Pacific Council

Join us Wednesday, April 2, at 1 PM PT for a webinar that explores the current state of the U.S. Intelligence Community. Hear insights from Jeff Stein, Founding Editor of Spytalk, and Dr. Jerrold D. Green, Interim President and CEO of the Pacific Council, as they discuss the recent federal leadership changes, the challenges facing national security, and the potential implications for defense strategies. This webinar offers a critical examination of intelligence community dynamics. To register, visit our events page: pacificcouncil.org/activities/fut…

We are proud to introduce the newest members of the Pacific Council community: our Fall 2024 member cohort. These noteworthy individuals represent diverse industries, sectors, and perspectives and are united by a shared commitment to advancing international affairs and global engagement. Each new member brings unique expertise, distinguished accomplishments, and valuable perspectives that will enrich our collective discourse and expand our network's capabilities. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to our new members. For more details about this cohort, visit pacificcouncil.org/content/fall-2….

Save the Date! The Pacific Council Board Co-Chairs Robert W. Lovelace and Arthur J. Ochoa invite you to our 2025 Gala to celebrate our organization’s 30 years of global engagement. Join fellow members, thought leaders, and our Interim President and CEO Dr. Jerrold D. Green on Thursday, May 8, for an engaging evening of critical dialogue on the pressing challenges shaping global affairs. Stay tuned for more details to come!

Former Pacific Council co-chair and U.S. Ambassador to Norway Marc B. Nathanson shares his reflections on his diplomatic service in the High North from 2022-2024. In this thoughtful piece, republished with permission from @AmerAmbassadors, Ambassador Nathanson explores the strategic importance of U.S.-Norway relations, highlights key diplomatic achievements during his tenure, and offers recommendations for strengthening America's foreign service. His unique perspective combines decades of business leadership with recent diplomatic experience in a region of growing geopolitical significance. To read Ambassador Nathanson's article, visit the Pacific Council magazine: pacificcouncil.online/commentary/a-j…

Prof. Mietek Boduszyński and Holden Tsai '27 write this commentary piece in @PacCouncil. pacificcouncil.online/commentary/val…

Spots are filling up fast for this member-exclusive invitation! Join the Pacific Council for an event hosted by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in part with the Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and JSSK on Wednesday, March 19, from 5-7 pm PST. IRC President and CEO David Miliband and renowned writer, political commentator, and national security analyst Ben Rhodes will lead an engaging discussion on the critical need for IRC’s services. IRC is a global humanitarian aid, relief, and development nongovernmental organization for people impacted by conflict and crisis. Learn more: pacificcouncil.org/activities/irc…

Thank you, @PacCouncil and @aem_usa for hosting this discussion about not just the challenges but the opportunities from the current US Administration's policies on trade. An honor to share the podium with fellow compatriot @UCLAchancellor Julio Frenk and CG of 🇨🇦 @Zaib_Shaikh

We are hosting a webinar on Wednesday, March 5, at 9 AM PST with Dr. Constanze Stelzenmüller, the Director of the Center on the United States and Europe at Brookings, and Peter S. Rashish, the Vice President and Director of the Geoeconomics Program at the American-German Institute at Johns Hopkins University, to discuss the implications of Germany’s upcoming election. Examine the election results (which will occur on February 23) and gain insight into what the results mean for Germany, the United States, and the world. This webinar will include an audience Q&A. Register today: pacificcouncil.org/activities/ana…

Pacific Council member Geert Criel highlighted Qatar's growing importance as a U.S. partner and peacemaker in the Middle East at a recent event hosted by the Los Angeles World Affairs Council and Town Hall and the Cultural Bridges Foundation. He notes that Qatar's diplomatic role has expanded significantly, from hosting U.S. military operations to mediating regional conflicts. To read his summary, visit our online magazine: pacificcouncil.online/commentary/my-….

Pacific Council member and Associate Professor at Pomona College Mieczysław P. Boduszyński and research assistant Holden Tsai explore the complex balance between U.S. values and strategic partnerships in a time of great power competition. They analyze how strategic partnerships with non-democratic allies in Asia and beyond challenge America's commitment to democracy and human rights, especially as the U.S. competes with China and Russia. This commentary previews Mieczysław P. Boduszyński's forthcoming book, on which Holden Tsai is a research assistant. Read their article in our online magazine: pacificcouncil.online/commentary/val….

“If the U.S. is to get involved in deep sea mining, the political stars are more aligned than ever,” said Duncan Wood, President and CEO of the Pacific Council. Read the full article here: wsj.com/articles/trump…

Quotes here on President Sheinbaum’s handling of Mexico-US tariffs Mexico Handled Trump. Now It Needs to Clean Up Its Own Economy. barrons.com/articles/mexic… via @BarronsOnline @PacCouncil

Pacific Council member Seth Stodder shares his perspective on the future of immigration policy in the United States, exploring shifts in the nation’s historical approach to addressing migration and the struggles of the current U.S. asylum system. He unpacks current government promises of mass deportation, the call to end birthright citizenship, and potential impacts on legal immigration and guest worker programs. This piece proves timely as issues of border security, irregular migration, and the U.S. relationship with Mexico are at the forefront of national reporting. To read Seth’s article, visit our online magazine: pacificcouncil.online/commentary/tru….

Pacific Council Junior Fellow Ben Makarechian explores California's unique position to influence U.S.-China relations amid economic shifts. His analysis shows how the state can leverage its economic strength and diplomatic ties to maintain stability, even as federal policies threaten to decouple the two economies. Despite falling Chinese investment and growing tensions, California's subnational diplomacy offers a path forward. To read the complete analysis in our online magazine, visit: pacificcouncil.online/commentary/bal…

Join us on Thursday, February 6, from 6-8 pm PST for an intimate, in-person discussion with Dr. Maria-Elena Giner, U.S. Commissioner of the International Boundary and Water Commission, and Pacific Council President and CEO Duncan Wood. In 2021, President Biden appointed Dr. Giner the first Latina to hold this position. She will share her expertise on transboundary water policy, environmental infrastructure, and U.S.-Mexico cooperation. Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to explore the future of our shared water resources. This event has limited capacity. Members, secure your spot and register today: pacificcouncil.org/activities/int…

We are pleased to announce that as of January 1, 2025, Arthur J. Ochoa, Esq., is the new Board Co-Chair of the Pacific Council and joins Rob Lovelace in leading our organization's mission of advancing global policy engagement in Los Angeles. To learn more, visit: pacificcouncil.org/content/pacifi…

Join us on Wednesday, January 22, at 8 AM PST for an off-the-record conversation with former Pacific Council President and CEO Dr. Jerrold D. Green. He will explore the forces reshaping the Middle East, focusing on what these shifts mean for global security, economics, and diplomacy. Stay informed on the future of U.S.-Middle East policy under the Trump administration, and register today: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regist…. This webinar includes a live Q&A session with Dr. Green.

Monday, January 6, signaled a transformative change in Canada's future as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that he would resign as soon as his Liberal party chose a new leader. As part of our Rapid Response series, the Pacific Council is hosting a webinar on Tuesday, January 14 at 8 AM PST to dive into the various factors that led to Trudeau’s resignation, what this leadership transition means for Canada-U.S. relations, and what's next in Canadian politics. Register here: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regist…

As part of our Rapid Response webinar series, Pacific Council President and CEO Duncan Wood hosted Aaron David Miller, a former US. diplomat to discuss recent developments in Syria. The conversation explored the roles of various regional powers, governance challenges, humanitarian concerns, and potential future scenarios for Syria. Miller drew on his extensive diplomatic experience to analyze the complex dynamics while cautioning against making definitive predictions about how events might unfold. The discussion also touched on broader implications for U.S. policy in the Middle East and the region's stability. Watch the full webinar here: youtu.be/DMO6ZEQExVk?fe…

Pacific Council President and CEO Duncan Wood held a discussion with Jean H. Lee, a journalist and foreign policy analyst renowned for her expertise in covering North Korea and Northeast Asian affairs, and Professor Hee Kyoung Spiritas Cho, a law professor at Hongik University, to explore South Korea's recent political turmoil and its implications for democratic resilience, civil society, and media coverage. Professor Cho detailed the developments on the ground following President Yoon’s impeachment over his martial law decree, while Jean Lee offered insights into the broader impact on U.S.-Korea relations. Watch the full webinar here: youtu.be/p2e-_OSRi3Y?fe…