WAC Houston

Once seen as a force for peace and prosperity, globalization promised to make nations more connected, economies more efficient, and the world more stable. But the global order built on open markets and interdependence has begun to unravel, revealing the risks of relying on fragile supply chains, deepening inequality, and fueling geopolitical rivalry.
Join David J. Lynch, senior writer on global economics for The Washington Post, for a compelling discussion on how the globalization gamble went wrong and what it means for the future of the world economy. Drawing on decades of experience reporting from Washington, Beijing, and beyond, Lynch offers a clear-eyed look at how the pursuit of economic integration reshaped politics, empowered adversaries, and left democracies struggling to adapt.
This timely program examines what lessons can be learned and how the United States and its partners can navigate a world where globalization’s biggest bet may have backfired.
 
Featured Speaker: David J. Lynch
David J. Lynch is a senior writer on global economics for The Washington Post, covering the intersection of markets, policy, and geopolitics. With decades of experience reporting from Washington, Beijing, and other global capitals, Lynch has analyzed how economic trends shape international relations and impact everyday life. He is the author of The World’s Worst Bet: How the Globalization Gamble Went Wrong, offering an in-depth look at the risks and consequences of the modern global economy.

Join us on The Greater Loop as we dive into an inspiring conversation with Jake Mossawir, CEO of the Bilingual Education Institute. Discover how this Houston-based institute is transforming language education for international students and refugees, offering a unique blend of language and vocational training. Learn about their innovative programs, community impact, and future plans to expand language learning to K-12 students. Don't miss this insightful episode that highlights the power of education in bridging cultural divides. #languagelearning #houston #podcast #Education #CommunityImpact

As the vicious, destructive wars in Ukraine and the Middle East rage on—and US policymakers debate continuing military support in both regions—it is worth considering America’s own relationship with war in the twenty-first century. What has driven our connections to war, not just from a policy perspective, but from a cultural one as well? Why do we assume war will deliver on its promise to solve nearly all our problems overseas? And why is it that the United States spends an inordinate amount of its resources on preparing for war, yet its citizens continue to fear what they deem a dangerous world? In a wide-ranging discussion, Texas A&M University professor and US Army retired colonel Gregory A. Daddis considers both our faith in war and our fear of war and how these tensions shape our very identity as Americans in the modern world. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with historian and author Greg Daddis as he discusses his acclaimed book, Faith & Fear: America’s Relationship with War Featured Speaker: Gregory A. Daddis Gregory A. Daddis Gregory A. Daddis is Professor of History and holds the Melbern G. Glasscock Endowed Chair in American History at Texas A&M University. A retired US Army colonel, he deployed to both Operations Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom. Daddis specializes in the history of the Vietnam Wars and the Cold War era and has authored five books, including Pulp Vietnam: War and Gender in Cold War Men’s Adventure Magazines and Withdrawal: Reassessing America’s Final Years in Vietnam. He also has published numerous journal articles and several op-ed pieces commenting on current military affairs, including writings in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The National Interest. He is the recipient of the 2022-2023 Fulbright Distinguished Scholar Award, Pembroke College, University of Oxford.

Houston is one of the most globally connected cities in the United States, and at the heart of that global network are the women diplomats who represent their countries here. Join us for a special lunch program and panel discussion featuring the Subcommittee of Women Diplomats of the Consular Corps of Houston, a group dedicated to fostering international collaboration, elevating women’s leadership in diplomacy, and strengthening ties between Houston’s local communities and the world. Over lunch, hear directly from distinguished diplomats about how women are shaping the future of global engagement. Drawing on their diverse experiences, the panel will explore how the roles of women diplomats, education, business, & public diplomacy play in the world.

This Veteran’s Day, join us for a powerful conversation with retired Green Beret Scott Mann and representatives of Badger Six, an organization dedicated to rescuing Afghan allies left behind after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Shannon Spann DeBruyn, lawyer, former CIA officer, and widow of Mike Spann.
David Tyson, retired CIA operations officer, linguist, and recipient of the CIA’s Distinguished Intelligence Cross.
Toby Harnden, award-winning author of First Casualty: The Untold Story of the CIA Mission to Avenge 9/11.
Together, they will recount the early days of the U.S. mission in Afghanistan, the sacrifices of their Afghan allies, and the ongoing humanitarian fight to evacuate and resettle those left behind under Taliban rule.

In this episode Jorge Franz, Senior Vice President of Tourism and Industries at Houston First, discovers how Houston First promotes the city as a top destination for visitors, manages key city assets, and fosters international relations. Jorge shares insights on Houston's vibrant tourism industry, the city's global appeal, and exciting future developments, including the expansion of the George R. Brown Convention Center and hosting major international events. Tune in to learn why Houston is a dynamic, international city with endless opportunities.
 
#houston #Tourism #worldaffairs

In this episode of The Greater Loop, we sit down with John Moseley, Chief Commercial Officer of the Port of Houston, to explore the dynamic role the port plays in both local and global trade. Discover how the Port of Houston, the largest in the United States, contributes significantly to the Texas economy and supports the local community through various initiatives. John shares insights into the port's growth, its impact on international trade, and the exciting future that lies ahead. Tune in to learn about the challenges and opportunities in navigating one of the world's busiest ports.

Kevin Pasha, Managing Director of Wealth Management at JPMorgan. Discover insights into Houston's evolving economy, the city's vibrant cultural scene, and how global trends are shaping local industries. Kevin shares his unique perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing Houston, offering a glimpse into the future of this dynamic city. Tune in for an engaging conversation that highlights Houston's everlasting potential.

The Pentagon insider America's top leaders trusted for global intelligence
Admiral John Kirby draws on his decades-long experience under both the Obama and Biden administrations to offer a compelling, high-level briefing on geopolitical flashpoints shaping U.S. foreign policy today. As Pentagon and State Department spokesperson during Obama’s tenure and National Security Council communications advisor under Biden, Admiral Kirby brings a unique lens on strategy and messaging.
He will offer a sharp, insider’s look at the most urgent global flashpoints, Russia’s aggression, China’s rising global influence, and the enduring volatility of the Middle East. Admiral Kirby will explore how U.S. foreign policy has evolved across two Democratic administrations, the legacies they leave behind, and what comes next for America’s global role in an era of great-power competition and regional instability.

The U.S.’ s vital relationship with Canada is one of our nation’s oldest, most dynamic and mutually beneficial international partnerships. Since well before the recent prominence of autocratic governments, Canada has long been a key ally for the U.S. in developing and sustaining a world order defined by open markets, fair trade and the promotion of democratic values.
As a founding member of NATO and a dependable economic partner, Canada has long supported key U.S. democratic allies and the integration and growth of our economies. For over 150 years, the U.S. and Canada have shared not just the longest border in the world, but arguably also the most open, peaceful and prosperous border in modern history.
In recent years, Canada has been the either the first or second largest trade partner for the U.S.. And unlike with either China or Mexico, the U.S.’s balance of trade with Canada has been much more reciprocal and equitable. The total volume of U.S.-Canada trade more than doubled after the signing NAFTA; and it has grown again, since President Trump and then Prime Minister Trudeau signed the U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement USMCA in 2020.
Canada is the 2nd largest international trade partner for Texas; and Texas is 2nd largest U.S. state trade partner for Canada. The economic ties between Canada and Texas are deep and substantial, as the U.S. imports more crude oil from Canada than all other nations combined. Additionally, Canada supplies about 98% of all natural gas imported into the U.S.; and many of Canada’s largest energy companies have their U.S. headquarters in Houston, such as Enbridge.
Featured Speaker: Susan Harper - Consul General of Canada in Dallas
Susan Harper became Consul General of Canada in Dallas in November 2022, representing Canada in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. She oversees political, economic, public affairs, consular, and commercial services, including the Consulate in Houston. Her previous roles include Consul General in Miami, Canada’s Senior Arctic Official, Director General for trade policy, Minister (Economic Affairs) at the Embassy in Washington, and Ambassador to Uruguay. She has also held trade postings in Yaoundé, Paris, and Buenos Aires. Before her diplomatic career, she taught at Cambrian College and George Brown College. She holds an MBA from Ivey Business School and an Honours BA in Math and English from Queen’s University. She has two children.
Featured Speaker: Peter V. Sheffield - Vice President External Affairs & Chief Sustainability Officer at Enbridge
Pete Sheffield is Vice President External Affairs and Chief Sustainability Officer at Enbridge, where he oversees enterprise-wide public policy and government affairs, sustainability strategy and reporting, and corporate partnerships. Sheffield was previously VP of U.S. External Affairs to Enbridge and served as vice president of energy policy and government affairs for Spectra Energy Corp, overseeing the company’s government relations activities and public policy. He joined Duke Energy in 2002, serving as director of external relations. Prior to that, Sheffield was press secretary to the United States House of Representatives’ Committee on Energy and Commerce, serving as primary spokesman and senior advisor to two chairmen. Sheffield holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hampden-Sydney College and a Master of Business Administration degree from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. He currently serves on the Board of the Canadian American Business Council and the Sustainability Advisory Council to the New York Stock Exchange.