their goals, and the prospects for fostering collaboration rather than conflict.

Colonel McArthur earned his Bachelor of Science degree in applied science and engineering from the Unites States Military Academy, West Point, NY, and received his Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Following his last space flight he served as Director, Safety and Mission Assurance, Johnson Space Center. He now resides in Friendswood, Texas.

Date and Times

• Tuesday, August 27, 2024
• 5:30 PM: Registration & Cash Wine Bar
• 6:00 PM: Dinner
• 6:45 – 8:00 PM: Program

Menu

• Salad: Spring Spinach Salad with Peas, Radishes, Chickpeas & Crumbled Feta Champagne Vinaigrette
• Bread & Butter
• Entree: Grilled Lemon, Garlic & Rosemary Salmon with a Tomato Basil Bruschetta Salsa over Orzo Pilaf with Basil & Pine Nuts & Blistered Green Beans
• Vegetarian Alternative: Salinas Valley Pasta Primavera Penne Pasta with Olive Oil, Pine Nuts, Basil, Grilled Zucchini & Roasted Tomatoes
• Dessert: Chocolate Mousse CakeTopped with Salinas Valley Berries

Cost

• $36 for World Affairs Council members
• $41 for Guests

Vaccination Requirements

Until further notice documentation of COVID vaccination will not be required to attend in-person events.

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Registration

If you encounter difficulties with our online registration or wish to audit the presentation please email info@wacmb.org to reserve a spot by the registration deadline.

WACMB will accept auditors to this event, requiring notification to the WACMB office no later than Thursday, August 22nd to www.wacmb.org
Auditors will be allowed entry at 6:40 pm.

Registrations are due by Thursday, August 22, 2024

Please note: Cancellations after the deadline are non-refundable.

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Location

Big Sur Room

Hilton Garden Inn, Monterey
1000 Aguajito Road
Monterey, CA 93923

SPEAKER

Russell Wald

Stanford Institute for 
Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI)

Thursday, August 1st, 2024

Overview

The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence have brought forth innumerable benefits, possibilities, and challenges. Our guest, Russell Wald, will discuss how AI will affect governments and governance across the world and what it will mean for the geopolitical environment. Wald will take the audience through the latest trends in AI development and how that is impacting the economic and security competition that has been engendered by the rise of AI.

Russell Wald is the Deputy Director of the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence. In this role he oversees HAI’s research, education, communications, industry programs, and policy and society hub. Wald has held various policy program and government relations positions at Stanford University for over a decade. Before joining HAI he served with Stanford’s Center for International Security and Cooperation. Prior to his work at Stanford, Wald served on the staff of the Los Angeles World Affairs Council.

Date and Times

• Thursday, August 1st, 2024
• 5:30 PM: Registration & Cash Wine Bar
• 6:15 PM: Dinner
• 6:45 – 8:00 PM: Program

Menu

• Salad: Hearts of Romaine with Shaved Parmesan, Herb Croutons, Cherry Tomatoes & Caesar Dressing
• Bread & Butter
• Entree: Grilled Chicken Caponata, Topped with a Bounty of Roasted Eggplant, Green Olives, Capers & Roasted Tomatoes over Creamy Polenta & a Sauté of Seasonal Vegetables
• Vegetarian Alternative: Grilled Portabella Mushrooms, Topped with a Bounty of Roasted Eggplant, Green Olives, Capers & Roasted Tomatoes over Creamy Polenta & a Sauté of Seasonal Vegetables
• Dessert: Strawberry Short Cake with House Made Whipped Cream, Mint Chiffonade & Salinas Valley Strawberries

Cost

• $36 for World Affairs Council members
• $41 for Guests

Vaccination Requirements

Until further notice documentation of COVID vaccination will not be required to attend in-person events.

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Registration

If you encounter difficulties with our online registration or wish to audit the presentation please email info@wacmb.org to reserve a spot by the registration deadline.

WACMB will accept auditors to this event, requiring notification to the WACMB office no later than Sunday, July 28, 2024 to www.wacmb.org
Auditors will be allowed entry at 6:30 pm.

Registration is now closed.

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Location

Big Sur Room

Hilton Garden Inn, Monterey
1000 Aguajito Road
Monterey, CA 93923

SPEAKER

James Stent

Bank of Asia (Retired)

Friday, June 28th, 2024

Overview

Over recent decades, the popular aspirations in Thailand for a fully democratic and more just society have run up against entrenched resistance and repression from an elite determined to defend its political control and economic privileges. Polarization between the contending forces has steadily increased.

Our guest, Jim Stent, will describe the underlying cultural and historical issues leading to polarization and will outline the issues at stake today between the contending forces. His presentation will include a discussion of how this domestic political drama conditions the geostrategic rivalry in Southeast Asia between China and the United States, and what the U.S. needs to do to retain the good will of Thailand, a major non-NATO ally.

Jim Stent worked for 18 years in Bangkok at Bank of Asia, a Thai Bank, serving as deputy president of the bank. He began his banking career with Citibank and, later, Crocker National Bank before joining the Bank of Asia. He has served on the Boards of Directors of banks in Thailand, China, Myanmar, and Mongolia. Mr. Stent received his B.A. degree from the University of California Berkeley and Master of Public Affairs from the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs where he focused on development economics. He speaks and reads Chinese and Thai. He now divides his time between residences in Thailand and California.

Date and Times

• Friday, June 28th, 2024
• 11:15 AM: Registration
• 11:45 AM: Lunch
• 12:30 PM: Speaker Presentation & Questions

Menu

• Salad: Arugula & Field Greens Salad with Sliced Pear, Pomegranate Seeds & Toasted Walnuts with a Champagne Vinaigrette
• Bread & Butter
• Entree: Baked Chicken with a Ratatouille of Eggplant, Zucchini, Bell Pepper & Roasted Tomatoes Creamy Polenta & Sautéed Green Beans
• Vegetarian Alternative: Portobello Mushroom Ratatouille of Eggplant, Zucchini, Bell Pepper & Roasted Tomatoes with Creamy Polenta & Sautéed Green Beans
• Dessert: Coffee Crunch Cake over a Caramel Drizzle with Whipped Cream

Cost

• $36 for World Affairs Council members
• $41 for guests

Vaccination Requirements

Until further notice documentation of COVID vaccination will not be required to attend in-person events.

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Registration

If you encounter difficulties with our online registration or wish to audit the presentation please email info@wacmb.org to reserve a spot by the registration deadline.

WACMB will accept auditors to this event, requiring notification to the WACMB office no later than Sunday, June 23, 2024 to info@wacmb.org. Auditors will be allowed entry at 12:20 pm.

Registration is now closed.

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Location

Big Sur Room

Hilton Garden Inn, Monterey
1000 Aguajito Road
Monterey, CA 93923

Honoring the Greenfield AWQ Team who competed at the World Affairs Council of America AWQ contest on April 20th in Washington D.C.

Tuesday, May 14th, 2024

Overview

The Greenfield AWQ student team arrived home on Sunday, April 21st from their whirlwind trip representing Monterey County in the National Academic World Quest. When asked what their favorite part was, all of them responded, “The tour of the Capitol!” Thank you Michael Ipson for organizing it.

We are so proud of these students who studied diligently to master topics on global issues including NATO: Defence in a Changing World, Sports and Diplomacy, Demographic Challenges in Africa, a Green Europe and many others. Please join us as we welcome a member of Representative Zoe Lofgren’s staff and Monterey County Supervisor, Chris Lopez who will help honor the team. Our evening program will also include a fun challenge for our members and guests to test their own knowledge of current global issues in our own WAC Quiz Competition.

These students are looking forward to sharing more about their trip at the May 14th WACMB dinner honoring them. Register online or send in the mail-in form by the registration deadline.

Date and Times

• Tuesday, May 14th, 2024
• 5:30 PM: Registration
• 6:00 PM: Dinner
• 6:30 PM: Presentations

Menu

• Salad: Spring Spinach Salad with Jicama, Grilled Corn, Cherry Tomatoes with Avocado Dressing
• Bread & Butter
• Entree: Baked Cod with Tropical Fruit Salsa Served with Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes & a Sauté of Seasonal Vegetables
• Vegetarian Alternative: Roasted Sweet Potato “Steaks” with Black Bean & Fresh Fruit Salsa served with Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes & a Sauté of Seasonal Vegetables
• Dessert: Strawberry Shortcake with Whipped Cream & Mint Chiffonade

Cost

• $36 for World Affairs Council members
• $41 for guests

Vaccination Requirements

Until further notice, documentation of COVID vaccination will not be required to attend in-person events.

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Registration

If you have difficulties with our online registration or wish to audi the presentation, please email info@wacmb.org to reserve a spot by the registration deadline.

Registration is now closed

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Location

Big Sur Room

Hilton Garden Inn, Monterey
1000 Aguajito Road
Monterey, CA 93923

Speaker

Jeremias Zunguze, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Ethnic & Gender Studies – California State University, Monterey Bay

Friday, April 26, 2024

Overview

Since independence in the 1950s, the beginning of African independence, the continent has witnessed more than two hundred military coups, dictators and democratically-elected leaders overthrown, and democracy brought to a halt. Since 2020 alone there have been 16 attempted or successful coups in West and Central Africa. While each has been unique, some common trends have driven these coups.

Why are there so many military coups in Africa? Why does the “rule by the people” not seem to work as we know it? Are the coups a destruction of democracy and/or are they forces to restore the rule of the people? Our guest, Professor Jeremias Zunguze, discusses the underlying historical and
cultural factors that have combined to shape African democracy, where various forms of power and governance have continued to compete for sovereignty and monopoly, often resulting in seasonal-like military coups, civil wars, and proxy wars.

Born and raised in Mozambique, South-Eastern Africa, Dr. Zunguze is an Associate Professor of Ethnic and Gender Studies, with a focus on Africana studies, at California State University Monterey Bay. He holds a Ph.D. in Hispanic Languages and Literatures from the University of California Berkeley specializing in Luso-Brazilian Studies and Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) African Cultures. His research interests include Africana critical theory, decolonial studies, and trauma studies. Prior to joining CSUMB in the fall of 2023, for the past eight years, Dr. Zunguze
taught various courses in African and African diaspora studies at the University of North Carolina, Asheville, including The African Nation, Introduction to Africana Studies, and Introduction to Africana American Studies.

Date and Times

• Friday, April 26, 2024
• 11:15 AM: Registration
• 11:45 AM: Lunch
• 12:45 – 2:00 PM: Speaker Presentation & Questions

Menu

• Salad: Spring Spinach Salad with Peas, Radishes, Chickpeas & Crumbled Feta and a Champagne Vinaigrette
• Bread & Butter
• Entree: Grilled Lemon, Garlic & Rosemary Salmon & Orzo Pilaf with Basil & Pine Nuts, Blistered Green Beans & Tomato Basil Bruschetta
• Vegetarian Alternative: Salinas Valley Penne Pasta Primavera with Olive Oil, Pine Nuts, Grilled Basil Zucchini & Roasted Tomatoes
• Dessert: Chocolate Mousse Cake Topped with Salinas Valley Berries

Cost

• $36 for World Affairs Council members
• $41 for guests

Vaccination Requirements

Until further notice, documentation of COVID vaccination will not be required to attend in-person events.

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Registration

If you encounter difficulties with our online registration please email info@wacmb.org to reserve a spot before the April 21st deadline.

WACMB will accept auditors to this event, requiring notification to the WACMB office no later than Tuesday, April 23, 2024 to www.wacmb.org.

Auditors will be allowed entry at 12:20 pm.

Registration is now closed.

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Location

Hilton Garden Inn, Monterey
1000 Aguajito Road
Monterey, CA 93923

Speaker

The Honorable Leon E. Panetta


Former United States Secretary of Defense

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Overview

“Abroad there is Putin’s war against Ukraine, turmoil in the Middle East, and looming threats in Asia. Put succinctly, the fate of the West is being decided by what happens in the East. At home, American democracy is withering from misinformation, tribalism, domestic terrorism, political intolerance, the dysfunction of Congress, assaults on the press, crippling polarization, the undermining of elections, racial intolerance, inequality and more. We are a superpower at a pivotal crossroads.

Will the America of the 21st century make up its mind and act to provide the necessary world leadership to protect democracy in Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan and elsewhere? Will it preserve the American dream of giving our children a better life?”

-Secretary Leon Panetta

Join us when Secretary Panetta, Co-Chairman of the Panetta Institute for Public Policy, discusses some of the most important issues of our day.

Leon Panetta is the former U.S. Secretary of Defense, Director of the CIA, White House Chief of Staff, Director of the Office of Management and Budget and U.S. Representative from our 17th Congressional District. He was born and raised in Carmel Valley, California.

Date and Times

• Thursday, March 28, 2024
• 11:15 AM Registration
• ~11:45 AM Lunch
• 12:45 PM Speaker Presentation

Menu

• Salad: Caesar Salad
• Assorted Bread & Rolls with Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar
• Entree: Citrus-Brined Chicken: A Bone-In Chicken Breast with Lemon-Thyme Jus, Marbled Potatoes, Braised Fennel, & Pancetta Brussel Sprouts
• Vegetarian Alternative: Vegan Paella: Black Beans, Sweet Potatoes, Chick Peas, Zucchini with Saffron Rice & a Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette
• Dessert: Fresh Seasonal Tart

Cost

• $69 for World Affairs Council members
• $79 for guests

Vaccination Requirements

Until further notice, documentation of COVID vaccination will not be required to attend in-person events.

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Registration

If you encounter difficulties with registration, please email info@wacmb.org before the registration deadline.
Please note: Auditors will not be admitted to this event.

Registration is now closed

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Location

Monterey Conference Center
One Portola Plaza
Steinbeck Ballroom
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 646-3770