By K.D. Norris
Soft power in the Balkans, specifically from the point-of-view of the Republic of Macedonia — if any of that was unclear, you need the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan.
The Grand Rapids-based chapter of the World Affairs Council is often the local go-to information source for up-to-date information on an ever-changing world and America’s military and political place run it.
Starting next week, with a discussion by Vasko Naumovoski, Ambassador to United States from the Republic of Macedonia, titled “Soft Power in the Balkans”, the council will be offering three open-to-the-public discussions in November.
Ambassador Naumovoski’s talk will be Tuesday, Nov. 7, from 6-7 p.m., with a social hour starting at 5:15 p.m., at the University Club, on the 10th Floor at 111 Lyon St. NE, in downtown Grand Rapids.
The event is $15 for members and guests, to be paid at the door. No RSVPs are needed but an email would be appreciated if one plans to attend as there will be a cash Bar and light hor d’oeuvres (and the count will help with ordering food).
There is free parking in the 5th/3rd bank lot if you park after 5 p.m. (The lot entrance is off Ottawa Avenue between Michigan and Lyon streets.)
Other events in November include U.S. security, Russia
On Wednesday, Nov. 8, the council will present “Top Five Threats to America’s National Security”, with Dr. Lori Murray, former Endowed Chair for National Security U.S. Naval Academy. Murray will address the five threats to the U.S. that Secretary of Defense James Mattis identified in June, 2017: North Korea; Russia; China; terrorist groups; and Iran.
The discussion will be from 7-8:30 p.m., with time for a Q&A, and will take place at Western Michigan University Grand Rapids at 2333 E. Beltline. The event is $15 and no RSVPs are necessary.
On Tuesday, Nov. 14, the council will present “Russia 2018: Putin’s Last Act?”, with John Beyrle, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia. Beyrle is a graduate of Grand Valley State and has been back to speak several times to speak on topics at the council. For more information see the council’s website.
Primer on the Balkans, the Nov. 7 speaker
The countries of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia and Slovenia — collectively known as Balkans — are adjacent to Russia and the European Union.
However, from ancient time until today, it has been difficult for one power to control the Balkans, according to information from the council’s website. This intense geopolitical competition makes the Balkan region one of the most contested and conflict-prone regions in the world, and part of that rivalry is unfolding through soft power and cultural diplomatic means.
Ambassador Naumvoski has been an ambassador since 2014. He is also a professor of international relations at the department of law at the St. Cyril and Methodist University in Skopje, where he earned his bachelor, master’s and doctoral degrees. From 2009 to 2011, he was deputy president of the government of the Republic of Macedonia and in charge of European affairs. In that post he began the process for Macedonia’s entry into the European Union. Macedonia is currently listed as a “candidate country,” in the process of integrating E.U. legislation into national law.
For more information these events and World Affairs Council of Western Michigan in general, visit worldmichigan.org
