WAC Houston

Check out our full upcoming program with Clay Risen!
https://wachouston.org/event/red-scare-mccarthyism-today/
 
The Red Scare and McCarthyism didn’t just define a moment in history — they reshaped American civil liberties, politics, and culture in ways that still resonate today. In this conversation, journalist and author Clay Risen explores how fear of communist infiltration spiraled into national hysteria, destroying careers, silencing artists and activists, and reshaping the boundaries of free speech.
Drawing from his book Red Scare: Blacklists, McCarthyism, and the Making of Modern America, Risen unpacks the covert machinery behind Hollywood blacklists and the grassroots activism that fueled anti-communist vigilance, including Houston’s Minute Women. Through powerful stories of resilience, including Dalton Trumbo and Helen Reed Bryan, the discussion reveals how civil liberties were tested, and how legal figures like Earl Warren helped push back against political overreach.
 
This episode offers a timely reminder of how fear can be weaponized, why civil liberties require constant vigilance, and what the Red Scare teaches us about political polarization and social pressure in the modern era.
 
Clay Risen, a reporter and editor at The New York Times, is the author of The Crowded Hour, a New York Times Notable Book of 2019 and a finalist for the Gilder-Lehrman Prize in Military History. A member of the Society of American Historians, he is also the author of two other acclaimed books on American history, A Nation on Fire and The Bill of the Century. He lives in Brooklyn, New York, with his wife and two young children.

Escalating tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran are reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. In this episode of *The Greater Loop* from the World Affairs Council of Greater Houston, host Maryanne Maldonado sits down with Middle East expert Mona Yacoubian to unpack the rapidly evolving crisis and what it could mean for regional stability and global security.
The conversation explores the key triggers behind the latest escalation, including stalled negotiations reportedly mediated by Oman, military strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities, and the broader strategic questions driving the conflict.
Were these actions meant to weaken Iran’s military infrastructure, deter future threats, or signal something larger about regime stability and regional power dynamics? Yacoubian and Maldonado also examine how the crisis is reverberating across the region—from tensions in the Gulf to potential spillover involving Lebanon and Iran-aligned groups such as Hezbollah.
They discuss how proxy networks, alliance politics, and the credibility of U.S. commitments to regional partners are shaping responses across the Middle East. The episode also dives into the diplomatic dimension of the crisis, including the role of back-channel negotiations, international oversight bodies such as the United Nations and the International Atomic Energy Agency, and the difficult path toward de-escalation. At stake is more than a single confrontation.
This moment could redefine the regional order, influence global energy markets, and test the balance between military pressure and diplomacy. With insights into escalation dynamics, alliance management, and the uncertain future of U.S. strategy in the Middle East, this conversation provides essential context for understanding one of the most consequential geopolitical developments of our time.

What does America stand for in a moment of global uncertainty? And how should we understand the nation’s political divisions in the context of its history?
 
In this episode of The Greater Loop, the World Affairs Council of Greater Houstonbrings the Pulitzer Prize–winning historian and bestselling author Jon Meacham to explore the enduring story of the American experiment.
 
Drawing from his book, he reflects on why he felt compelled to write about America’s recurring struggles and why he remains cautiously hopeful about the country’s future. This conversation offers thoughtful insight for anyone seeking clarity about America’s role in the world—and the ongoing “American struggle” to live up to its highest ideals.
 
Subscribe for more global conversations from the World Affairs Council of Greater Houston.

What really determines success in hostage negotiations? It’s not just intelligence briefings or strict protocols — it’s trust, relationships, and human instinct.
In this powerful conversation, Roger D. Carstens, former U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, shares a rare behind-the-scenes look at high-stakes international hostage diplomacy. Drawing from cases involving Brittney Griner and Evan Gershkovich, Carstens explains why there is no single playbook when negotiating with nation-states versus terrorist groups.
He reveals the unseen work that begins long before headlines break — the countless conversations with families, coordination across government agencies, quiet alliance-building with foreign partners, and the critical role of intuition when data alone isn’t enough. In an era increasingly shaped by AI and analytics, Carstens makes the case that empathy, listening, and moral courage remain the most powerful tools in crisis diplomacy.
Ambassador Roger D. Carstens served as the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs (SPEHA) at the U.S. Department of State from 2020 to 2025. During his tenure, he orchestrated and led negotiations with the Taliban, Syria’s Assad Regime, Venezuela’s Maduro government, the People’s Republic of China, Russia, Belarus, and Foreign Terrorist Organizations such as Afghanistan’s Haqqani Network, Yemen’s Houthis, and Mali’s JNIM, returning over 65 American hostages and wrongful detainees during the Trump and Biden Administrations. He also prioritized supporting the families of those detained, partnering with them and keeping them informed of the work being done to bring their loved ones home.
Prior to assuming this role, Mr. Carstens was a Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. He previously served in Amman, Jordan, as the Country Director for a U.S.-based international nongovernmental organization (INGO) that provided humanitarian assistance to Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons. Prior positions include Senior Civilian Advisor on the Commander’s Advisory and Assistance Team (CAAT) in Afghanistan; Project Director for an INGO based in Somalia; Senior Fellow at the Center for a New American Security; and Special Assistant for Legislative Affairs in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Mr. Carstens is a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel who served in Special Forces and the 1st Ranger Battalion. He is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy and holds master’s degrees from the U.S. Naval War College and St. John’s College. Mr. Carstens is the recipient of the 2023 Robert A. Levinson Excellence in Government Service Award, was selected as a Distinguished Member of the Special Forces Regiment and received St. John’s College Alumni Association Award of Merit in 2024. He is a Member of the Board for both the Hostage U.S. and the Foley Foundation and has been selected as a Distinguished Senior Fellow at the McCain Institute.
This discussion offers essential insight into international crisis management, national security strategy, and the deeply human side of global affairs.

This episode welcomed Sean Theriault, Distinguished Teaching Professor of Government at the University of Texas at Austin, for a compelling discussion on the modern papacy and its growing influence in global affairs.
In a time of geopolitical tension and social polarization, today’s popes must adapt their leadership to meet rapidly changing global challenges. Professor Theriault examined how Pope Francis and other recent pontiffs have shaped international politics, culture, and institutional reform while guiding more than 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
The conversation explored how religious leadership intersects with diplomacy, global governance, and political change, and what the future may hold for the Catholic Church’s role on the world stage.

In this program Podcast, renowned Latin American energy expert Francisco J. Monaldi, Ph.D., examines the dramatic political shift in Venezuela following the capture of Nicolás Maduro and the uncertainties surrounding the country’s transition.
Monaldi provides a clear, grounded assessment of what comes next — not only politically, but economically. With Venezuela holding the largest proven oil reserves in the world, he explores the current realities of the country’s energy sector after decades of institutional collapse, mismanagement, and the deterioration of PDVSA. He explains why oil production fell so sharply, what would realistically be required to rebuild capacity, and whether foreign investment and U.S. oil companies could play a meaningful role in recovery.

Africa is entering a period of profound political transformation. With the world’s youngest population, rapid urbanization, and unprecedented digital connectivity, the continent is poised for increased political volatility, experimentation, and change.
In this timely conversation, Ambassador Michelle D. Gavin — Senior Fellow for Africa at the Council on Foreign Relations and former U.S. Ambassador to Botswana — explores how Africa’s demographic surge is reshaping politics across the continent. She examines why traditional political systems are losing legitimacy, why leadership transitions are becoming more frequent, and how young Africans are driving new forms of political engagement.
Drawing on decades of experience in diplomacy and policy, Ambassador Gavin discusses what this shift means for democracy, governance, and global competition, and why major powers like the United States, China, and Russia will need to rethink how they engage with Africa’s rising generation.
About the SpeakerAmbassador Michelle D. Gavin is Senior Fellow for Africa at the Council on Foreign Relations. She previously served as U.S. Ambassador to Botswana, senior director for Africa at the National Security Council, and managing director of The Africa Center. She played a key role in launching the Young African Leaders Initiative and shaping U.S. policy toward Africa.

Women are not just a nice addition; they are essential to shaping the future of energy. Discover how the Houston chapter of the Women's Energy Network is fueling a global movement that empowers women to lead in the energy industry’s most critical moments. In this episode, we go beyond the typical talk about energy and diversity to reveal concrete strategies for women striving for leadership in a rapidly evolving sector. Megan Jackson, founder of Legacy Subsea, shares how Houston’s unique energy footprint provides unparalleled opportunities for women to build confidence, influence policy, and break through industry barriers. Caitlin McNeilly, an asset engineer at Cord Energy, discusses the transformative power of mentorship, soft skills, and global perspectives that elevate women into senior roles. You'll learn about the innovative educational programs tailored to meet the technical, business, and soft skills needs of women in energy. From mastering corporate disclosures to navigating geopolitical risks like Venezuela, the Women's Energy Network offers targeted insights that fast-track careers and expand influence. Megan and Caitlin also share how local connections are creating global impact, fostering community, opening doors to high-profile panels, and shaping the industry's future through diversity. Ignoring these opportunities means missing out on the leadership shift that’s already underway. This is your chance to understand how women in Houston are leading the energy industry’s charge into a more inclusive, innovative future. An essential watch for anyone committed to growth and impact in energy today. Whether you're a woman looking to accelerate your career or a leader seeking fresh perspectives, this episode equips you with the real-world tools and inspiration to thrive. Join us as we explore community-building, mentorship, and strategic industry insights that are transforming energy leadership worldwide. Perfect for professionals, allies, and anyone eager to see diversity fuel progress, hit play and get inspired to make your mark.

Discover how Houston cemented its reputation as Space City and why it remains the epicenter of aerospace innovation. In this episode, Megan Ortiz from Axiom Space reveals the bold next steps shaping our future in orbit — from the launch of the next-generation space station to the future of spacesuits designed for lunar missions.
You'll uncover how international collaboration, from Italy to Saudi Arabia, is transforming private space endeavors into global efforts that foster peace and understanding. Megan shares how commercial space projects are not just technological feats but diplomatic bridges, uniting nations beyond geopolitical tensions.

In this episode of The Greater Loop, we sit down with Francisco J. Monaldi — one of the world’s leading experts on Latin American energy and oil policy — to unpack the seismic political changes in Venezuela and what they mean for the global oil market. Following the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro and the rise of interim leader Delcy Rodríguez, we analyze investor confidence, sanctions, institutional hurdles, foreign investment prospects, and shifting geopolitical risks. Monaldi gives clear, data-driven insight into why Venezuela’s oil industry collapsed, what recovery would realistically take, and how this affects energy prices, U.S. policy, and regional competition. Whether you’re following markets, geopolitics, or Venezuela’s future, this episode explains the key developments you need to know. Keywords: Venezuela oil, Francisco Monaldi, Maduro capture, Delcy Rodríguez, PDVSA, oil markets, energy policy, U.S.–Venezuela relations, global energy security, Latin America politics.