Alaska World Affairs

Program Recap: The Digital Dilemma: Protecting Privacy in an Age of Innovation

Nadia Heffernan — Thu, 14 May 2026 15:42:58 +0000

In an engaging presentation for AKWorld, Yaya Fanusie explored the evolving landscape of digital money, privacy, and geopolitics in an increasingly digitized financial world. He emphasized that digital money is not new. Online banking and digital transactions between central banks have existed for decades, though these systems were traditionally inaccessible to the public. Today, digital finance can be divided into three categories: conventional fintech systems such as online banking, Zelle, and PayPal; cryptocurrencies; and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), which are digital central bank assets being explored in some countries.

A major point of discussion was that cryptocurrency itself is not technically “money,” but rather software that records and verifies transactions. Fanusie discussed concerns surrounding illicit finance, referencing how terrorist organizations experimented with Bitcoin crowdfunding in the mid-2010s to conceal financial activity. However, he also noted that anonymity and illicit finance risks have always existed with physical cash, which leaves little digital record yet remains legal.

The discussion then shifted toward national security and geopolitics. Countries such as China, Russia, Iran, and Venezuela are developing blockchain-based payment systems that could bypass traditional Western financial infrastructure. BRICS Pay and China’s Digital Renminbi were highlighted as examples challenging the dominance of U.S.-centered finance. China’s approach raised concerns about government surveillance and “programmable money,” where financial behavior could potentially be monitored or controlled.

Privacy and surveillance became central themes throughout the presentation. Fanusie referenced the “Panopticon” concept to describe how AI and large-scale data collection may allow governments and corporations to observe behavior constantly. He emphasized the importance of constitutional protections, encryption, and privacy-preserving technologies such as Zero Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs), which allow information to be verified without revealing the underlying data.

Looking ahead, Fanusie predicted a more fragmented global financial system with competing payment networks and reduced U.S. financial dominance. Despite these challenges, he ended on an optimistic note, encouraging students to learn emerging privacy technologies and think strategically about protecting financial freedom in the digital future.

About the Speaker

Yaya J. Fanusie is the global head of policy at Aleo Network Foundation, where he leads global policy engagement and regulatory strategy to advance privacy-preserving blockchain systems and stablecoin adoption across consumer, enterprise, and institutional markets. A pioneer in assessing the national security implications of digital assets, Fanusie previously served as director of policy for anti-money laundering and cyber risk at the Crypto Council for Innovation, where he remains a senior advisor, and earlier spent seven years at the CIA as an economic and counterterrorism analyst. During his tenure, he regularly briefed federal law enforcement, U.S. military leadership, and senior White House officials—including personally briefing President George W. Bush—and provided on-the-ground analytic support to military officials in Afghanistan.

After government service, Fanusie supported a global financial asset-recovery investigation involving a kleptocratic regime, then became director of analysis at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies’ Center on Sanctions and Illicit Finance. In that role, he led research on sanctions evasion, terrorist financing, and the illicit use of cryptocurrencies. His early analyses helped expose some of the first terrorist crypto crowdfunding efforts and documented how Russia, Iran, Venezuela, and China pursue blockchain-enabled financial infrastructure.

Fanusie holds an MA in International Affairs from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and a BA in Economics from UC Berkeley.

Program Recap: Japan in the Arctic: A Reception on Policy, Security, and International Cooperation

Nadia Heffernan — Sat, 02 May 2026 01:29:27 +0000

Yesterday’s discussion and reception, Japan in the Arctic: A Reception on Policy, Security, and International Cooperation, was moderated by Mead Treadwell and featured remarks from former Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Dr. Atsushi Sunami, President of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation. Together, they reflected on the strong historical and emerging connections between Alaska and Japan, emphasizing Alaska’s strategic role as a “front door” to broader American economic, scientific, and cultural opportunities.

The evening was kicked off by a rousing performance by Tomodachi Daiko, a Japanese drumming band that works in partnership with the Anchorage School District’s Japanese Immersion program to bring awareness of cultural diversity and traditional arts. As Minister Kamikawa remarked, the drum beat is more than music, it is like the heart beat of the culture.

Following this, the speakers highlighted the long-standing economic relationship between Alaska and Japan, built on industries such as fisheries, timber, and air cargo. At the same time, they noted that the absence of direct flights between Alaska and Japan has unintentionally exaggerated the perceived distance between the two regions, underscoring the potential value of strengthening direct connectivity to deepen trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchange.

Environmental stewardship and climate change were also central to the dialogue. Minister Kamikawa and Dr. Sunami emphasized the urgent impacts of climate change on Arctic and marine ecosystems, and the need for continued collaboration in science, environmental protection, and sustainable development of local communities. Particular attention was given to the shared experiences of remote villages in both Alaska and Japan, many of which face similar challenges of geographic isolation and limited access to medical and educational resources. The discussion highlighted the potential for new technologies to improve connectivity and quality of life in these communities.

Dr. Sunami also spoke to the long history of Japanese engagement in Arctic research through the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF). In his role as President of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, he further emphasized ongoing work in Arctic research, policy recommendations, and ocean policy development.

Minister Kamikawa highlighted her commitment to the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. She spoke about the essential role women can play in post-disaster recovery and conflict resolution, including in response to crises such as the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Special thanks to Mead and Tim Treadwell for helping coordinate this opportunity, to Commonwealth North for co-hosting with AKWorld, and a big thank you to UAA for their sponsorship of this event.

About the Speakers

Yoko Kamikawa is a Japanese politician, now beginning her 9th term, known for her long-standing role in national government. She is the first woman to have served Japan both as Minister of Justice and Minister for Foreign Affairs. Kamikawa was first elected to the House of Representatives of Japan in 2000. Her first cabinet position was in 2007 as Minister of State for Gender Equality and Social Affairs.

She graduated from the University of Tokyo and in 1988 she received a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University. During her time in the United States, she worked as a Fulbright fellow under Senator Max Baucus.

During her time as Foreign Minister, she took an active role in promoting Japan’s position as a proactive contributor to peace, including trips to the Middle East, Ukraine, and a tour of Europe and North America. In January 2024, Kamikawa also oversaw the launch of a new “Women, Peace and Security (WPS)” task force to address gender-inclusive security issues.

Dr. Atsushi Sunami serves as President of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, a Distinguished Fellow at The Asia Pacific Foundation in Canada, and a Special Advisor to the President and guest professor at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies.

He graduated from Georgetown University and received his PhD from Columbia. Dr. Sunami has chaired various Ministerial committees for advanced science and space exploration. His involvement spans from space to the oceans as Chairperson of the Consortium for Satellite Earth Observation at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency to co-Chair of the NIKKEI Blue Ocean Forum Advisory Committee.

Community Spotlight: Tammalivis Salanoa

siobhan choi — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 22:36:53 +0000

Community Spotlight highlights members of the AKWorld community who are helping connect Alaskans to the world in meaningful ways. From students to volunteers, these stories reflect the many pathways into global engagement and the lasting impact of those experiences.

Community Spotlight | Tammalivis Salanoa

Tammalivis first connected with the Alaska World Affairs Council as a high school student, when a history teacher introduced the organization during a world history unit. Students were offered extra credit to attend a speaker event. She went—and kept going.

What began as a classroom incentive quickly became something more. Through those events, she found direct access to global perspectives and individuals she otherwise wouldn’t have encountered. It was an early entry point into understanding international issues not as distant concepts, but as active, ongoing conversations.

The Council continues to shape how she approaches global education today. Her experience as a student scholar helped her better understand the United States’ role in a broader global system—and how decisions made across borders influence everything from trade to economic outcomes. It also underscored the importance of collaboration and approaching issues with an awareness of their complexity and interconnectedness.

At a time when global headlines can feel constant and overwhelming, Tammalivis points to the value of informed perspective. Hearing directly from individuals involved in global decision-making, she says, has helped bring context to complex issues and made them feel more navigable.
Having experienced AKWorld as both a student and a volunteer, she encourages others to get involved in whatever way they can. “Why not?” she says. “You have nothing to lose but the world of knowledge to gain.” For her, the organization offers a rare opportunity—one that makes global learning accessible regardless of age or background.

One of her most memorable experiences was traveling to Washington, D.C., for a national conference, where she connected with other student scholars from across the country. The relationships she built there have lasted well beyond the event itself, offering a sense of continuity and shared purpose.

Looking ahead, she’s particularly interested in global climate issues affecting the Pacific, including environmental change and mineral extraction—topics with clear relevance for Alaska. If given the opportunity to bring a global voice to the state, she would choose Greta Thunberg, noting the potential impact on youth engagement around Arctic and climate-related challenges.

For Tammalivis, doing this kind of work from Alaska carries its own significance. She points to the state’s long-standing role as a global transit hub—historically and today—as a reminder that Alaska has always been more connected to the world than it may seem.

We’re grateful to have Tammalivis as part of the AKWorld community. Her journey reflects how a single moment of exposure can grow into long-term engagement and how global awareness can take root close to home.

Program Recap: Peacemaking in a Time of Escalation with Paul Dziatkowiec

Nadia Heffernan — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 01:31:49 +0000

In his talk, Peacemaking in a Time of Escalation, Paul Dziatkowiec and moderator, Janine Elgamal, discussed Paul’s work as a crisis mediator, highlighting both the challenges and necessities of modern peacebuilding. He discussed his transition from serving as a diplomat for Australia to engaging in behind-the-scenes, unofficial diplomacy, where he can facilitate sensitive negotiations outside formal channels.

Paul underscored the personal and professional skills essential for effective mediation, including strong interpersonal relationships, trustworthiness, discretion, and resilience. He noted that failure is common in this field, making persistence and curiosity critical to continuing the work.

He also outlined the structural components necessary for lasting peace agreements: clear, written terms; reliable verification mechanisms; and defined consequences for violations. Without these elements, agreements are unlikely to endure.

Importantly, he emphasized that many peace processes fall short due to limited inclusivity. Women and youth, in particular, are often excluded despite playing a crucial role in determining whether peace will be sustained over time.

Dziatkowiec expressed concern about broader shifts in the global order, noting that institutions such as the United Nations and the OSCE are increasingly sidelined, along with the subject experts within. He warned that the erosion of international norms—especially respect for sovereignty—creates conditions in which aggression becomes less taboo.

Finally, he reflected on the moral dimensions of global politics, lamenting not only the weakening of international systems but also a decline in fundamental human values such as kindness and mutual respect. Remembering to treat others how you want to be treated is foundational.

About the Speaker

Paul Dziatkowiec has spent 25 years in diplomacy and conflict mediation. Prior to his current role as Director of Mediation and Peace Support at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (since 2021), he managed various projects over a decade at the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD), an organization that mediates in armed conflicts. There he engaged in efforts to promote peace in Nigeria, Myanmar, Thailand and Ukraine among others, and ran the prestigious Oslo Forum for several years.

In his mediation and dialogue facilitation work, Paul has initiated and facilitated numerous confidential dialogue processes, including in the Ukraine-Russia context, the Caucasus, Middle East, Arctic, Asia and the US-China context.

Earlier Paul was an Australian diplomat for over a decade, including in Africa, the Middle East and the Asia Pacific. In his most recent posting in Nairobi, as Deputy and regularly Acting Ambassador he covered a range of countries including Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi. Concurrently, he was Australia’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Nairobi.

Previously Paul was posted to the Australian Embassy in Tel Aviv, and acted periodically as Australian’s Representative to the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah during the second intifada.

During his diplomatic career, Paul engaged in multilateral negotiations at the UN, in Geneva, New York, and Nairobi, which included negotiating resolutions and delivering statements on behalf of Australia on diverse issues.

Paul is also a Senior Adviser to the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Peace Dividend Initiative, an expert on UNDP’s crisis response roster, Fellow at the Oxford Global Society and World Academy of Art and Science, and member of Diplomats Without Borders and the Explorers Club. He has written on peacemaking in different regions, and delivered guest lectures on similar themes in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, North America, Europe and Australia.

About the Moderator

Janine hails from Cairo, Egypt where she rowed crew along the Nile for most of her youth. Janine had the unusual opportunity to mentor 50 USAID sponsored students from all governorates of Egypt during their studies at the American University in Cairo, where she provided leadership training, and mentorship.

She has a background in film production, experiential learning, and leadership training and holds a Master’s degree in Communication. She also freelances as an Arabic interpreter, and translator.

Janine works in graduate admissions and recruitment at The Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University.

The Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution employs cutting-edge theory, research, education, and practical work to identify and address the underlying causes of conflict and provide tools for ethical and just peacebuilding on local, national, and global stages.

Program Recap: Stories Behind the Songs: Music as History, Memory & Connection with Gnoss

Nadia Heffernan — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:29:54 +0000

Program Recap: Stories Behind the Songs: Music as History, Memory & Connection with Gnoss

Friday’s program, Stories Behind the Songs: Music as History, Memory & Connection, offered a fun and engaging lunchtime with the acclaimed folk band Gnoss. Marking their first-ever performance in the United States, the group brought both their music and their stories to life for an enthusiastic audience.

Having played together for nine years, Gnoss shared how their journey began in Glasgow, where they first met. While the city’s vibrant music scene helped shape their sound, much of their musical identity is deeply rooted in the Orkney Isles. The band performed a range of songs, including “Hjop,” weaving in stories about the landscapes, histories, and personal connections behind each piece.

In addition to discussing the broader music scene across Glasgow and the British Isles, Gnoss offered insight into their instrumentation. They introduced audience members to distinctive elements of their sound, including the bodhrán and the electric tenor guitar, explaining how these instruments contribute to their unique musical style.

Many thanks to the Anchorage Concert Association for bringing Gnoss to Anchorage and partnering with AK World to put on this special event. Additional thanks to the Alaska Scottish Club’s Cathy Steen for moderating the fun discussion.

About the Band

Gnoss’ signature sound is a rich tapestry of acoustic layers; outstanding musicianship, deep traditional roots and contemporary compositional flair combine to create songs and tunes brimming with character.

Triple Scots Trad Music Awards nominees, the band have built an invested following through their forward-thinking take on traditional music and the unique warmth of their live shows. This has been proven through three consecutive sellout appearances at Glasgow’s world-famous Celtic Connections festival.

Their 2019 release, Drawn From Deep Water was met with widespread praise (“a refreshing blast” – RnR) for its exemplary interplay, nakedly emotional playing, and well chosen material. Their follow up album, The Light of The Moon continued to demonstrate Gnoss’ dedication to their craft that places them firmly at the fore of what’s happening in Scottish folk and earned them a nomination for Album of the Year at the Scots Trad Music Awards.

With the release of their third album, 2023’s Stretching Skyward, Gnoss reignite their collaboration with producer and engineer, Scott Wood (Skerryvore), further exploring their acoustic roots whilst incorporating new, electronic elements.

Gnoss combines the talents of;

Aidan Moodie (Guitar/Vocals)

Graham Rorie (Fiddle/Mandolin/Electric Tenor Guitar)

Connor Sinclair (Flute/Whistles/Vocals)

Craig Baxter (Bodhran/Percussion)

Community Spotlight: Perry Lewis

siobhan choi — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 18:23:03 +0000

Community Spotlight highlights members of the AKWorld community who are helping connect Alaskans to the world in meaningful ways. We’re kicking off these highlights with an educator whose work inspires students to engage with global affairs in profound ways. Through their curiosity, commitment, and connection to the wider world, community members like Perry bring our mission to life every day.

Community Spotlight | Perry Lewis

Perry Lewis has spent 30 years teaching in Alaska. Ask him his favorite moment as a teacher, and he’ll describe the instant something clicks for a student–when the world stops feeling distant and abstract and becomes something personal and real.

A few years ago, Perry brought 50 of his ninth-graders to an Alaska World Affairs Council talk on the Alaska-Russia relationship. While they were there, an AKWorld coordinator introduced the group to Vic Fischer, one of the last living members of the Alaska Constitutional Convention–the very subject his class had been studying. Fischer moved through the crowd, talking with students one by one. At one point, he turned to a student and asked what they were studying in class.

“YOU,” the student said.

Perry loves that story. It captures something he’s always believed about teaching in Alaska: that the past and the present here are uniquely close together. “Our population is small enough that, although we are worldly, we are never that far removed from the things that have made us who we are today.”

That closeness is something Perry tries to honor in his classroom, and it’s part of what drew him to connecting his students with outside voices. Hearing an idea through a new person, he says, makes it land differently. It helps paint a more vivid picture.

“When something I’ve talked about comes through the voice of another person–especially when community members take the time to show up–it elevates the subject matter and makes it more real. It helps students take it seriously and see themselves as global citizens.”

In 2021, he took that approach even further, chaperoning AKWorld’s Academic WorldQuest champions to Washington, D.C., for the national competition–the first Anchorage School District group to travel out of state after COVID restrictions were lifted.

“This was my favorite AKWorld event,” Perry says. “We placed 8th in the country, representing Eagle River High School, the Anchorage School District, and the State of Alaska. After being cooped up for a year and a half, it was a great way to celebrate a return to normal. I was extremely proud to represent those wonderful students.”

That success has only continued. His students have gone on to win the Alaska Academic WorldQuest competition again last year–and again this year–a testament to the curiosity, preparation, and global awareness he fosters in the classroom.

Outside the classroom, Perry is paying close attention to the rise of workplace AI and what widespread automation could mean for a generation of young Alaskans. It’s the kind of question he thinks deserves more attention in this state.

And if he could bring any global figure to speak in Alaska, he’d choose Angela Merkel–someone he finds fascinating, and whose perspective on where we form connections, political and historical, he’d love to hear in person.

When asked what he would say to other educators or community members who might be on the fence about getting involved with AKWorld, Perry said, “Do it. Go to see a speaker. Go to Academic WorldQuest. Try out the World Wiz Pub Quiz. Whatever angle you can find, connect with AKWorld. They are a great organization with great people to work with at every level.”

We’re grateful to have Perry in the AKWorld community. If his story inspires you to get involved, we’d love to welcome you. However you find your way in, the door is open.

Program Recap: The Future of Nuclear Energy: Innovation, Affordability, and Global Impact

Nadia Heffernan — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:43:18 +0000

The Alaska World Affairs Council had a packed room to hear from Ben Kellie, the founder of Applied Atomics, as he spoke about the way he is bringing his past work experiences to bear on the future of nuclear energy. After a quick primer on how nuclear energy works and what Applied Atomics aims to do, Ben Kellie and Mead Treadwell had a wide ranging conversation, followed by some excellent questions from the audience.

Key among the issues discussed was the price of energy that one of Applied Atomics installations would be able to deliver. As Ben noted, it has to be competitive – and it will be. There were lots of questions about the safety (very safe, with lessons learned from past disasters and near-misses), regulation (these are proven technologies, so largely work within the existing regulatory frameworks), and permitting (it only makes sense to build where people are willing to give nuclear a go).

About the Speaker

Ben Kellie is a Co-Founder & CEO of Applied Atomics, a deep tech startup working to unlock co-located nuclear fission power provide affordable, firm, clean power in order to unlock the next 1,000 years of energy for humanity. Ben began his career at SpaceX, where he played a critical role in developing their west coast launch pad at Vandenburg AFB eventually serving as Lead Engineer, then went on to build the landing barges for recovery of landed rockets from first steel in the shipyard through the first missions at sea. He then founded The Launch Company, which delivered standardized flight hardware and autonomous launch systems to a new generation of aerospace ventures, successfully bootstrapping hardware to space. That company was acquired by Voyager Space in 2021. He has an MS in Mechanical Engineering from Ohio State University, and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from University of Alaska Fairbanks. He lives in Anchorage, Alaska with his family.

Program Recap: Understanding Iran’s Uncertain Future

Nadia Heffernan — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:42:49 +0000

The Alaska World Affairs Council was proud to engage in a timely conversation with four experts—Jonathan Panikoff, a former U.S. intelligence officer specializing in Middle East security; James Ryan, a historian of the modern Middle East; Michael Walsh, a political scientist specializing on U.S. foreign policy; and Ryan Mayfield, a researcher focused on political risk modeling—to examine how Iran’s internal dynamics intersect with this widening conflict.

The discussion covered a lot of ground, ranging from the potential humanitarian ramifications of having over 3 million people displaced to the broader scenarios of how this conflict may play out both before the United States declares operations complete and how Iranian society puts the pieces back together.

Each speaker brought insightful commentary from their varied backgrounds as they thought through the possible paths forward for military and political leaders and the Iranian people.

About the Speakers

Ryan Mayfield is a co-Founder and Board Member of Silo2, which is dedicated to preventing violence, reducing harm, and fostering community resilience. Silo2 deploys systems innovations to create safer, more resilient futures for all. Ryan is a researcher and practitioner who focuses on empowering people to ask for help to proactively resolve crisis situations, ranging from mental wellbeing and sexual misconduct to violence in our workplaces and schools. He additionally works at building tools to help communities and organizations with Safe Haven. He has developed data models for political risk, built military innovation programs, and studied rebel groups in the Philippines alongside members of the U.S. Army Special Forces. Ryan has previously worked in defense and national security communities as a researcher and innovator. He is a published researcher in applying artificial intelligence to sectors like helplines and behavioral threat assessment and management. Ryan grew up in Western Washington. A graduate of Stanford University, Ryan remains affiliated with the Stanford University Peace Innovation Lab. He is a member of the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals.

Jonathan Panikoff is director of the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative at the Atlantic Council, where he leads the organization’s work on pan-regional Middle East politics and security in addition to directing the South Asia portfolio. He is concurrently a senior fellow in the Atlantic Council’s Geoeconomics Center, focusing on foreign investment and national security issues. A former career US intelligence officer, Panikoff served from 2015 to 2020 as deputy national intelligence officer for the Near East at the National Intelligence Council, overseeing Intelligence Community analysis on the Levant and the Gulf. He later led analytic support for the 2020 US presidential transition and, in his final Intelligence Community role, served as director of the Investment Security Group, overseeing efforts related to foreign investment reviews, including matters involving the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States and Team Telecom.He holds a JD from Syracuse University College of Law, an MA in international relations from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University, and a BA from the George Washington University. He is admitted to the New York and Connecticut bars and lives in Washington, DC, with his wife and two daughters.

James Ryan is the Executive Director of the Middle East Research and Information Project (MERIP), a non-profit publication featuring in-depth reporting and analysis of Middle East Politics and Society. Prior to joining MERIP, he served as the Director of Research and Director of the Middle East Program at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, a non-profit foreign policy think tank based in Philadelphia. He is an historian of the modern Middle East with a focus on the Ottoman Empire and Republic of Turkey, and his writing has covered political and cultural issues from the late 19th century to the present. He is currently at work on a book project investigating the history of dissent and opposition in Turkey during the interwar period in the 20th century. He received his Ph.D. in History from the University of Pennsylvania and an A.B. in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations from the University of Chicago. He has previously served as the Associate Director of the Hagop Kevorkian Center for Near Eastern Studies at NYU, and as a Program Assistant at Penn’s Middle East Center. He is also currently serving on the board of the Ottoman and Turkish Studies Association as Executive Director.

Michael Walsh is Affiliated Faculty at the University of Alaska and Visiting Researcher at the University of Lapland and Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. He is President of Future Continuum LLC, Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, and Occasional Lecturer at the Foreign Service Institute. His research focuses on gaps in American foreign policy, while his consulting work centers on strategic planning and data-driven decision-making for U.S. allies. He has served on expert work groups for the Partnership for Peace Consortium, U.S. Army War College, and Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, and as Lead Researcher at the Hudson Institute. His insights have been featured in major outlets including the BBC, Financial Times, NPR, New York Times, Reuters, and The Guardian.

Program Recap: Seize the Summit: Screening & Conversation with Arwa Damon

Nadia Heffernan — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 17:24:01 +0000

In mid-February, the Alaska World Affairs Council held a special screening of the documentary Seize the Summit, followed by a discussion and Q&A with award-winning journalist and INARA founder Arwa Damon.

Seize the Summit chronicles the extraordinary journey of four young war survivors with whom Arwa encountered through her charity INARA—from Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine—as they unite to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and take a powerful stand against war. The documentary captures their thrilling and at times, difficult, ascent up Africa’s highest peak while revealing profound lessons about resilience, hope, and the universal impact of armed conflict on young lives.

Following the screening, Arwa and AK World Affairs CEO Siobhan Choi held a conversation about Arwa’s career producing and reporting in war zones and how she chooses to push forward in the absence of hope. The program concluded with audience Q&A.

Exploring Alaska

In addition to the screening, Arwa was able to take in some of the sights and wintertime activities in Anchorage like a fat tire bike ride along the Coastal trail and exploration of some of Anchorage’s local book stores. Thanks to the Anchorage Museum for arranging a private tour, highlighting Alaska’s history, cultures, and global connections. With a lucky break in the weather, Arwa was able to go flightseeing over Southcentral Alaska with longtime friend of the Council, Paul Anderson.

About the Speaker

Arwa Damon is a multi-award winning former senior international correspondent for CNN best known for her ability to draw out nuanced human stories in the midst of war and other crisis. Among her multiple awards is an Emmy for the documentary Return to Mosul. She has reported throughout the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Africa.

After witnessing injured children in warzones fall through the gaps in access to medical care, she founded the charity INARA in 2015. It was through organizing the Kilimanjaro summit for INARA in 2022 that she recognized it was a unique opportunity to present the incredible stories of war survivors to a diverse audience. It was Arwa’s belief in the power of this documentary that led her to take the risk of leaving CNN, pursuing and self-funding the production of this project.

It has long been her passion to delve into the documentary film world and translate her vast 17-year storytelling experience into something that would bring global issues to a diverse audience in an unexpected way. This is her documentary directing debut. Arwa speaks Arabic, Turkish, English and French.

Program Recap: Africa in the Global Order with Chidi Blyden

siobhan choi — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:34:51 +0000

This past week, the Alaska World Affairs Council was honored to host Chidi Blyden for a full and impactful week of programs across Alaska, bringing together students, educators, and community members for timely conversations on global security, diplomacy, and Africa’s evolving role in the international order.

Chidi’s visit began in Juneau, where we collaborated with our friends at the Juneau World Affairs Council to host a presentation for their community. In Anchorage, we welcomed Chidi for a luncheon program that brought together community members alongside students as part of our Evangeline Atwood Distinguished Speakers Series. We also hosted an evening lecture with the University of Alaska Anchorage Department of Political Science, which was thoughtfully moderated by Professors Kimberly Pace and Dr. Forrest Nabors. The discussion explored Africa’s place in the global order, security challenges and opportunities on the continent, and the broader implications for U.S. foreign policy.

Chidi’s visit coincided with Black History Month, offering an especially meaningful moment to reflect on how history, leadership, and lived experience intersect with today’s global challenges. Her perspective added depth to conversations about representation, expertise, and the importance of diverse voices in shaping international policy and understanding.

We extend our sincere thanks to the students, educators, and community members who attended these programs; to Chidi Blyden and her sister for spending this week with us in Alaska; to our dedicated staff and volunteers whose hard work made the visit possible; and to our colleagues in Juneau for hosting the first stop of this journey.

Visits like this underscore the value of bringing global voices to Alaska and creating space for informed, respectful dialogue on the issues shaping our world today.

Exploring Alaska

Beyond the formal programs, we were pleased to share some of what makes Alaska unique. Chidi (and her sister, who joined us for the visit) took a flight to see Alaska’s glaciers and toured the Anchorage Museum. We are thankful to the Museum for their longstanding support in welcoming visiting speakers and helping them better understand Alaska’s history, cultures, and place in the world, and to longtime friend of the Council, Paul Anderson, for his generousity flying our speakers around.

About the Speaker

Chidi Blyden is an accomplished executive leader and former U.S. foreign policy advisor, with over two decades of transformative experience spanning national security, defense, economic development, and international policy. As the Principal of Culturally Bound, she develops actionable strategies to address Africa’s complex challenges and unlock its potential by leveraging the African Diaspora. Her extensive government service includes significant roles in both the Biden-Harris and Obama administrations. Notably, as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), she managed the agency’s daily operations and chaired the Investment Management Committee, overseeing a $1 billion annual investment portfolio and an $8 billion active program portfolio. In the Pentagon, as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs, she managed relationships with 53 African nations and played a pivotal role in redefining U.S.-Africa defense relations, securing billions in funding for various security initiatives.

Earlier in her career, Ms. Blyden served as the Special Assistant and Africa Peacekeeping Senior Advisor to the Office of the Secretary of Defense during the Obama administration, where she oversaw defense policy for East and Central African countries and led the Department of Defense’s efforts for the President’s African Leaders’ Summit. Her expertise also extended to advising the House Armed Services Committee on African nations and Western Hemisphere defense and security priorities. A socio-cultural expert, Ms. Blyden’s work emphasizes the cultural underpinnings of policy and community-driven security. As the first Africa Director at the Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC), she developed and implemented culture-specific training for the Nigerian Armed Forces to minimize civilian harm during the Boko Haram crisis.

Beyond her governmental and consulting roles, Ms. Blyden is deeply committed to mentoring and advocating for women and young leaders. She is a passionate advocate for ethical leadership and uplifting others in the national security and defense sectors, which has earned her numerous accolades, including the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service, (x2) TrailBlazer Award from Black Professionals in International Affairs and the Aggie Impact Award from Texas A&M University. Ms. Blyden contributes to academia, as a regular lecturer at institutions such as Harvard University and Texas A&M University School of Public Service and previously as an adjunct faculty member at Georgetown University. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Sitar Arts Center and has held various roles in various organizations such as the Board and Leadership Council Member for Memunatu Magazine, a magazine empowering young women in the African diaspora and the Leadership Council for Women in National Security (LCWINS) and Women of Color Advancing Peace and Security (WCAPS).