Category: Week In DC

Monday, April 18th, 2016
Security In Asia: The UK’s Approach– Center for Strategic and International Studies
Time: 2:30-3:15pm
Location: Center for Strategic and International Studies1616 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036(map)
CSIS will host the United Kingdom’s Minister of State the Rt Hon Hugo Swire MP for a speech on strategic security issues and the UK’s all-of-Asia approach. From the Korean peninsula to Southeast Asia, the UK has made significant diplomatic and security investments in the region as part of its all-of-Asia approach. For example, as the only western P5 member with an embassy in Pyongyang, the UK brings unique insight to international security efforts to counter the North Korean nuclear threat. Minister Swire will outline the UK’s role as a security actor in the region and the ways in which transatlantic dialogue and cooperation on Asia can ensure a more secure and prosperous world. Appointed September 2012, Minister Swire is responsible for UK policy toward Asia, the Pacific and the Americas, as well as public and commercial diplomacy.  This event is made possible by general support to CSIS.

Tuesday, April 19th, 2016
How To Face Global Security Challenges In A Connected World?—US And Japanese Perspectives- The Stimson Center
Time: 2-4pm
Location: Stimson Center1211 Connecticut Ave NW, 8th floor, Washington, DC 20036 (map)
RSVP HERE The 9-11 terrorist attack in 2001 was a rude awakening to the entire world that the nature of the global security challenges are fundamentally shifting.  Now, in a world that has become increasingly interconnected, developments in one region has a rippling effect in other parts of the world.  In today’s world, we see security challenges on multiple fronts—quagmire in the Middle East, Russia’s adventurism in Europe, and an emergence of China that may potentially challenge the existing order and norms that have kept peace in the Asia-Pacific region for the last several decades.  How should the US and Japan respond to such challenges in an increasingly inter-connected world?

Private Sector Solutions For The Worldwide Refugee Crisis- Niskanen Center
Time: 12pm
Location: Dirksen Senate BuildingFirst St NE, Washington, DC 20002 (map)
Room: 562
The world is facing the largest refugee crisis since World War II. The United States government has promised to increase refugee resettlement but so far has not delivered. One innovative solution would allow private individuals to fund or sponsor refugees for admission. The United States has a long history of private refugee resettlement that should act as inspiration for new private sector-driven refugee admissions. Come join us for a discussion on privately funded refugee resettlement and possible designs for such a program with a panel of refugee scholars. Continue reading “Week in DC: Events 4.18-22.2016” →

Monday, April 11th, 2016
Russian Foreign Policy In The Putin Era– Foreign Policy Research Institute
Time: 9:30am
Location: International House Philadelphia3701 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States (map)
This year’s Penn Slavic Symposium is a public event bringing together leading policy scholars on Russian foreign policy for a day-long discussion of key issues and challenges. Please register here for lunch by April 6 or bring your own.

The Future Of Kurdistan In Iraq– Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies
Time: 2pm
Location: Johns Hopkins SAIS – Bernstein-Offit Building1717 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. (map)
A discussion with the Minister of Foreign Relations of the Kurdistan Regional Government Opening remarks and introduction: Sasha Toperich, Senior Fellow and Director of the Mediterranean Basin Initiative at the Center for Transatlantic Relations, SAIS Keynote Address: Falah Mustafa, Minister of Foreign Relations, Kurdistan Regional Government Commentator: Daniel Serwer, Professor and Director, Conflict Management Program, and Senior Fellow, Center for Transatlantic Relations, SAIS Moderator: Rebeen Pasha, WYLN Senior Fellow, Mediterranean Basin Initiative at the Center for Transatlantic Relations SAIS, and co-founder and President, American Friends of Kurdistan For More Information and to RSVP

Tuesday, April 12th, 2016
The US Navy & Cutting Edge Energy Innovation In The Defense Sector– Atlantic Council
Time: 9-10:30am
Location: Atlantic Council1030 15th Street NW, 12th Floor (West Tower Elevator) Washington, DC (map)
Please join the Atlantic Council and The Fuse on Tuesday, April 12 from 9:00 am – 10:30 am for a panel discussion on energy technology and innovation in the US defense sector. The demand for energy security and evolving geopolitical risks have already impacted the strategic approach of defense institutions, which are actively developing technology and policy alternatives to respond to these challenges. By integrating expertise in both security and energy issues, institutions such as the United States Navy provide a critical perspective in efforts to secure a reliable and sustainable energy supply. Continue reading “Week in DC: Events 4.11-15.2016” →

Monday, April 4th, 2016
Chasing Ghosts: The Policing Of Terrorism– Cato Institute
Time: noon-1pm
Location: Cato Institute1000 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001 (map)
Since 2001 the United States has created or restructured more than two counterterrorism organizations for every apprehension it has made of Islamists apparently planning to commit terrorism within the country. Central to this massive enterprise are the efforts of police and intelligence agencies to follow up on over ten million tips, the vast majority of which lead nowhere. In their new book, Chasing Ghosts, John Mueller and Mark G. Stewart try to answer a few simple, yet rarely asked questions: Is the chase worth the effort? Or is it excessive given the danger that terrorism actually presents? The authors will present their findings followed by questions and discussion related to the U.S. fight against terrorism. Please join us for what is sure to be a lively event. If you can’t make it to the event, you can watch it live online at www.cato.org/live and join the conversation on Twitter using #CatoEvents. Follow @CatoEvents on Twitter to get future event updates, live streams, and videos from the Cato Institute. Attend in Person-Online registration for this event is now closed. If you are interested in registering for this event, please email events [at] cato.org.

What Is The Appropriate Way To Respond To And Ultimately Defeat Terrorism?– Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies
Time: 4-6pm
Location: Johns Hopkins SAIS – Bernstein-Offit Building1717 Massachusetts Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. (map)
Room: 500
The purpose of this panel is to have a discussion between two Conflict Management Professors and Strategic Studies Professors in order to determine what are the best ways to respond to and ultimately defeat terrorism. This panel with compare and contrast hard power approaches with state-building and other “softer” approaches. Given the recent invasions of Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Global War on Terror, such a panel should challenge people’s assumptions and generate new ideas.

Tuesday, April 5th, 2016
The Dark Web And Human Trafficking- Terrorism, Transnational Crime and Corruption Center (TraCCC)
Time: noon-1:30pm
Location: George Mason University3351 Fairfax Dr, Arlington, VA 22201 (map)
Room: Founder’s Hall 111
Mr. Bringle will lead a presentation on the role of the dark web in human trafficking and new technological methods for finding and combatting it. Discussion will be based on his work with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). He will discuss the dark web, challenges for conducting research in that space, and cutting edge efforts to make the dark web more transparent to law enforcement working to combat human trafficking. Continue reading “Week in DC: Events 4.4-4.9.2016” →

Monday, March 28th, 2016
Enterprise Risk Management: A Form Of Organizational Self-Defense– Professional Risk Managers’ International Association (PRMIA)
Time: 12:30-1:30pm
Location: The George Washington University School of Business2201 G St NW, Washington, DC 20052 (map)
Room 652
A disturbing pattern has hit too many companies and government agencies: Everything seems to be going well when suddenly news comes about a serious failure from deep in the organization. Depending on the organization, this might involve defective automobile airbags, or a failure of federal health services for veterans, or a massive data breach, for example. Public outrage follows swiftly and senior leaders are sent packing in favor of a new team that promises to conduct a full investigation and clean up the mess. Such incidents come to light with increasing frequency. Chastened by risks that emerge at unexpected times and in unexpected ways, leaders increasingly turn to a form of organizational self-defense known as Enterprise Risk Management (ERM). ERM builds on a simple question: looking at the organization as a whole, what are the risks that could prevent my company or government agency from accomplishing its mission? Thomas H. Stanton will discuss ERM, lessons from the Financial Crisis, and ERM’s applications to government organizations.

Tuesday, March 29th, 2016
Beyond The Nuclear Security Summits: The Role Of Centers Of Nuclear Security Excellence– Center for Strategic and International Studies
Time: 9:45am-noon
Location: Center for Strategic and International Studies1616 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036 (map)
Please join the CSIS Proliferation Prevention Program as it explores  BEYOND THE NUCLEAR SECURITY SUMMITS: THE ROLE OF CENTERS OF NUCLEAR SECURITY EXCELLENCE on March 29, from 9:45am – 12:00pm. In advance of the final Nuclear Security Summit, we will bring together leaders from three Centers of Excellence to share how their centers have helped build nuclear security in East Asia as well as discuss what the future may hold for them in the post-summit environment. Dr. Jongsook Kim, Director General of the Korea Institute of Nuclear Nonproliferation and Control International Nuclear Nonproliferation and Security Academy,  Mr. Yosuke Naoi, Deputy Director of the Japan Atomic Energy Agency Integrated Support Center for Nuclear Nonproliferation and Nuclear Safety, and Mr. Zhenhua Xu (invited), Deputy Director General of China State Nuclear Security Technology Center will brief on the current status of their centers.

Meeting Today’s Global Security Challenges with General Joseph F. Dunford– Center for Strategic and International Studies
Time: 10-11am
Location: Center for Strategic and International Studies1616 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036 (map)
Please join the Center for Strategic and International Studies for a Military Strategy Forum with the 19th Chairmain of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. Gen Duford will discuss how the Department of Defense is thinking about meeting all of today’s global security challenges. Continue reading “Week in DC: Events 3.28-4.1.2016” →

Monday, March 21, 2016
Cybersecurity & Innovation: It’s The States, Stupid – Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
Time: 11am-noon
Location: Woodrow Wilson Center1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20004 (map)
Second term Governor John Hickenlooper will give a special talk about efforts in Colorado to address a rise in cyber threats while also driving innovation and creating jobs. As Federal support for cyber incidents begins to focus on the most high-level targets, leaving states and their businesses and non-profits to fend for themselves in the event of a breach, new solutions are necessary. The Governor will describe his state’s initiatives, including a new National Cyber Intelligence Center, which will provide training, incident response and serve as a resource for business, non-government organizations, and Colorado government officials. Why does it matter and what will it do? Speakers: The Honorable John Hickenlooper, Governor of Colorado Jane Harman, Director, President and CEO, Wilson Center

A Global Reality Check On Nuclear Security– Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Time: 12:30-2pm
Location: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace1779 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20036 (map)
Much progress has been made in recent years to prevent the theft of weapons-useable nuclear material around the world, but some of these materials remain dangerously vulnerable. At a time of rising risk from the self-proclaimed Islamic State and other groups, governments must redouble their efforts to prevent nuclear weapons from getting into the hands of terrorists. Ahead of the upcoming Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, a new report presents a stark choice: will the world recommit to continuous improvement in strengthening nuclear security, or will efforts decline and the danger of nuclear terrorism grow? Matthew Bunn, Martin Malin, Nickolas Roth, and William Tobey of the Harvard Belfer Center’s Project on Managing the Atom will launch the new report, Nuclear Security: A Global Reality Check. Carnegie’s Toby Dalton will moderate.

Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Advanced Analytics To Combat Cyber Threats- Government Executive
Time: 2pm
Location: Online
As one of the most digitally connected countries in the world, the United States is incredibly vulnerable to a range of cyber attacks. Adversaries use a variety of stealthy techniques, including sophisticated advanced persistent threats or “APT’s.” APT’s are very difficult to detect once inside a network as they employ a high degree of covertness over extended periods of time. Worse yet, they are becoming more common as the socially engineered spear phishing techniques used to initiate these attacks are becoming more personalized to human targets; spoofing even the most savvy users and allowing malware to infiltrate, obfuscate and exfiltrate your most sensitive data. CISO’s wage a 24/7 defense, working to keep potential threats out of their system while listening for those subtle system anomalies indicating they may already have an APT intruder. This Webcast explores the critical issue of how best to equip your agency with powerful cyber and big data analytics to spot even the most inconspicuous network activities and identify and isolate threats, investigate intrusions, and prevent future exploits.

Wednesday, March 23, 2016
GMU SPGIA Master’s Open House 
Time: 6:30pm, 7pm Biodefense Breakout Session
Location: Arlington Campus, Founders Hall, Room 126
We invite you to attend an open house to learn more about the School of Policy, Government, and International Affairs. The session will provide an overview of our master’s degree programs, an introduction to our world-class faculty and research, and highlights of the many ways we position our students for success in the classroom and beyond. Our admissions and student services staff will be on hand to answer your questions. Biodefense information session can also be attended virtually – here!  Continue reading “Week in DC: Events 3.21-23.2016” →

Monday, March 7th, 2016
Dark Territory : The Secret History Of Cyber War– New America Foundation
Time: 12:15-1:45pm
Location: New America740 15th Street NW, Suite 900 Washington, DC 20005 (map)
For all the headlines about cyber warfare as a new type of conflict, it in fact dates back nearly 50 years, to the very birth of the Internet. In his new book Dark Territory: The Secret History of Cyber War, Fred Kaplan—drawing on interviews with more than 100 participants in the story (including six NSA directors)—traces the evolution of cyber warfare in every US conflict since the 1991 Gulf War—and warns of the unexplored dangers ahead. And while most news stories on cyber attacks focus on Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran, the first and still most serious hacks were mounted—and the first ideas about cyber war were conceived—by the United States. Fred Kaplan is the national-security columnist for Slate and the author of four other books , including The Wizards of Armageddon, 1959, Daydream Believers, and, most recentlyThe Insurgents: David Petraeus and the Plot to Change the American Way of War, which was a New York Times bestseller and Pulitzer Prize finalist. A former Pulitzer Prize–winning reporter for The Boston Globe, he graduated from Oberlin College and earned a PhD from MIT. New America is pleased to welcome Mr. Kaplan for a discussion of his book and the secret history of cyber war.

Sahar Nowrouzzadeh, National Security Council Director On Iran At GW!– Elliott School of International Affairs
Time: 7-9pm
Location: Elliott School of International Affairs1957 E Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20052 (map)
Sahar Nowrouzzadeh, a GW alumna, is a Director on Iran at the National Security Council. She was involved in the negotiations of the Iran- Nuclear deal and will be answering student questions about her life and experiences.

Tuesday, March 8th, 2016
Pathways To Resilience: Evidence From Africa On Links Between Conflict Management And Resilience To Food Security Shocks– Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
Time: 3-5pm
Location: Woodrow Wilson Center1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20004 (map)
Household food security is gravely affected by economic and climate-related shocks. A series of new research studies conducted by Mercy Corps in the Horn of Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Nigeria argue that strengthening conflict management systems helps build resilience to those shocks. On March 8, Daniel Alemu, Chief of Party for Mercy Corps’ ‘Communities Helping Their Environment and Land by Bridging Interests’ program, and Jon Kurtz, Mercy Corps director of research and learning, will present the findings of the research and what it means for development and humanitarian policy. Following their presentations, experts on conflict, development, food security, and resilience will share their thoughts on the implications for cross-sectoral programming and efforts to bolster resilience in climate-affected areas. Want to attend but can’t? Tune into the live or archived webcast at WilsonCenter.org (not every event is webcast live; archived webcasts go up approximately one day after the meeting date). Continue reading “Week in DC: Events 3.7-3.11.2016” →

Monday, February 29, 2016
Humanity In War: Adapting To The Urban Theater- American Red Cross IHL
Time: 9:30-11am
Location: American National Red Cross430 17th Street NW Washington, DC 20006 (map) Room: Board of Governors
An estimated ten civilians die for every one fighter killed in battle. Cities are frequently becoming combat zones and with an expected 6.3 billion people living in cities by 2050 it is important to consider how IHL adapts to the rising prevalence of urban warfare. Join us for an in-depth discussion on distinction, proportionality, and other challenges in this changing realm of armed conflict. RSVP HERE

Better Together? Exploring The Proposal For A Pooled Fund For Global Health Research And Development– O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law
Time: 11am-12:30pm
Location: Georgetown Law Center600 New Jersey Ave NW, Washington, DC (map)
Room: 600 New Jersey Ave., N.W. Washington, DC 20001
On January 1, 2016, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) entered into force, setting an ambitious new global agenda to end all forms of poverty, fight inequality, and tackle climate change. In order to reach such ambitious goals, it is clear that new tools and techniques are sorely needed. Achieving the health-related SDGs will depend on new R&D to combat emerging infectious diseases, turn the tide against existing epidemics, and stay ahead of the rise of drug resistance.
Join GHTC and the O’Neill Institute for a webinar/panel discussion to learn more about proposals for a pooled fund for global health R&D. Panelists will explain current proposals and discuss the ways in which such a fund could be a vital resource in achieving the SDGs. To RSVP to attend the panel discussion or to watch the webinar, click here.

Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Strengthening National Security By Protecting Public Health- Georgetown Law
Time: 9am-5pm
Location: Gewirz Student Center120 F St NW, Washington, DC 20001 (map)
Room: Gewirz 12th Floor
The Journal of National Security Law & Policy, the Center, and the O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law, are pleased to present the JNSLP 2016 symposium. The keynote speech will be offered by Prof. Lawrence Gostin, Faculty Director of the O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law, on“Global Health Security in an Era of Explosive Pandemic Potential: Lessons from SARS and MERS to Ebola and Zika.” Please RSVP here. 

Wednesday, March 2, 2016
GMU Biodefense Course Sampler- “Biosecurity as a Wicked Problem”
Time: 7pm
Location: George Mason Arlington Campus, Founders Hall, room 502
If you’re on the fence about going back to school, curious about our program, or just want to hear what a class in biodefense would be like, check out our course sampler on Wednesday, March 2nd, at 7pm, in our Arlington Campus in Founders Hall, Room 502. “The United States and the world face unprecedented threats to global biosecurity, including emerging infectious diseases, pandemics, natural disasters, bioterrorism, and laboratory accidents. Find out about the challenges posed by these threats and strategies for enhancing global health security.” How many times can you sample a course from not only an expert in the field, but also the director of the program? Dr. Koblentz will be your host for this evening lecture on biodefense, dual-use research, CRISPR-Cas9, biosecurity, and much more. Can’t attend in person? Don’t worry – we’re also live-streaming here. Come join us for a look behind the curtain of not only our GMU graduate programs, but also the world of global health security. Continue reading “Week in DC: Events 2.29-3.4.2016” →

Monday, February 22nd, 2016
Will The Syria War Ever End?– Project for the Study of the 21st Century
Time: 2-3:30pm
Location: Thomson Reuters1333 H St NW #410E, Washington, DC 20005 (map)
Five years after the start of the “Arab Spring”, Syria’s civil war is as brutal as ever — and dragging in ever more outside powers. As Russian-backed government forces close on Aleppo, has Bashar al-Assad finally regained the upper hand? What compromises might Syrians be willing to accept as the price of peace — and given the increasing involvement of foreign states, does that even matter? How will a new American president handle what increasingly looks like one of the defining regional wars of the era?

Human Security In The Face Of Violent Extremism– Georgetown University
Time: 4-5:30pm
Location: Georgetown University37 St NW and O St NW, Washington, DC (map)
The Office of the President, the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security, the Georgetown Global Futures Initiative, and the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace and World Affairs will cohost a lecture and discussion featuring H.E. Zainab Bangura, United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary General on Sexual Violence in Conflict and Alissa Rubin, Paris Bureau Chief, New York Times.

Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016
Engineering Away Disease- New America Foundation
Time: 12:15-1:45pm
Location: New America740 15th Street NW Suite 900 Washington, DC 20005(map)
In a matter of weeks, the Zika virus has gone from being a virtually unknown phenomenon to a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern.” And for good reason: The virus – for which there is no treatment – is spreading quickly through the Americas, carried by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Human development, climate change, and droughts will only make mosquitos more widespread, allowing them to carry diseases like dengue and malaria to new places. Around the world, researchers are trying to genetically engineer mosquitoes so that they can’t transmit dangerous viruses. But anyone who has seen Jurassic Park knows that a little change to the ecosystem can have serious effects. What might be the consequences of messing with the world’s deadliest animal? Are there other diseases that we may want to engineer away? If so, how should we proceed? On Tuesday, Feb. 23, join Future Tense for a lunchtime conversation on Zika as a case study in potential technical solutions to deadly diseases. Continue reading “Week in DC: Events 2.22-2.6.2016” →

Monday, February 15th, 2016
Happy President’s Day!

Tuesday, February 16th, 2016
Reassurance And Deterrence In The Baltics: Ensuring The U.S. And NATO Get It Right– Heritage Foundation
Time: 12-1pm
Location: Heritage Foundation214 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, D.C. 20002 (map)
Russia continues to pose an existential threat to the Baltic States. What steps must the United States and NATO take to reassure the Baltics and deter Russian aggression? How prepared is the alliance to defend against non-conventional threats, including cyber-attacks, irregular troops, propaganda, and cuts in energy supplies? What’s the view from the Baltic States themselves? How would our Nordic partners Finland and Sweden react to a Russian aggression against the Baltics? Join us for a panel discussion of this vitally important topic.More About the Speakers Jorge Benitez, Ph.D.Senior Fellow, Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security, Atlantic CouncilLuke CoffeyDirector, Douglas and Sarah Allison Center for Foreign Policy Studies,The Heritage FoundationAnn-Sofie Dahl, Ph.D.Adjunct Fellow, Europe, Center for Strategic and International StudiesMarius LaurinavičiusSecurity Research Scholar, Baltic-American Freedom Foundation,Center for European Policy Analysis

Defeating AIDS, TB And Malaria: Designing Next Generation Financing Models- Center for Global Development
Time: 4-5:30pm
Location: Center for Global Development2055 L Street NW (map)
The global health community has made great strides in addressing AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria: fewer people are contracting these diseases, fewer people are dying from them, and far more people are enrolled in life-saving treatments. Yet to sustain this progress and defeat these three diseases, the global community must find more efficient ways to allocate and structure funding. How can this be done? A new CGD report, Aligning Incentives, Aligning Impact: Next Generation Financing Models for Global Health, provides practical recommendations to help global health funders design and rollout new ways to finance programs and mechanisms to combat the three major diseases. At this launch event, CGD is delighted to welcome keynote speaker Ambassador Deborah Birx and several of the report Working Group members (panelists to be announced) to discuss the report recommendations and share their perspectives, focusing on the importance of good incentives and the opportunities to use next generation financing models at the Global Fund and elsewhere.

Wednesday, February 17th, 2016
Building The Effectiveness Of National Security In Conflict And Post-Conflict Transitions To Promote Accountability And Protect Civilians From Harm– American University Washington College of Law
Time: 9am-5pm
Location: AU Washington College of Law4801 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20016 (map)
As stated in the United States’ National Security Strategy, efforts to advance security and prosperity are enhanced when governments support certain values that are universal. Nations that respect human rights and democratic values are more successful and stronger partners, and individuals who enjoy such respect are more able to achieve their full potential. It is problematic to place the security of the state entirely above the interests of individual citizens because both security and human rights are inextricably intertwined. When it comes to security partnerships, security forces that incorporate human rights and international humanitarian law standards promote accountability, create a safer environment for civilians and make more effective partners in the long run, especially considering the growing interest in countering transnational threats. The accountability, professionalism and effectiveness of national security, particularly in conflict settings and post-conflict transitions, are crucial to protecting civilians from violence and crime and promoting effective counterterrorism. Continue reading “Week in DC: Events 2.15-2.19.2016” →

Monday, February 8th, 2016
Paul Goble On The Future Of Post-Soviet Countries– Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies
Time: 5-7:30pm
Location: Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS)1740 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036 (map)
Room: Kenney-Herter Auditorium – The Nitze Building
This special forum, organized jointly with The Jamestown Foundation, will honor Paul Goble, eminent scholar and expert on the post-Soviet world. Paul will share with us his view on prospects of the states and people in this important strategic region, which includes the Caucasus and Central Asia, as well as the Baltic countries and Ukraine. Several of Paul’s long-time friends, colleagues and professional associates will comment on his intellectual contribution to the study of these post-Soviet countries.

Tuesday, February 9th, 2016
ISIS’ Hunt For WMDs: Navigating The Nuclear Underworld With C.J. Chivers-Center for Strategic and International Studies
Time: 3:30-5pm
Location: Center for Strategic and International Studies1616 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036 (map)
The Project on Nuclear Issues (PONI) is pleased to invite you to a discussion with C.J. Chivers on nuclear smuggling in the Middle East. Chivers, a former marine and Pulitzer Prize-winning investigator with the New York Times, has reported from the front lines of Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Syria, and more, analyzing conflicts and the weapons that fuel them. One of Chivers’ recent features, ‘The Doomsday Scam,’ revealed how ISIS and other terrorist groups have pursued a fictional weapon-making substance known as red mercury. Chivers, who has been called ‘the greatest war reporter in a generation,’ will share his unique insight about the possibilitiy of terrorist groups obtaining nuclear materials, where they could be bought, and how the international community should respond if a terrorist group were to acquire nuclear material, or some other weapon of mass destruction. The discussion will be moderated by Rebecca Hersman, Director, Project on Nuclear Issues, and Senior Adviser, International Security Program, CSIS.

Cross-Straits Series: Conflict In The Taiwan Strait?– Atlantic Council
Time: 12:30pm
Location: Atlantic Council1030 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005 (map)
Room: 12th Floor (West Tower)
Taiwan’s elections on January 16 resulted in both its new president and, for the first time, a majority of legislators being from pro-independence parties. This has raised concerns about how Beijing will react. The official China Daily stated after the election that if president-elect Tsai Ing-wen does not accept that Taiwan is part of China, she will be leading Taiwan in the direction of “conflicts and tension.” Underscoring the point, the mainland military recently conducted amphibious landing exercises along its coast opposite Taiwan. Would China actually use force against Taiwan? And under what circumstances? What are the current capabilities of China’s military? Does it have the ability to force Taiwan to unify with the mainland?

Wednesday, February 10th, 2016
Chemical Safety and Security:Dealing with Global and National Threats
Time: 1:30-3:30pm
Location: Green Cross International, 1101 15^th St. NW, Suite 1100 (Friends of the Earth), Washington DC
Threats and challenges linked to the globalization and spread of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) industries and materials require global responses that move beyond politics and internationalize best existing practices and innovative solutions.

Continue reading “Week in DC: Events 2.8-2.12.2016” →