Special Envoys Dinner

GREAT DECISIONS DISCUSSION DINNERS

Special Envoys

“Special envoys can help bring attention and diplomatic muscle to resolve conflicts and global challenges but they also bring with them their own "special" problems. Will the Obama administration's reliance on special envoys increase the ability of the U.S. to deal with major international issues or complicate our diplomatic options?”

This evening program is an opportunity for Council members and their guests to get together for an in-depth discussion of a "Great Decisions" topic, based on background material prepared by the Foreign Policy Association. Each discussion group is facilitated by an experienced Council facilitator and will be hosted by a World Affairs Council member at their private home. Dinner will be provided at the Host's home.



Moderator Biography: Brad Babson

Brad is the Second Vice President of the World Affairs Council of Maine and has been involved in the organization for a number of years in a variety of capacities. Brad is a consultant on East Asia and global development issues, currently involved in Track II diplomacy with North Korea and economic engagement diplomacy with Myanmar. He served 26 years with the World Bank, most recently as Senior Advisor, East Asia and Pacific Region, with assignments including Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. He has published widely on East and Southeast Asia, has been a speaker for the World Affairs Council of Maine, and holds an MPA from Princeton University Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs and a BA from Williams College.