WAC Houston

World Affairs Council of Greater Houston

Stay informed on global affairs with the World Affairs Council of Greater Houston Podcast. Featuring expert insights from world leaders, diplomats, and thought leaders, this podcast brings you the impactful discussions and engaging conversations from our live events—now available anytime, anywhere. Gain a deeper understanding of international issues, global economies, and cultural perspectives that shape our world. Tune in and stay globally connected.

  1. 2D AGO

    P Series 19 | Jon Meacham - America’s Never-Ending Battle Over Freedom and Power

    In a polarized era, history can become a subject of political contention. Many see America as perfect; many others argue that the national experiment is fundamentally flawed. The truth, Meacham shows, likely lies between these extremes. America has had shining hours, and also dark ones. In American Struggle, Pulitzer Prize-Winner Jon Meacham illuminates the nation’s complicated past. This rich and diverse collection covers a wide spectrum of history, from 1619 to the twenty-first century, with primary-source documents that take us back to critical moments in which Americans fought over the meaning and the direction of the national experiment. From the founders to Lincoln to Obama, from Andrew Jackson to Theodore Roosevelt to Ronald Reagan, from Seneca Falls to the March on Washington, this chorus—sometimes discordant and always fascinating—tells the story of the country and of its people. As clashes over liberty and slavery, inclusion and exclusion, play out, these voices, brilliantly framed by Meacham’s singular commentary, remind us that contentious citizenship and fair-minded observations are essential to bringing about the more perfect union envisioned in the Preamble to the Constitution, which Frederick Douglass called a “glorious liberty document.” Conflict is nothing new in our democracy; rather, as Meacham and these texts show, tensions are inherent, stubborn, and perennial. And American Struggle teaches us anew that to know what has come before, to watch as long-running disputes rise and fall, is to be armed against despair. Featured Speaker: Jon Meacham Jon Meacham is a Pulitzer Prize–winning biographer. The author of the New York Times bestsellers Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power, American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House, Franklin and Winston, Destiny and Power: The American Odyssey of George Herbert Walker Bush, and The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels, he is a distinguished visiting professor at Vanderbilt University, a contributing writer for The New York Times Book Review, and a fellow of the Society of American Historians. Meacham lives in Nashville and in Sewanee with his wife and children.

    56 min

  2. 4D AGO

    TGL 17 | Is the US ready for the Arctic? - Kenneth Rosen

    The Arctic is melting — and the world's powers are racing to control what's left.   In this episode, we sit down with Kenneth R. Rosen, national security correspondent and author of Polar War, to explore how climate change is triggering a dangerous new era of geopolitical competition at the top of the world. From Russia's push to dominate Arctic shipping lanes, to China's quiet near-Arctic ambitions, to NATO's expanded northern flank with Finland and Sweden now in the alliance — the battle for the melting north has already begun. And the United States may be woefully underprepared. In this conversation, you'll learn: Why the Arctic has become the world's most strategically contested region How melting ice is opening new trade routes worth trillions of dollars The surprising China-Russia partnership reshaping energy geopolitics What Navy SEALs and Coast Guard patrols are already doing in the Arctic Why Indigenous communities are caught in the crossfire What the U.S. must do to catch up — before it's too late Whether you work in energy, defense, diplomacy, or just want to understand where the next global crisis is brewing, this episode is essential listening.   See Kenneth Rosen live in Houston on April 1, 2026: https://wachouston.org/event/1074-polar-war-the-battle-for-the-melting-north/

    16 min

  3. 4D AGO

    P Series 18 | Samuel Katz: The start of the Mossad

    In The Architect of Espionage, Samuel M. Katz masterfully chronicles the life of Meir Dagan, a visionary covert warfare veteran who revolutionized the art of intelligence and espionage. Born in the shadows of the Holocaust, his life personified the modern history of the Jewish people and the State of Israel. Dagan’s journey embodies decisive action, innovative thought, and bold leadership under fire. His tenure as the head of the Mossad marked a transformative era in Israel’s history, reshaping the agency into a formidable global force. Dagan’s story is one of daring strategy and relentless ingenuity. He spent thirty-two years in uniform, and under his eight-year leadership, Mossad orchestrated a series of high-stakes missions, including targeted assassinations, clandestine attempts to stop Iran from becoming a nuclear power, and the covert expansion of Israel’s strategic collaborations with members of the global intelligence fraternity, notably with the CIA. These operations not only bolstered Israel’s security but also altered the geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East. Drawing on unprecedented access to Dagan’s closest confidants, comrades in arms, and contemporaries in the international intelligence community, Katz brings to life the portrait of a spymaster whose influence extended far beyond Israel’s borders, shaping intelligence relationships across the Middle East and worldwide. Katz’s expertise in Middle Eastern conflicts and counterterrorism shines through in this meticulously researched narrative that delves into the intricate details of Dagan’s strategies. The Architect of Espionage is more than a biography—it is the history of the Jewish state told through the life of one of its most incredible warriors, spy chiefs, and, ultimately, statesmen. The Architect of Espionage is an immersive journey into the shadowy world of intelligence, where decisions carry life-or-death stakes and outcomes are steeped in secrecy. For anyone captivated by espionage thrillers or historical biographies, this is an essential and timely read, providing an insightful glimpse into the mind of one of the most influential spymasters of our era. Featured Speaker: Samuel M. Katz Samuel M. Katz is a New York Times bestselling author who has written over twenty books on the Arab Israeli conflict, military and law enforcement special operations, espionage, and counterterrorism. He has written hundreds of articles for magazines and journals around the world, as well as documentaries for television. He is also the former editor-in-chief of Special Operations Report, a trade publication for the world’s commando and counterterrorist community. Katz lectures police agencies and military commands on the history of terrorism, and he is a frequent guest on television and radio networks.

    1h 16m

  4. MAR 11

    TGL 16 | Jill Dougherty - From the KGB to the Kremlin: The Rise of Putin’s Power

    What is really happening inside modern Russia—and what does it mean for the future of global security? In this episode, veteran journalist and former CNN Moscow bureau chief Jill Dougherty joins the World Affairs Council of Greater Houston to unpack the power dynamics shaping Vladimir Putin’s Russia and its growing impact on the world stage. Drawing on decades of experience covering the Kremlin, Dougherty explores how Russia has shifted from the relative openness of the post–Cold War era to a system increasingly defined by centralized power and strategic control. The conversation traces Putin’s early ambitions—from his student years in Leningrad to his career in the KGB—and how those formative experiences continue to shape his leadership style today. The discussion also examines Russia’s evolving geopolitical strategy, including its relationships with China, Iran, and North Korea, and how these partnerships are reshaping global alliances. From nuclear signaling to hybrid warfare tactics such as cyber operations, sabotage, and election interference, Russia’s actions continue to test the resilience of NATO and Western democracies. Dougherty also analyzes Putin’s current strategic posture amid ongoing tensions involving Ukraine and Europe, highlighting why some experts see his approach as increasingly cautious—and what that may signal about the future of the conflict. For policymakers, students of international relations, and anyone trying to understand today’s rapidly shifting global landscape, this episode offers essential insight into one of the most consequential geopolitical stories of our time. Watch to gain a deeper understanding of Russia’s strategy, the fragile balance of power in Europe, and the risks that could shape international security in the years ahead. Jill Dougherty served as CNN’s Moscow Bureau Chief for almost a decade. She reported on the presidencies of Boris Yeltin and Vladimir Putin, as well as the political career of Mikhail Gorbachev, the first – and last – Soviet president. She covered a number of seminal events in modern Russia, including the collapse of the Soviet Union; the coup against Gorbachev; Ukraine’s Orange Revolution and Maidan Revolution of Dignity; Georgia’s Rose Revolution; Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea and full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Dougherty served as CNN White House correspondent for six years, covering the presidencies of George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. As Foreign Affairs Correspondent she reported from the U.S. State Department. She served as U.S. Affairs Editor, reporting from Washington, DC. Based in Hong Kong, she was Managing Editor CNN International, Asia-Pacific, in charge of sevenbureaus across the region. She currently is a CNN on-air contributor, commenting on Russia-related issues; Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University’s Center for Eurasian, Russian and East European Studies; Distinguished Fellow at The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars; and Fellow at the Kennan Institute. She has pursued research on Russia and the media as a fellow at the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government; at the Woodrow Wilson Center; and at the International Centre for Defense and Security in Tallinn, Estonia. Dougherty received her B.A. degree in Slavic Languages and Literature from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and her M.A. from Georgetown University, where she researched Russia’s soft power diplomacy.

    20 min

  5. MAR 9

    TGL 15 | When America Turned on Itself - Understand The Red Scare by Clay Risen

    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.

    19 min

  6. MAR 5

    TGL 14 | Iran-U.S. Is this the Start of a New Middle East War?

    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.

    19 min

  7. MAR 4

    TGL 13 | Is Our Democracy is Under Pressure? - Jon Meacham

    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.

    13 min

  8. FEB 22

    TGL 12 | Amb. Roger Carstens: The Art of Hostage Diplomacy

    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.

    19 min
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About

Stay informed on global affairs with the World Affairs Council of Greater Houston Podcast. Featuring expert insights from world leaders, diplomats, and thought leaders, this podcast brings you the impactful discussions and engaging conversations from our live events—now available anytime, anywhere. Gain a deeper understanding of international issues, global economies, and cultural perspectives that shape our world. Tune in and stay globally connected.

Information

  • Creator
    World Affairs Council of Greater Houston
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    WAC Houston