World Affairs Conversations
World Affairs Conversations
World Affairs Council of Charleston podcasts
Distinguished speakers from government, academic organizations, and the business community present timely lectures on international events affecting our lives. For more information: www.waccharleston.org
The Spirit of America
Jim Hake, founder and CEO of Spirit of America, talks about an unprecedented partnership with the U.S. Dept. of Defense, "patriotism without politics," and why the untapped power of the American people may be one of our greatest national security assets.
May 6
29 min
Declassified: A Conversation with John Powers
John Powers leads the Office of the Historian at the U.S. Department of State, where his team of historians and information professionals decides which chapters of America's foreign policy history are ready for the public to read.
Apr 9
41 min
Decisions That Matter: Africa, the NSC, and Leading in Uncertainty
Retired Major General Jami Shawley unpacks the evolving landscape of U.S. strategy in Africa—from rising investment and great power competition to persistent security challenges and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how high-stakes policy decisions are made, with candid leadership lessons for the next generation in complex, uncertain environments.
Mar 25
30 min
A conversation with John Hewko
With government spending on social needs and services declining worldwide, the role of civil society is more crucial than ever. John Hewko, general secretary and CEO of Rotary Int'l and the Rotary Foundation, speaks to the important role of global organizations in filling the gap to promote peace and address social needs and services at all levels.
Dec 19, 2025
30 min
Diplomacy, Democracy and Regional Vectors
Amb. Jimmy Story provides a real-time perspective on prospects for democracy in Venezuela and the Western Hemisphere
Nov 21, 2025
33 min
Life and Marriage in the CIA
Rolf and Rosie Mowatt-Larssen offer a fascinating glimpse into their careers in the CIA, as employees and spouses.
Sep 24, 2025
40 min
New Threats to Journalism
A conversation with Andy Alexander,  award-winning journalist and news industry leader, about threats and challenges to journalists around the globe – and here at home.
May 21, 2025
28 min
Dispatch from the Middle East
A conversation about a region in turmoil as the Administration upends traditional international relations and the functioning of our diplomatic corps.
Apr 25, 2025
36 min
US Diplomacy in the 21st Century
The president of the American Foreign Service Association on the challenges facing our diplomats in a time of unprecedented change and the rewards of a diplomatic career
Mar 21, 2025
23 min
US - China Economic Competition
A conversation with Liza Tobin on the strategic economic competition and rivalry between the U.S. and China as we transition to a new administration.
Dec 16, 2024
32 min
Load more