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Dear Council Member,

We are in one of the most perilous periods of international existence,” is how veteran diplomat Thomas Pickering recently summed up the world situation. The elements are clear:  a major war in Europe with no end in sight and Russian hints it might use nuclear weapons, a Middle East conflict that can blow up into regional war and a paralyzed UN Security Council. 

If there was ever a time the American public needs to be well informed, it is now. Our role in this endeavor at the Baltimore Council is to present expert speakers who offer incisive looks into current crises, perspectives for the time ahead and solid insights into past calamities. 

Christopher Kolenda laid out the lessons of the U.S. failure in Afghanistan, and retired General Frank McKenzie, the former commander of the Central Command, offered valuable insights on Iran and Afghanistan.  We broke new ground with Polish Ambassador Marek Magierowski on his country’s vision for European security and with Professor Jennica Larrison from the University of Baltimore on the Forced Displacement catastrophe.

Two Brookings scholars, Michael O’Hanlon and Robert Kagan, gave upbeat assessments of U.S. policy. We also hosted two contrarians, Trita Parsi of the Quincy Institute on the rocky U.S. relations in the Middle East, and former Pentagon official Elbridge Colby, on the case for prioritizing aid to Taiwan over aid to Ukraine. We will top off the year with Robert Zoellick, former World Bank President, on the lessons of history for today’s diplomacy. In January, we’ll have a program on democracy and autocracy and in February, former Ambassador James Jeffrey will address whether there’s a way out of the Middle East impasse.

We’ve launched a website discussion forum, building on the debate at our speakers’ events.  We’ve also posted a web feature on the Forced Displacement crisis – the 110 million civilians who fled their homes under armed attack. 

We hope to restore Council programs for high schools and colleges in 2024 but require an additional staffer and the funding to underwrite that position. In the meantime, we’ll welcome volunteer assistance to set up the program.  

With these goals in mind, we welcome your donations in the Baltimore Council. As a non-profit with low dues, our budget is tight. Members have helped sustain the Council for more than 40 years. Your continued backing will enable the Council to bring the most thoughtful, considered presentations possible.  

The value of the Council is greater than ever. Please join at future programs.

Gift Memberships:  This year we hope to expand our membership and help balance the budget — thanks to an anonymous donor.  For every new member you sponsor, the donor will match the amount with a gift to the Council. The offer also covers past members — those whose membership has lapsed a year or more. Membership is a bargain – just $30 for a student, $60 for an individual, and $90 for a family. It’s a great gift for the Holiday season.  The offer extends to other categories, including individual Supporter at $160, family Supporter at $190, and individual Sustainer at $260 and beyond, up to $500.  The donor writes: “All members are encouraged to introduce your engaged friends so they can enjoy the extraordinary speakers and at the same time double their financial contribution to the Council.” Any donation beyond the cost of a gift membership is tax deductible, as we’re a 501(c)(3) non-profit. The donor has extended the offer through the end of December (it was due to expire December 15).  It’s a great holiday gift for friends and family. The recipient gains access to all our programs and the Council gains a membership and a cash bonus!

Please do consider this opportunity as you make your holiday gift purchases.

Gift Memberships

To Members of the Council and the General Public

2023 Summary:  “We are in one of the most perilous periods of international existence,” is how veteran diplomat Thomas Pickering recently summed up the world situation. The elements are clear:  a major war in Europe with no end in sight and Russian hints it might use nuclear weapons, a Middle East conflict that can blow up into regional war and a paralyzed UN Security Council.

If ever there was a time we all need to be well informed, it is now. Baltimore Council speakers offer incisive looks into current crises and perspectives for the time ahead. They also provide solid insights into past calamities. 

Christopher Kolenda laid out the lessons of the U.S. failure in Afghanistan, and retired General Frank McKenzie, the former commander of the Central Command, offered valuable insights on Iran and Afghanistan.  We broke new ground with Polish Ambassador Marek Magierowski on his country’s vision for European security and with Professor Jennica Larrison from the University of Baltimore on the Forced Displacement catastrophe.

Two Brookings scholars, Michael O’Hanlon and Robert Kagan, gave upbeat assessments of U.S. policy. We also hosted two contrarians, Trita Parsi of the Quincy Institute on the rocky U.S. relations in the Middle East, and former Pentagon official Elbridge Colby, on the case for prioritizing aid to Taiwan over aid to Ukraine. We will top off the year with Robert Zoellick, former World Bank President, on the lessons of history for today’s diplomacy. In January, we’ll have a program on democracy and autocracy and in February, former Ambassador James Jeffrey will address whether there’s a way out of the Middle East impasse.

We’ve just launched a website discussion forum, building on the debate at our speakers’ events.  We’ll shortly post a web feature on the Forced Displacement crisis – the 110 million civilians who fled their homes under armed attack. 

We hope to restore Council programs for high schools and colleges in 2024 but require an additional staffer and the funding for the position — unless there’s a volunteer who’ll take this on!

So please renew your investment in the Baltimore Council. As a non-profit with low dues, our budget is tight. You can make an impact today by supporting our End of Year Donation Appeal. And you can help even more by sponsoring a new member. Members have helped sustain the Council for more than 40 years. Your continued backing will enable the Council to continue bringing the most thoughtful, considered presentations possible.  

The value of the Council is greater than ever. Please join at future programs. Please support our fundraising drive.

 

With gratitude,

Roy Gutman, President and CEO

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Wilson Center

Forced displacement represents one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time. Individuals and families, torn from the fabric of their communities, find themselves navigating a world of uncertainty, often without basic necessities or a clear path to safety. There are currently some 110 million forced displaced, and this number is growing by 10 million each year!

At the heart of this crisis are the political triggers. Armed conflicts, ethnic or religious persecutions, and systemic human rights abuses force millions to flee their homes in terror. Many are displaced within their own national boundaries, while others seek asylum abroad. If these factors change as a result of political shifts at home or the pressures from abroad, they can return to their homes. Forced displacement is thus different from environmentally driven displacement, as victims of climate change may never be able to return to their homes.

The ramifications of any sort of displacement are profound, not just for those directly affected, but also for host communities and countries. Overburdened infrastructures, socio-economic strains, and cultural tensions can arise, necessitating comprehensive strategies to foster harmony and integration. Yet the root causes of forced displacement can be remedied with a concerted focus by local players and international diplomacy.

Organizations like Refugees International play a crucial role in this arena, advocating for the rights and needs of the displaced, conducting on-the-ground assessments, and influencing policymakers to take informed actions. Their relentless work underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency ofinternational cooperation. But they, too, are overwhelmed by the rapid expansion of the crisis.

International Humanitarian Law (IHL), with its core principles centered on the protection of civilians during conflicts, plays a pivotal role in this discourse. Yet, despite clear legal frameworks, compliance remains
inconsistent. This initiative emphasizes the importance of upholding and reinforcing these international standards.

It’s not just about recognizing the problem; it’s about active engagement. We urge governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize the rights and needs of the forced displaced. Through collective efforts, informed policies, and sustained advocacy, we can shift the narrative from passive acknowledgment to proactive intervention.