Vermont Council on World Affairs

11/05/2026

Discover Albania with VCWA and Democracy Journeys, September 12–19, 2027. Our planned journey connects Tirana’s political history, Berat’s cultural heritage and conversations about Albania’s transition from dictatorship to democracy. Join our online information session December 10, noon–12:45 p.m. EST, to explore the itinerary and ask questions.

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/aikD4_x0QGWejGlYt2vW7Q

Photo: Marie Volkert / Reiseblog Worldonabudget – https://worldonabudget.de

11/04/2026

What would you like to understand better about our changing world? Great Decisions 2027 brings Vermonters together for eight live Zoom conversations, February 4–April 22, with guest-expert perspectives and a briefing book to deepen the discussion.

Explore multilateralism, the Middle East, Germany, U.S.–China engagement, Brazil and the Global South, AI, energy security, and organized crime in the Americas. Come with curiosity, questions, and a willingness to listen.

VCWA members receive special rates, and Great Decisions is complimentary for Executive members. Save an additional 10% on paid registration through December 3.

Explore all eight topics and register:
https://www.vcwa.org/great-decisions-program-2

Photo: Conversation at VCWA’s State of the World Summit, September 23, 2026. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Barb Pendl.

10/28/2026

Registration for Great Decisions 2027 is now open!

Join Vermonters across the state for eight live, virtual sessions that bring people together to learn, listen, and explore the global challenges shaping our world. This program creates a welcoming space for thoughtful conversation and community connection.

Great Decisions combines the Foreign Policy Association’s 2027 briefing book with guided discussions and guest‑expert perspectives.

Together, we will explore these topics in the year ahead:

• American Foreign Policy and the Future of Multilateralism
• American Options in the Middle East
• The Future of Germany in Europe and the Atlantic World
• U.S.–China: The Case for Engagement
• Brazil and the Global South: Confronting a New America
• AI and American Choices
• Energy Security: Challenges for American Foreign Policy
• Organized Crime in the Americas

The program runs February 4 through April 22, 2027
Each cohort is limited to 25 participants to keep conversations engaging and meaningful.

Early bird pricing is available through December 3, so now is a great time to reserve your spot!

Learn more and register here:
https://www.vcwa.org/great-decisions-program-2

We look forward to exploring these conversations with you.

10/14/2026

The Global Race for Critical Minerals

is hosting a timely conversation on the growing global competition for critical minerals and what it means for national security, technology, energy, and the global economy.

Join Dr. Gracelin Baskaran and Dr. Michael Winter for a discussion on China’s role in global mineral supply chains and the race to secure these essential resources.

VCWA members and friends are invited to join this important conversation. Learn more and register through the link in our bio.

This event is virtual and free but registration is required.

10/08/2026

Thank you for leading our visitors on such a special and meaningful tour at Ethan Allen Homestead. We can't wait to send another group your way!

Earlier this month we had a blast hosting a group of visitors from Bhutan through Vermont Council on World Affairs ! It was great to explore the history of the Homestead through a new perspective. Thanks so much for visiting!

10/06/2026

On Wednesday, September 23rd, the VCWA World Summit brought our community together for meaningful dialogue, diverse perspectives, and thoughtful conversations on the challenges and opportunities shaping our world today.

The biggest thank you once more to our speakers sponsors, and attendees. This day would not have been possible without you, and we are so grateful to have your names alongside ours on a day rooted in connection, understanding, and a shared commitment to building a more peaceful and engaged global community.

09/16/2026

ONE WEEK TO GO!

In just 7 days, leaders, experts, and community members will come together for the Vermont Council on World Affairs’ State of the World Summit — a day of timely conversations about the global issues shaping our world and our communities.

Big questions. Fresh perspectives. Meaningful conversation.

There’s still time to join us.

📅 September 8
📍 Burlington, Vermont

🎟️ One week out — now’s the time to reserve your seat.

09/13/2026

Did you know National Security Corespondent and guest speaker JJ Green wrote a book: The Noise War: How to Fight Disinformation and Find the Truth When Everything Is Lying to You. Conference Attendees will have the opportunity to see how information from that book relates to the topic at hand- additionally, there will be a specific time for book signing and networking- grab your tickets today for our September 23rd event!

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-state-of-the-world-summit-celebrating-international-day-of-peace-tickets-1990572325410?aff=oddtdtcreator

Snag a copy of "The Noise of War" here: https://www.amazon.com/Noise-War-Fight-Disinformation-Everything/dp/B0GK4RBBBY

09/11/2026

Session 3: Panel
From Maple Syrup to Microchips: How Global Economics and Geopolitics Shape Vermont
This panel will dive into the recent examples of how foreign policy becomes local: the impact of U.S. military engagement in the Middle East on the global economy. The security of the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world's oil supply passes, has implications far beyond the region. Changes in shipping security, energy prices, insurance costs, and global supply chains can ripple through the U.S. economy, affecting everything from fuel and fertilizer prices to manufacturing costs and grocery bills in Vermont.
This discussion will explore how current geopolitical conflict, trade policy, energy security, and industrial strategy are increasingly interconnected, and how decisions made in Washington and abroad shape economic opportunities and challenges for Vermont's farmers, businesses, workers, and consumers.

ANSON TEBBETTS | Secretary of Agriculture, Food & Markets

AMY SPEAR | President of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce

MELISSA WILLARD-FOSTER| Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Vermont

MIKE RAINVILLE | President of Maple Landmark, Inc.

A special thank you to our sponsors:





We're grateful for your support in bringing important global conversations to Vermont!

Get your ticket today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-state-of-the-world-summit-celebrating-international-day-of-peace-tickets-1990572325410?aff=oddtdtcreator

09/10/2026

When we hear "international affairs," it's easy to think of events happening somewhere else.

But global issues don't stop at national borders. They influence our economy, our businesses, our communities, and even our daily lives here in Vermont.

That's why this year's State of the World Summit is centered around one guiding question:

How do global forces shape our local future?

Join us on September 23 for a day of thoughtful conversations exploring the connections between world events and life here at home.

🎟️ Register through the link in our bio.

A special thank you to our sponsors:





And guest speaker:

We're grateful for your support in bringing important global conversations to Vermont!

Get your ticket today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-state-of-the-world-summit-celebrating-international-day-of-peace-tickets-1990572325410?aff=oddtdtcreator