International Relations Council

The Eliot S. Berkley Lecture was founded in 1996 and brings an expert in foreign policy and global affairs to the Kansas City area. The lecture was established through the Berkley Endowment to honor the IRC’s founder and his decades of service, and to provide a platform for engaging community members in understanding critical global issues. Past Berkley lecturers include former U.S. Ambassador Robert Ford (2014), Gerald Seib (2011), The Honorable Thomas R. Pickering (2005), and Admiral William J. Crowe, Jr. (1998).[5]

• 2020 Dr. Paul Salem President of the Middle East Institute
• 2019 Ambassador Paula Dobriansky Senior Fellow in the Future of Diplomacy Project at Harvard's JFK Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs
• 2018 Kate Charlet Director Technology and International Affairs Program, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
• 2017 Evans Revere Former U.S. Diplomat and Former CEO of the Korea Society
• 2016 Col. Nicolas Auboin French Liaison Officer for the Combined Arms Center
• 2015 Deana Arsenian Vice President of the Carnegie Corporation of New York
• 2014 Robert Ford Former U.S. Ambassador to Syria
• 2013 Daniel Markey Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and author of No Exit from Pakistan
• 2012 Charles Kupchan Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and professor at Georgetown University
• 2011 Gerald Seib Washington Bureau Chief of the Wall Street Journal
• 2010 George Friedman Founder and CEO of STRATFOR
• 2009 Dr. Allison Stanger Russell Leng Professor of International Politics and Economics and Director of the Rohatyn Center for International Affairs at Middlebury College
• 2007 Walter Russell Mead Henry A. Kissinger Senior Fellow for U.S. foreign policy, Council on Foreign Relations
• 2006 Dr. George Rupp President and CEO, International Rescue Committee
• 2005 The Honorable Thomas R. Pickering Former U.S. Ambassador to Jordan, Nigeria, El Salvador, Israel, United Nations, India, Russia
• 2004 The Honorable Lawrence J. Korb Senior Fellow, American Progress and Senior Advisor, Center for Defense Information
• 2003 James Fallows National Correspondent, Atlantic Monthly
• 2002 The Honorable Marc Grossman Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs
• 2001 The Honorable Princeton N. Lyman Former U.S. ambassador to South Africa and Nigeria and former Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs
• 2000 The Honorable Frank G. Wisner Vice Chairman, American International Group
• 1999 Hodding Carter III Journalist, Assistant Secretary of State for Carter Administration
• 1998 Admiral William J. Crowe, Jr. Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, former U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom
• 1997 "Mid-Point in the Legacy" Conference and Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Marshall Plan
• 1996 The Honorable Jack F. Matlock, Jr. Former U.S. ambassador to Czechoslovakia and the Soviet Union

IRC Networking Hours give IRC members and friends the chance to get to know each other and to learn about international opportunities in the IRC organizational partners' many different professional fields.[6] The first IRC Networking Hour of 2017 took place on March 22, where attendees took a visit to Burns & McDonnell, an engineering, architecture, and consulting firm with both domestic and international projects. On August 2, attendees learned about the nationwide work of Commerce Bank and had plenty of time to network. At the final IRC Networking Hour of 2017 on October 9, attendees had a chance to meet employees of Bio-Microbics, a manufacturer of wastewater treatment systems with over 60,000 installations in over 70 countries. The IRC sees great value in allowing members of the Kansas City community the chance to network with internationally interested organizations, as it creates opportunities for further global connections within Kansas City.

IRC Lecture Series bring dignitaries, foreign-policy experts, and regional leaders together to discuss, debate, and engage the Kansas City area community in issues of international scope and local relevance. [7]

Some of the IRC's recent programs include:

• Where Does Venezuela Go From Here? with David Smolansky, the youngest mayor in the Venezuela's history, living in exile since September 2017
• An Evening with H.E. Dr. Asad Majeed Khan, Amb. of Pakistan to the U.S.
• Populism and Nationalism on the Ride: A German Perspective with Stefan Schlüter

The International Relations Council's Speakers Bureau is a collection of IRC members willing to share their expertise and experiences with the Greater Kansas City area. Speakers have knowledge of the historical and contemporary aspects of specific countries, foreign policy, geography, and culture. The members of the Bureau don’t charge a fee for their speaking time and are available to the Greater Kansas City area (but it is ultimately their decision where to travel).[8]

Each year, more than 200 business professionals, academic faculty, community members, and students participate in a fun and interactive global trivia competition. It is a 6 round competition, each round consisting of 10 questions. In the past, categories have included: current events, history, geography, identifications (visual or aural), potpourri 1 and potpourri 2 (potpourri questions allow for topics like food, language, culture). Teams of eight compete to show their knowledge of global affairs, geography, world languages, and more. The winning team takes home the traveling trophy, while second- and third-place teams win valuable prizes.[9]

Great Decisions is a program produced by the Foreign Policy Association and offered in Kansas City through the IRC. Across Kansas and Missouri, people participating in Great Decisions gather in homes, libraries, and community centers to discuss some of the most pressing issues facing our world. Groups receive and study Great Decisions briefing books, which are well-researched, written materials that help guide discussion throughout the year. Each discussion is led by a Discussion Group Leader. However, participants play the most important role, and their interest, enthusiasm, and commitment ultimately determine the success of the group. Each participant's point of view carries equal weight and everyone is encouraged to share opinions and ideas. The topics change annually, and these discussions strengthen people's understanding of global issues and build connections in the Kansas City community.[10]

News & Views, a conversation-based series from the International Relations Council, brings together a small group of community members for respectful, substantive discussion around one of that week’s top international news stories. Facilitated by a member or friend of the International Relations Council, the group meets in different informal settings around town, like a happy hour on the Country Club Plaza, or on Zoom for a guided conversation about a topic and articles that participants review in advance.[11]

The Global Affairs Book Club gives participants the opportunity to discuss foreign affairs, global topics, authors' perspectives, historical events, and their current local relevance in a respectful, engaging setting. Convened by seasoned Great Decisions leader Jack McLaren, the group meets every six to eight weeks to dig into a different author's work. Recent books discussed include Ten Lessons for a Post-Pandemic World by Fareed Zakaria, We Crossed a Bridge and it Trembled by Wendy Pearlman, and Modi and the Reinvention of Indian Foreign Policy by Ian Hall.[12]

The International Relations Council's International Film Club explores international realities and global issues using films of the world and about the world. The group meets monthly to discuss an award-winning film and the international topics, themes, and issues it raises. Subject-matter experts guide the experience, preparing questions and other context before viewing the film and leading the conversation during monthly meeting. Recent programs include What Will People Say with Andrea Khan, One Man and His Cow (La Vache) with the Alliance Francaise de Kansas City, and The Insult with Dr. Michael Makara.[13]

Every other month, the International Relations Council presents A Novel Experience, in which participants curl up with a novel of the world or about the world before meeting with other bibliophiles to share their insights and curiosities. Subject-matter experts lead discussions and welcome active involvement from participants. Individuals of all backgrounds, interests, and perspectives are welcome. The first meeting for A Novel Experience is set for February 22, 2021; participants will read and discuss Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri.

In the eight weeks leading up to November 3, 2020, the International Relations Council offered a series of insightful conversations with notable experts on foreign policy issues relevant to the 2020 U.S. presidential election and what comes next. Rather than advocate a particular approach or outcome, the nonpartisan Choices series informed voters through a presentation of historical context and a detailed examination of the foreign policy platforms of the major-party candidates. Topics included Tariffs and Trade with Amb. Ron Kirk, The Transatlantic Relationship with Erik Brattberg, and Peace in the Middle East with Amb. Frank G. Wisner.[14]

Global Experience programs give participants of all ages, interests, and backgrounds the chance to explore how international Kansas City is while answering two key questions – What's your global story? Do you get the chance to share it? Often free or low-cost, Global Experience events range from visits to internationally themed restaurants and other outings to film screenings and discussions on timely global issues. By sharing their diverse knowledge and insights, hosts and participants provide a deeper look into Kansas City's vibrant international community.[15]

The International Relations Council's Lexicon Language Intro program is a weekly digital interactive program introducing participants to a new language. Each week, IRC members and friends offer some history and context on a different language, let participants sample the look and sounds of the language, and provide information on where participants can experience more of the language and the cultures it represents. Recent programs include Armenian with Armen Babajanian, Swahili with Wasim Khan, and Norwegian with Lise Falskow.[16]

Each week, an individual shares their work in an international field, offering insight into educational background, career paths, intricacies of the field, and recommendations for participants' own search. Participants are encouraged you to bring questions and a sense of adventure and make full use of the opportunity to get to know these extraordinary individuals and their stories. Recent programs include Working in Study Abroad with Phill Hull, Living and Working Abroad: Australia with Will Jourdan, and Living and Working Abroad: Africa with Jerry Brown of the Peace Corps.[17]

Away from the borders and coasts, Kansas City-area students are often surprised to find just how many international academic and professional opportunities await them after high school. Your Global Future is a unique college and career fair that will take place at Union Station's Grand Plaza on October 16, 2018. The college and career fair will bring together dozens of international businesses, organizations, and colleges and universities to show students just how global their future can be.

Booths set up in Union Station’s Grand Plaza will include representatives from:

• Businesses from a range of sectors, including agriculture, architecture and design, engineering, finance, hospitality, law, medicine, sports, technology, travel and transportation, and veterinary science;
• Colleges and universities, including internationally oriented majors, clubs, and student groups;
• Ethnic and cultural groups represented in the Kansas City area;
• Government agencies;
• Kansas City-based international NGOs;
• Performing and visual arts groups and museums with global connections; and
• Study-abroad programs

School groups will arrive as early as 9 a.m. and may leave as late as 3 p.m. Presentations from global professionals will be offered throughout the day, and students will be encouraged to practice their interview skills by interacting with booth representatives as they browse the opportunities offered.

The program will be underwritten by support from the participating organizations and Kansas City-area donors to ensure that attendance is completely cost-free for teachers and students. Sponsor packages to increase visibility and impact are available, and schools will be eligible to receive up to $200 to offset the cost of bus transportation.[18]

Each year, in memory of the IRC founder and longtime executive director, Eliot S. Berkley, the International Relations Council presents this award to an exceptional high-school junior or senior who has demonstrated superior academic interest and competence in international studies.[19] Finalists are selected by a committee of IRC members. After personal interviews with the finalists, the winner is selected and is presented an inscribed award and a $500 scholarship at an IRC fall event.[20]

Each year since 2006, the IRC has offered high-school students the chance to showcase their knowledge of world affairs, geography, history, and current events at this event. Each Greater Kansas City area high school may enter one team of four students plus a faculty sponsor, and participation is entirely cost-free. The winning team will receive an expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. for the students and their sponsor to represent Kansas City in the national Academic WorldQuest competition.[21] WorldQuest is a copyrighted program of the World Affairs Councils of America and approximately 4,000 students across the country participate in competitions hosted by over 40 local World Affairs Councils in 26 states.[22]

The ICPP is a program which sends international students from several Kansas City area colleges and universities to visit elementary schools in order to share their life and culture with school children. International college students share facts about language, dress, and etiquette of their home countries with American students. The program aims to dispel stereotypes of other nations while sparking an interest in foreign languages and cultures in elementary-aged children. The International Classroom Partnership Program ended in 2010.

• 2019 Amb. Deborah Birx, M.D., Coordinator of the United States Government Activities to Combat HIV/AIDS and U.S. Special Representative for Global Health Diplomacy
• 2018 Amb. William Joseph Burns, President, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace; former Deputy Secretary of State
• 2017 Gen. Richard Myers, President, Kansas State University; former Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
• 2015 Noel Lateef President and CEO of the Foreign Policy Association
• 2014 Janet Napolitano Former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security
• 2013 Neal Conan National Public Radio reporter, editor, and former senior host of Talk of the Nation
• 2012 David Petraeus Director of the Central Intelligence Agency [24]
• 2011 Christopher Hill Former US Ambassador to Iraq and Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs
• 2010 Reza Aslan Author, No god but God, and political commentator [25]
• 2009 C. Fred Bergsten Director, Peterson Institute for International Economics
• 2008 Strobe Talbott President, Brookings Institution
• 2007 Senator Chuck Hagel U.S. Senator, Nebraska
• 2006 Madeleine Albright Former Secretary of State[26]
• 2005 Senator John Danforth Former U.S. Senator, Missouri; former Ambassador to the United Nations[27]
• 2004 Senator Sam Brownback U.S. Senator, Kansas
• 2003 Robert M. Gates President, Texas A&M University; former Director of Central Intelligence Agency
• 2002 Dan Glickman Head, Institute of Politics, John F. Kennedy School of Government; former Secretary of Agriculture; former Congressman
• 2001 Alan N. Mulally President and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes
• 2000 Kenton W. Keith Senior Vice President and Director, Programming Division, Meridian International Center
• 1999 Stephen G. Butler Chairman and CEO, KPMG Peat Marwick, LLP
• 1998 Marshall Loeb Managing Editor, Fortune and Money
• 1997 James B. Steele Senior Writer-at-large, Time Inc.
• 1996 Byron Calame Deputy Managing Editor, The Wall Street Journal
• 1995 Delano E. Lewis President and CEO, National Public Radio
• 1994 Roger Morris Author, syndicated columnist, White House and National Security staff for Presidents Nixon and Johnson
• 1993 Robert J. Eaton Chairman and CEO, Chrysler Corporation
• 1992 Robert F. Ellsworth Chairman, Council for the International Institute for Strategic Studies; former Deputy Secretary of Defense
• 1991 John McManus Editor-in-chief, Time-Warner, Inc.
• 1990 Bill Kurtis Executive Producer, The New Explorers; former co-anchor, CBS news
• 1989 Charles H. Price II Former Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium and United Kingdom
• 1988 William Atkins McWhirter Senior Correspondent, Time Magazine
• 1987 Senator Nancy Landon Kassebaum U.S. Senator, Kansas
• 1987 Senator Thomas F. Eagleton Former U.S. Senator, Missouri
• 1986 Jim Lehrer Host, Lehrer Newshour
• 1985 U. Alexis Johnson Former Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs
• 1984 William G. Hyland Editor, Foreign Affairs; former Deputy Assistant to the President for International Security Affairs

• 2019 Dr. Sarah Finocchario Kessler, associate professor, University of Kansas Medical Center
• 2017 University of Missouri–Kansas City, Dean Kevin Truman, accepting
• 2009 Stowers Institute, William Neaves, accepting
• 2008 KU Confucius Institute, Sheri Willis, accepting
• 2007 Richard Derman, M.D., M.P.H. Associate Dean for Women's Health at UMKC
• 2006 Beverly Byers-Pevitts President, Park University
• 2003 Paul and Colleen Nance Founders, Nance Museum and Library of Middle Eastern Art
• 2002 Gary Armstrong, Ph.D. Chair, Department of Political Science, William Jewell College
• 2001 Hal Jehle Secondary Resource Specialist, Shawnee Mission School District
• 2000 Maria Carlson, Ph.D. Director, Center for Russian and East European Studies, The University of Kansas
• 1999 KCPT Public Television 19 William T. Reed, accepting
• 1998 John E. Cleek, Ph.D. Director, Center for International Business, Bloch School of Business and Public Administration, UMKC
• 1997 Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Marc F. Wilson, accepting
• 1996 Terry Rodenberg, Ed.D. Director, International Program, Central Missouri State University
• 1995 Janet R. Baird, Ph.D. Program Administrator, Southeast Magnet High School for International Studies
• 1994 George Woodyard, Ph.D. Dean of International Studies, The University of Kansas
• 1993 Carolyn J. Kadel Director of International Education, Johnson County Community College
• 1992 Paul A. Garcia, Ph.D. Instructional Specialist for Language and International Studies, Kansas City Missouri School District
• 1991 Henry A. Mitchell Professor and Associate Vice Chancellor, Academic and International Affairs, UMKC
• 1990 Miyo Wagner Visiting Instructor of Japanese Language, Rockhurst College
• 1989 E. Grey Dimond, M.D. Provost Emeritus, Health Sciences, UMKC
• 1987 Ed Chasteen Professor of Sociology and Anthropology, William Jewell College
• 1986 David Wolfe Director, Social Studies, Shawnee Mission School District
• 1985 Harry L. Klut Social studies teacher, Paseo High School, Kansas City School District
• 1984 Joyce Cox Social studies teacher, Center High School, Center School District

• 2019 Swope Health, Jeron Ravin, president and CEO, accepting
• 2018 City of Kansas City, Missouri, Scott Wagner, Mayor Pro Tem, accepting
• 2017 Greater Kansas City Consular Corps, Dean Harry McLear, accepting
• 2016 A. Zahner Company Robert Zahner, Senior Vice President, accepting
• 2015 Henry Bloch Co-Founder and Chairman Emeritus of H&R Block
• 2014 Julián Zugazagoitia President and CEO of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
• 2013 R. Crosby Kemper III Executive Director of the Kansas City Public Library
• 2012 Sporting Kansas City Greg Cotton, Chief of Staff, accepting
• 2011 Consul Jacob Prado Consul General of Mexico at Kansas City
• 2010 Seaboard Corporation Robert Steer, Senior Vice President and CFO, accepting
• 2009 Danny O'Neill President and Owner, the Roasterie
• 2008 Len Rodman President, Chairman, and CEO, Black & Veatch
• 2004 Consul General Takao Shibata Consulate General of Japan at Kansas City
• 2004 Benny Lee Chairman and CEO, Top Innovations, Inc.
• 2003 Dr. Min H. Kao President and CEO, Garmin International; Co-founder and co-chairman, Garmin Corporation
• 2002 Michael R. Haverty Chairman, President and CEO, Kansas City Southern Industries
• 2001 Lillian Gonzalez Pardo, M.D. Medical Director, TEVA Neuroscience; Clinical Professor of Pediatrics and Neurology, KU Medical Center; President, Filipino Cultural Center Foundation
• 2000 Dr. Richard W. Harriman Founder and Director, Harriman Arts Program, William Jewell College
• 1999 Jeffrey W. Colyer Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Center
• 1998 John P. McMeel Chairman, Andrews McMeel Universal
• 1997 Stanley H. Durwood Chairman and CEO, AMC Theatres.
• 1996 Anne and Norman Burkart President and Director, Language Link
• 1995 William D. Chapman President, Butler International
• 1994 Lawrence D. Starr President and CEO, Koch Supplies.
• 1993 Gary B. Morsch, M.D. Founder and Chairman, Heart to Heart International
• 1992 Morton I. Sosland Chairman, Sosland Publishing
• 1991 Robert A. Cushman President, ARMCO Worldwide Grinding Systems; Vice President, ARMCO Inc.
• 1990 James L. Rainey President and CEO, Farmland Industries
• 1989 William T. Esrey President and CEO, United Telecom and Sprint
• 1988 John T. Pierson, Jr. President, PRECO Industries
• 1987 Heinz K. Wehner Group Vice President and General Manager, Agricultural Chemical Division, Mobay Corp.
• 1986 Allen M. Acheson President, Black & Veatch International
• 1985 Stanley A. Hamilton President, Hallmark International; Honorary British Consul
• 1985 James E. Burke Late Honorary Consul of Japan
• 1984 Rod Turnbull Director of Public Affairs, Kansas City Board of Trade