The U.S. and India: Celebrating 200+ Years of Friendship

Posted under: MCCD By /

Prime Minister’s Media Statement during Joint Press Interaction with President of United States of America.

For Asia and around the world, India is not simply emerging; India has already emerged. And it is my firm belief that the relationship between the United States and India – bound by our shared interests and values – will be one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century. This is the partnership I have come here to build. This is the vision that our nations can realize together.

– President Barack Obama, during his 2014 visit to India

The United States and India have been entwined from as early as the 18th century. Kindred Nations: The United States and India, 1783-1947 is a photographic exhibition that captures various, beautiful moments of learning, partnerships, and exchanges that took place before India was the country we know today. Consisting of photographs, documents, and ephemera, Kindred Nations is organized in five thematic sections: Searching for Opportunity, Gaining Knowledge and Understanding, Seeking Truth and Unity, Finding Inspiration, and Toward Freedom.

Continue  

The “Spark” of Euromaidan and Meridian

Posted under: Center for Global Leadership By /

Mr. Mustafa Nayyem receiving the 2014 Ion Rațiu Democracy Award at the Woodrow Wilson Center for International Studies.

When I meet international visitors, most of which are participating in one of Meridian’s exchange programs, I often talk about the impact of these exchanges on the lives and careers of previous participants. I often mention Meridian alumni who went on to shine in the global spotlight. Some are very well-known: Nicolas Sarkozy, Mikhail Saakashvili, Romano Prodi, Hamid Karzai, Margaret Thatcher. A few are better known locally: Alvaro Arzu Irigoyen, President of Guatemala, Norovyn Altankhuyag, Prime Minister of Mongolia, Egypt’s former President Anwar Sadat, Finland’s current President, Sauli Niinisto, or Ehud Olmert, former Prime Minister of Israel. In total, some 168 current or former heads of state have stepped through Meridian’s doors mostly as participants in the U.S. Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program.

Continue  

Global Leader Feature: George P. Shultz

Posted under: Center for Global Leadership By /

Adm. Robert F. Willard, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command, speaks with former Secretary of State George Shultz at the World Affairs Council Sept. 14, 2011 (Photo by Michael Mustacchi).

“Terrorism is a contagious disease that will, inevitably spread if it goes untreated.” – George P. Shultz

Last week before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Former Secretary of State George Shultz joined other former Secretaries of State Henry Kissinger and Madeleine Albright in outlining the challenges facing U.S. national security policy. His testimony highlights the kind of strategic thinking and cogent argumentation that make Secretary Shultz such an effective leader.
Continue  

A Muralist’s Memories: Christine Kuhn on her DRC Exchange

Posted under: MCCD By /

A section of Matumaini mural, which means “hope” in Swahili.

This blog was written by American mural artist Christine Kuhn.

From November 17 through December 10, I had the opportunity to travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as part of the Community Engagement through the Arts program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).

Continue