The Diplomatic Forum

Discussion with Jean-Arthur Régibeau, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to the United States of America

Join us for The Diplomat Forum roundtable discussion with the Belgian Ambassador to the U.S., Jean-Arthur Régibeau on December 2 at 5 pm in-person at the brand new global headquarters of Thunderbird School of Global Management in downtown Phoenix. Following the program, there will be a meet and greet with Ambassador Régibeau and fellow attendees. This program will be broadcast live on Zoom all over the world at no cost.

The Diplomat Forum is a program series born from a joint partnership between the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations, Diplomatic Corps of Arizona and Thunderbird School of Global Management. Ambassador Régibeau's visit is the inaugural launch of The Diplomat Forum.

REGISTER HERE

Registration

This is a hybrid event. It will be free to join the program online.

In-person registration:

$25 for PCFR Members

$35 for Non-Members

Schedule

Thursday, December 2, 2021

5 pm MST | 7 pm EST

Venue

Hybrid Event

Thunderbird School of Global Management

401 N 1st St, Phoenix, AZ

Option to attend virtually via Zoom

Program Overview

Please join the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations, Diplomatic Corps of Arizona and Thunderbird School of Global Management for our inaugural program of The Diplomat Forum, a series that brings diplomats from all over the world for a roundtable discussion at the Thunderbird School of Global Management.

Seat of the EU Commission, historically divided by culture and language, and home to many immigrants from outside Europe, Belgium is a successful nation that must constantly navigate the competing demands of geopolitics, Europe and complicated national dynamics. Ambassador Regibeau will discuss this difficult balancing act and his nation’s perspectives vis-a-vis the U.S. and its world role today.

Speaker

Jean-Arthur Régibeau, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to the United States of America

The Ambassador represents His Majesty The King of the Belgians and Belgium’s federal government in the United States of America and in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. He is responsible for the direction and work of the Embassy and its Consulates, including bilateral political and economic relations, visa and consular services.

Career

After a few years of working for private business and later as a legal advisor, Jean-Arthur Régibeau joined the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1998. He was the diplomatic advisor to the Minister of Defense from 1999 to 2002 and he went on to be First Secretary at the Belgian Embassy in Berlin. From 2003-2007, Mr. Régibeau returned to Brussels as Head of the Private Office of the Minister of Defense. In 2007, he was appointed Director general in charge of Multilateral Organizations at the Foreign Ministry. In this capacity, he managed some aspects of the Belgian presidency of the European Union in 2010. From 2012-2016, he also was Deputy Commissioner for the commemoration of World War I. In 2016, he took up his role as Ambassador to the Russian Federation, Armenia, Belarus & Uzbekistan.

As a trainee, Mr. Régibeau worked for a Belgian bank in New York in 1987-1988. Working for a tour operator, he escorted groups of Belgian tourists visiting the United States in 1991 and 1992.

Academia

Mr. Régibeau studied at the State University of Liège where he obtained his Master’s degree in Law in 1984. From there, he went on to obtain a Certificate in International Law from the State University of Leiden in the Netherlands in 1985. One year later, he joined the Johns Hopkins University SAIS program in Bologna, Italy, where he obtained a diploma in International Relations.

Ambassador Régibeau has been a guest professor on European institutions and Europe and Globalization at the University of Liège. He also gave lectures on Globalization and Security issues at the Defense Ministry in Brussels (2007-2015).

Papers and Presentations

Mr. Régibeau is the author of "La doctrine nucléaire française et sa dimension européenne", Nice, 1987 and "Les causes profondes du 11 septembre" in La démocratie après le 11 septembre, Université de Liège, 2004.

Personal life

Jean-Arthur Régibeau was born in 1962 in Liège. He is both a Belgian and Swiss citizen and has one daughter. In addition to some Italian and some Russian, Ambassador Régibeau speaks fluent French, Dutch, English and German. Mr. Régibeau likes soccer, hiking, strategy games, history and literature.

The Chancellor: The Remarkable Odyssey of Angela Merkel

Discussion with Author Kati Marton

PCFR and SFCIR have partnered to bring acclaimed biographer Kati Marton for a virtual discussion to talk about her book, The Chancellor. In her book, Kati Marton details the remarkable rise and political brilliance of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, one of the world's most powerful leaders. This timely and relevant program will give the audience an understanding of Germany, the EU and what's at stake as Merkel's leadership comes to an end. Jim Falk, Interim Executive Director of SFCIR will moderate.

REGISTER HERE

Registration

FREE for PCFR Members

$10 for Non-Members

Schedule

Monday, December 6, 2021

5 pm MST | 7 pm EST

Venue

Zoom Meeting

The link for this webinar will be included in your registration confirmation email.

Speaker

Kati Marton, Author & Journalist

Born in Hungary, Kati Marton has combined a career as a reporter and writer with human rights advocacy. From 2003 to 2008 Marton chaired the International Women’s Health Coalition, a global leader in promoting and protecting the health and human rights of women and girls. From 2001 to July 2002 Kati Marton was Chief Advocate for the Office of the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict at the United Nations. Marton is currently a director and formerly chair of the Committee to Protect Journalists. She served on the Human Rights Watch Board for ten years, and previously served on the New America Board. She also serves on the board of directors of the International Rescue Committee, and Central European University. She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, P.E.N. International and the Author’s Guild.

Since 1980, Marton has published eight books and contributed as a reporter to ABC News, Public Broadcasting Services, National Public Radio, The New Yorker, Atlantic Monthly, The Times of London, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, Vanity Fair, and The New Republic. Marton’s 2009 book, a Cold War memoir entitled Enemies of the People: My Family’s Journey to America, published by Simon & Schuster, was a National Book Critics Circle finalist, and is soon to be the subject of a major motion picture. Her latest book, Paris: A Love Story, published in August 2012 by Simon & Schuster, is a memoir with Paris at its heart and like all stories of Paris, love as its theme. Her books have been translated into five languages.

Marton attended Wells College in Aurora, New York, the Sorbonne, and the Institute des Etudes de Science Politiques in Paris. She earned a B.A. in Romance Languages and a M.A. in International Relations from the George Washington University. She was the winner of a George Foster Peabody award for a documentary on China. She has also received two honorary doctorates: one from Roger Williams University in Rhode Island in 2000 and another from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York in 2009. In 2011 she was awarded the Leo Nevas Human Rights Award from the United Nations Association.

The Man I Knew: The Amazing Story of George H. W. Bush's Post-Presidency

Discussion with Author Jean Becker

REGISTER HERE

Registration

FREE for PCFR Members

$10 for Non-Members

Schedule

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

12 pm MST | 2 pm EST

Venue

Zoom Meeting

The link for this webinar will be included in your registration confirmation email.

About the Book

As chief of staff, Jean Becker had a ringside seat to the never-boring story of George Herbert Walker Bush's life post-presidency, including being at his side when he died and subsequently facing the challenge-and great honor-of being in charge of his state funeral. Full of heart and wisdom, The Man I Knew is a vibrant behind-the-scenes look into the ups and downs of heading up the office of a former president by one of the people who knew him best.

This book tells the story of how, after his devastating loss to Bill Clinton in 1992, President George H.W. Bush rebuilt his life, found a way to make a difference, and how, by the time he died in November 2018, was revered by his country and the world.

Bush's post-presidency journey was filled with determination, courage, love, hope, humor, fun, and big ideas. He became best friends with the man who defeated him; developed the odd habit of jumping out of airplanes; and learned how to adjust to life in a wheelchair, after having lived most of his life as a high-energy athlete. He joyously saw two sons become governors of their states, one of whom would go one to become President of the United States.

What happens when you go almost overnight from being the most important and powerful person in the world to a private citizen? The Man I Knew tells just such a story, of one man's humble journey from president to man of the people.

Speaker

Jean Becker, Author

Jean Becker was chief of staff for George H.W. Bush from March 1, 1994 until his death on November 30, 2018. She previously served as deputy press secretary to First Lady Barbara Bush from 1989 to 1992. Before joining the Bush White House staff in 1989, Ms. Becker was a newspaper reporter for 10 years, including a four-year stint at USA Today where her duties included covering the 1988 presidential election and a Page One editor. Her book about Mrs. Bush, Pearls of Wisdom, -- released on March 3rd, 2020; and her book about President Bush, The Man I Knew – released June 1st of this year – both became New York Times best-sellers.

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Join Our Reading Group for a Discussion of the Book

PCFR's Member Reading Group will discuss this book in our December event on Friday, December 10. Details here >>

Book for Discussion

The Man I Knew:

The Amazing Story of

George H. W. Bush's Post-Presidency

by Jean Becker

Friday, December 10, 2021

7:30 am MST

Venue

Online via Zoom

About the Book

A heartfelt portrait of President George H.W. Bush—and his post-presidential life—by a confidante who knew him well.

As chief of staff, Jean Becker had a ringside seat to the never-boring story of George Herbert Walker Bush's life post-presidency, including being at his side when he died and subsequently facing the challenge-and great honor-of being in charge of his state funeral. Full of heart and wisdom, The Man I Knew is a vibrant behind-the-scenes look into the ups and downs of heading up the office of a former president by one of the people who knew him best.

This book tells the story of how, after his devastating loss to Bill Clinton in 1992, President George H.W. Bush rebuilt his life, found a way to make a difference, and how, by the time he died in November 2018, was revered by his country and the world.

Bush's post-presidency journey was filled with determination, courage, love, hope, humor, fun, and big ideas. He became best friends with the man who defeated him; developed the odd habit of jumping out of airplanes; and learned how to adjust to life in a wheelchair, after having lived most of his life as a high-energy athlete. He joyously saw two sons become governors of their states, one of whom would go one to become President of the United States.

What happens when you go almost overnight from being the most important and powerful person in the world to a private citizen? The Man I Knew tells just such a story, of one man's humble journey from president to man of the people.

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Hear from Jean Becker on December 8!

Reading Group members are encouraged to join us for the upcoming PCFR Virtual Discussion with author Jean Becker on Wednesday, December 8! Becker will be discussing our December Book. Details here >>

Save the Dates

View Upcoming Reading Group Meetings Here

Program Description

Great Decisions is back by popular demand. PCFR members loved participating in Foreign Policy Association’s Great Decisions series in 2020. Here is what PCFR member Charles Blum had to say about the program: “Great Decisions and PCFR are a perfect match. This program provides an ideal platform for informed discussion, deeper insights into current issues and greater appreciation for the insights and experiences of our members.”

This year, PCFR is thrilled to partner with Global Ties Arizona to bring you Great Decisions. Over 8 months, PCFR members will have the opportunity to dive deep on 8 of the most critical issues facing the U.S. foreign policy each year. Prior to each session, participants will read a chapter from the Great Decisions Briefing Book. Each session will feature a subject-matter expert and you will have the opportunity to participate in the group discussions. PCFR member Charles Blum will moderate the series.

PCFR and Global Ties AZ are covering the cost of the Great Decisions Briefing Book (a $35 value) for PCFR members. A special thank you to Richard Fincher, Global Ties Board of Directors Member and PCFR Program Committee Member, for his generous sponsorship on behalf of Global Ties Arizona.

Registration for 2021 Great Decisions is now full. 

How to Participate

1. Fill out the form to register to participate and receive your complimentary Great Decisions Briefing Book
2. You will receive a link to watch the program videos
3. Participate in the discussion!

Schedule 

All sessions will take place from 12 pm - 1 pm MST, online via Zoom.

• March 23, 2021 | The World Health Organization's Response to COVID-19
• April 20, 2021 | Brexit: Taking Stock and Looking Ahead
• May 18, 2021 | China and Africa
• June 22, 2021 | The Future of Persian Gulf Security

• September 21, 2021 | The Coldest War: Toward a Return to Great Power Competition in the Arctic?
• October 19, 2021 | The Two Koreas
• November 16, 2021 | The End of Globalization?
• December 14, 2021 | Global Supply Chains and U.S National Security

VIEW FULL TOPIC DESCRIPTIONS HERE

Moderator

Charles Blum has spent a lifetime in international affairs. Before launching an independent consultancy in 1988, he served in the US State Department and the Executive Office of the President for 17 years. He has worked on commercial, investment and policy matters on six continents and participates in a broad range of discussions on foreign and domestic policy. A native of New York, he now resides in Sedona, AZ.

PCFR Holiday Party

Please join our board of directors and fellow PCFR members for our inaugural Holiday Party at the Desert Botanical Garden. You will be treated with a gorgeous Arizona sunset, the Chihuly exhibit and an opportunity to experience Las Noches de Las Luminarias following the reception as a thank you for your ongoing commitment to PCFR. We hope that you will join us to enjoy reflecting on the successes of the past year together and to celebrate the coming year with our global community!

Registration of $50 per person includes entry to the garden, access to all exhibits including Chihuly, hors d’oeuvres and a bar. Purchase raffle tickets when you register online for your chance to win great prizes and give to PCFR. You do not have to attend the holiday party to enter the raffle. Raffle information is below. Guests are welcome. 

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

5:30 pm MST

Venue

Desert Botanical Garden

Steele Herb Garden 

1201 N Galvin Pkwy

Phoenix, AZ

RSVP

RSVP by December 10

$50/person

RSVP HERE

Raffle

Donate to PCFR and enter for the chance to win amazing prizes, such as:

• Painting by Gennaro Garcia (Donated by Gennaro Garcia)
• Printed photograph by Paul Lynch (Donated by Paul Lynch)
• Four Diamondbacks tickets behind home plate (Sec G, Row C, Seat 5-8) with excellent view of D-backs dug out any game in April - winners choice. Each ticket comes with $10 D-Backs bucks that go towards concessions which you can order from your seat and access to three lounges (Donated by Freeport McMoRan)
• Molina Jewelers women's and men's watch (Donated by Honorary Consul of Spain to Arizona Alfredo Molina)
• Casamigos gift basket with a variety of Casamigos tequila and mezcal offerings (Donated by Michelle Ruttle of Casamigos)
• Montecito Bottle Shop gift basket with a variety of boutique wines from Restaurant Progress wine shop (Donated by owner Esther Noh)
• PCFR Author Series signed set of 5 books: The Heartbeat of Iran by Tara Kangarlou, Challenging China by Sam Kaplan, The Rise of Digital Repression by Steven Feldstein, Breaking Ice & Breaking Glass by Sandra Stosz, The Man I Knew by Jean Becker 
• Author Charles Irion signed set of 4 books: Murder on Kilimanjaro, Murdered by Gods Machu Pichu, Murdered by Gods One World, Murder on Everest (Donated by Charles Irion)
• King size room for 1-night stay for two at the Omni Spa & Resort at the Montelucia with breakfast included
• Desert Botanical Garden annual membership (Donated by Desert Botanical Garden)

and more.....

Book for Discussion

Warrior Politics

by Robert D. Kaplan

Friday, January 28, 2021

7:30 - 9:00 am MST

Venue

Online Zoom Meeting

About the Book

"Sun-Tzu also suggested that with the battle won, the best leader persuades his followers that they did it themselves: one great lesson among many others in this gem of a book for present and future leaders." - Sidney Harman, Executive Chairman, Harman International Industries

"An intellectual tour de force expressing the enduring relevance of ancient principles of statecraft to modern circumstances in the most lucid and persuasive prose I've ever read." - Robert McFarlane, Former National Security Adviser

In Warrior Politics, the esteemed journalist and analyst Robert D. Kaplan explores the wisdom of the ages for answers for today’s leaders. While the modern world may seem more complex and dangerous than ever before, Kaplan writes from a deeper historical perspective to reveal how little things actually change. Indeed, as Kaplan shows us, we can look to history’s most influential thinkers, who would have understood and known how to navigate today’s dangerous political waters.

Drawing on the timeless work of Sun Tzu, Thucydides, Machiavelli, Hobbes, among others, Kaplan argues that in a world of unstable states and an uncertain future, it is increasingly imperative to wrest from the past what we need to arm ourselves for the road ahead. Wide-ranging and accessible, Warrior Politics is a bracing book with an increasingly important message that challenges readers to see the world as it is, not as they would like it to be.

Save the Dates

View Upcoming Reading Group Meetings Here