Alaska World Affairs Council

09/14/2026

Taiwan: The Country That Doesn’t Exist—or Does It?

What is Taiwan—and how did it become the place it is today?

At a recent AKWorld program, Professor Emerita Diddy Hitchins took us on a fascinating journey through Taiwan’s long history, from its Indigenous cultures and early European encounters to Chinese and Japanese rule, the Chinese Civil War, decades of martial law, and Taiwan’s remarkable transition to democracy. Taiwan’s martial law ended in 1987, followed by sweeping democratic reforms and its first direct presidential election in 1996.

Dr. Hitchins developed this presentation as part of a course she and the late Paul Dunscomb had planned to co-teach at UAA this fall. AKWorld was honored to host the program in his memory.

The program explored how this layered history has shaped a distinct Taiwanese identity—and the complicated question of Taiwan’s political status today. Taiwan is self-governing, while the People’s Republic of China claims sovereignty over the island.

It was a thought-provoking look at how history continues to shape one of the world’s most consequential relationships—and why understanding Taiwan’s past is essential to understanding its present.

Thank you to Dr. Hitchins and everyone who joined us for this important conversation.

08/28/2026

Yesterday, AKWorld and The Humanity Funds welcomed a wonderful audience to the Anchorage Museum for a screening of Lina, followed by a conversation with retired Ambassador L. Craig Johnstone, moderated by AKWorld Board Chair Samantha Correia.

*Lina* tells the story of a Ukrainian family forced to flee their home, travel through Russia, and eventually return to Ukraine—only to find themselves facing war again. Through Lina’s mother, we see the deeply personal cost of war: the fear of protecting your children, the heartbreak of leaving your home and livelihood behind, and the uncertainty of not knowing what comes next.

Ambassador Johnstone then reminded us that these stories are connected to something much bigger. He spoke passionately about America’s responsibility to lead, the importance of strong relationships with our allies, and the need for informed citizens who care about what happens beyond our own borders.

He also shared heartbreaking stories of Ukrainian children taken from their families—and stories of the people working tirelessly to bring them home.

It was a difficult conversation, but also an inspiring one. **War is brutal. The challenges facing our world are enormous. But courage, compassion, leadership, and ordinary people willing to do extraordinary work still matter.**

Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to The Humanity Fund, Anchorage Museum, Ambassador Johnstone, and Ms. Correia for making this meaningful evening possible. 🇺🇦

08/19/2026

We’re kicking off the Alaska World Affairs Council’s new program season next week with a special screening of Lina, an award-winning documentary offering an intimate look at a young Ukrainian girl whose childhood is forever changed by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Told through the eyes of Lina’s mother, the film explores resilience, the realities of war, and one family’s determination to hold onto hope in the face of unimaginable hardship.

Following the screening, join us for a moderated conversation and audience Q&A with Ambassador L. Craig Johnstone, a retired U.S. diplomat with more than 35 years of experience in diplomacy, international security, refugee affairs, and humanitarian response.

Ambassador Johnstone will connect Lina’s deeply personal story to the broader global issues surrounding the war in Ukraine—including the international response, the humanitarian crisis, and what the conflict means for Europe’s future and international security.

Join us next Thursday for an evening of film, conversation, and a deeper look at one of the most consequential conflicts shaping our world today.

This is "Lina Trailer 4K" by The Humanity Funds on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

08/10/2026

This month, we’re celebrating Adrienne Wilson and the team at Bear Tooth Theatre, longtime partners who help make AKWorld’s student programming possible — including one of our favorite traditions, the annual Academic WorldQuest Competition!

For Adrienne, Quiz Comp day is a highlight of the year. She loves seeing students arrive ready to put their world affairs knowledge to the test — and admits that her team always attempts to participate, but are typically humbled by the high schoolers! 😆

Working alongside students tackling global issues has left a real impression on Adrienne: “I believe that knowledge is power, and seeing a room of young people engaged in furthering their education on what is happening in our world helps give me hope for the future.”

Adrienne also shares which world leaders she’d love to hear from, the issues she thinks Alaskans should be paying closer attention to, and a fun 2026 highlight: winning tickets to Saturday Night Live and getting to watch Jack Black host at 30 Rock. 🎤

We’re grateful to Adrienne and the entire Bear Tooth team for being such wonderful partners in connecting Alaska’s students with the world.

👉 Read the full Community Spotlight and get to know Adrienne: https://alaskaworldaffairs.org/uncategorized/community-spotlight-adrienne-wilson/

08/06/2026

Join the Alaska World Affairs Council and The Humanity Funds as we kick off the program season with a special screening of Lina, an award-winning documentary that tells the story of a young Ukrainian girl whose childhood is forever changed by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Told through the eyes of her mother, the film offers an intimate and deeply personal look at Lina’s resilience, the realities of war, and a family’s determination to preserve hope in the face of unimaginable hardship.

Following the screening, stay for a moderated discussion and audience Q&A with Ambassador L. Craig Johnstone. Drawing on more than four decades of experience in diplomacy, international security, and humanitarian affairs, Ambassador Johnstone will explore the broader geopolitical implications of the war in Ukraine, the international response to the ongoing conflict, and the humanitarian challenges facing millions of displaced Ukrainians. The conversation will connect the personal story portrayed in Lina with the global issues shaping Europe’s future and international security today.

Registration is available online: https://alaskaworldaffairs.org/events/lina-the-film-screening-qa-with-ambassador-johnstone/

https://vimeo.com/1087368769?fl=pl&fe=sh

This is "Lina Trailer 4K" by The Humanity Funds on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

07/22/2026

📚 The AKWorld Global Sipposium Book Club is back!

Last year, we launched our Global Sipposium Book Club as a new way to engage with international ideas through thought-provoking books and connect locally with others who are curious about the world.

Thanks to your feedback, we're excited to expand this year! Beginning this season, we'll be rotating our monthly discussions between Eagle River and Anchorage, making it easier for more people to join the conversation.

We'll kick off the new season on Monday, August 11 with The Achilles Trap: Saddam Hussein, the CIA, and the Origins of America's Invasion of Iraq by Steve Coll.

This compelling book explores diplomacy, intelligence, authoritarian leadership, and the decisions that shaped one of the most consequential conflicts of the 21st century. Whether you've followed international affairs for years or are simply looking to learn more, we'd love to have you join us.

Participation is free, and everyone is welcome!

📖 View this year's book selections and sign up for the book club mailing list here:
https://alaskaworldaffairs.org/akworld-book-club/

We hope to see you in August!

Explore the world one book at a time. Great books help us explore cultures, history, diplomacy, conflict, innovation, and the human experience. The AKWorld

07/16/2026

AKWorld was honored to welcome His Excellency Andrei Muraru, Ambassador of Romania to the United States, for an insightful conversation.

Ambassador Muraru explored Romania's enduring strategic partnership with the United States, the country's role in NATO, and the impact of the war in Ukraine on regional security, agriculture, and energy. Ambassador Muraru also shared Romania's growing interest in Arctic security and opportunities for collaboration with Alaska.

One of the highlights was learning about George Pomuț, a Romanian-born American Civil War general and U.S. diplomat who played a key role in the negotiations leading to the Alaska Purchase in 1867—a fascinating historical connection between Romania and Alaska.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this engaging discussion and thoughtful Q&A. Conversations like these are at the heart of AKWorld's mission to connect Alaskans with the people and ideas shaping our world.

05/14/2026

What a great talk yesterday from Yaya Fanusie! We could have gone on for much longer!

Yaya examined how digital finance has evolved from traditional online banking into cryptocurrencies and emerging Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). He discussed the risks and realities of illicit finance, noting that while terrorist groups and criminals have experimented with Bitcoin, anonymity and untraceable transactions have long existed through physical cash as well.

Fanusie also explored the geopolitical implications of digital currencies, highlighting how other countries and blocs are developing blockchain-based payment systems that could challenge U.S.-centered financial dominance while increasing concerns about surveillance and “programmable money.”

Concluding on a hopeful note, he stressed the importance of constitutional protections, encryption, and privacy-preserving technologies such as Zero Knowledge Proofs to safeguard financial freedom in an increasingly digitized and fragmented global economy.

Want to revisit the conversation? The recording is now available online:

As our world becomes increasingly digital, the systems that power i...

05/11/2026

As our world becomes increasingly digital, the systems that power innovation—financial technologies, data platforms, and global connectivity—are evolving faster than the frameworks designed to govern them. This raises an urgent question: how do we ensure the digital world strengthens opportunity and security, without eroding privacy or enabling misuse?

We invite you to join us this Wednesday for a timely virtual conversation with Yaya Fanusie, a leading expert at the intersection of national security, cryptocurrency, and financial technology.

Yaya brings a rare depth of experience to these issues. He previously served as an analyst at the CIA, focusing on economic threats and counterterrorism. He later became one of the first voices in the U.S. national security community to examine how cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies could be used—and potentially abused—by both state and non-state actors.

He has since served as Director of Analysis at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies’ Center on Economic and Financial Power, where his work helped shape early policy discussions around digital assets and illicit finance. Today, as a senior advisor at the Crypto Council for Innovation, he continues to bridge the worlds of innovation, regulation, and national security, helping stakeholders navigate the rapidly evolving digital economy.

As our world becomes increasingly digital, the systems that power innovation—financial technologies, data platforms, and global connectivity—are evolving

05/02/2026

Last night, we had the privilege of hosting Japan in the Arctic: Policy, Security, and International Cooperation—an evening highlighting the deep and evolving connections between Alaska and Japan. 🇯🇵

Moderated by Mead Treadwell, the discussion featured former Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Atsushi Sunami, President of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation. Together, they reflected on the strong historical and emerging ties between Alaska and Japan, emphasizing Alaska’s role as a “front door” to broader American economic, scientific, and cultural opportunities.

The evening began with a powerful performance by Tomodachi Daiko, whose partnership with the Anchorage School District’s Japanese Immersion program brings cultural traditions to life. As Minister Kamikawa noted, the drumbeat is more than music—it is the heartbeat of a culture.

Read more about the discussion here: https://alaskaworldaffairs.org/uncategorized/program-recap-japan-in-the-arctic-a-reception-on-policy-security-and-international-cooperation/

Thank you to Mead and Tim Treadwell, Commonwealth North for co-hosting, and the University of Alaska for their generous support.