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Dear Friends,
Welcome to this week's WorldBoston Recommends email, highlighting high-quality programming regarding the ongoing situation in Venezuela. We hope these recommendations help you stay internationally engaged, wherever you may be.
Best regards,
Your Friends at WorldBoston
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2026 in the Americas: Stories that may drive the news
Monday, January 12th
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM ET
The Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center will host a conversation examining the political, security, and economic developments most likely to drive headlines across Latin America and the Caribbean in 2026. The year 2026 could reshape Latin America and the Caribbean’s future as electoral shifts, geopolitical pressure, and economic questions pop up across the region. The United States is also expected to take an even greater role in areas ranging from security to regional commerce and investment. While governments, markets, and societies navigate a changing global landscape, journalists on the ground are already tracking the stories that could shape the year ahead. This discussion builds on AALAC’s recent publication, “Latin America and the Caribbean in 2026: Ten defining questions for the year ahead,” with a journalist-led conversation on what to watch, potential surprises, and why these stories will matter for the region and beyond.
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The Donroe Doctrine: What Venezuela Means for China, Russia, and Iran | The State of Play
Tuesday, January 13th
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM ET
Nicolas Maduro was a key ally of the so-called CRINK countries (China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea) in Latin America. But President Trump’s actions in Venezuela seemingly support an attempt to alter the balance of power in the Western Hemisphere. The CSIS Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department invites you to a special episode of State of Play on the lessons these states are learning from Maduro’s capture and what it means for their interests going forward. The discussion will feature Dr. Ryan Berg, Henrietta Levin, Dr. Vali Nasr, Dr. Maria Snegovaya, and Will Todman.
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Venezuela, oil and order: What now for regional security after the US seizes Maduro?
Wednesday, January 14th
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET
Following the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a U.S. raid on Caracas, the world was left shocked by the speed and precision of the operation, as well as the implications stemming from America’s actions. With a claim to now “run” Venezuela and restore its oil industry to full health, President Trump has staked his presidency firmly on the outcomes that follow from his decision to intervene in the country. Beyond global concerns and reactions, there are some immediate questions for the Latin American region. What does the region do next? How might it respond? What would a revival of the Venezuelan oil sector mean for global markets? And what does it mean for Venezuelans and the U.S. companies involved?
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Venezuela, U.S. Interests & Regional Security
Wednesday, January 21st
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM ET
The U.S.’s new National Security Strategy places the Western Hemisphere at the center of U.S. national security planning as Venezuela’s deepening political and humanitarian crisis draws renewed U.S. attention — from a months-long escalatory military campaign in the Carribean and counter-narcotics strikes, to the strike in Venezuela and Maduro's capture. Join the World Affairs Council of Seattle for a virtual discussion exploring the evolution of U.S.-Venezuela relations, military operations in Venezuela, and what might happen from here. Carrie Filipetti, former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Venezuela and Cuba, and Brian Naranjo, former Deputy Chief of Mission at U.S. Embassy in Venezuela, will offer insights on what the United States’ next moves might mean for Venezuelans, Americans, and the Americas as a whole.
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Great Decisions: U.S. Engagement with Africa
Thursday, January 29th
6:00 – 7:30 PM
Africa’s geopolitical importance on the global stage is growing. What lessons can the U.S. learn from past strategic successes and failures on the continent, and how can we use those lessons to meet future challenges as we look to further our engagement with a continent of over 50 countries and over 1.5 billion people?
Join us for a timely Great Decisions program on this topic!
More information on this event will be released shortly, but register now to secure your spot.
This program is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required.
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Disclaimer: WorldBoston is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, non-advocacy, educational organization dedicated to fostering civil discourse on international affairs. Our speakers' opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WorldBoston, our affiliates, or our community.
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Named for the proverbial “green room” where people wait before going on stage, the new Green Room Scholars initiative is part of WorldBoston's growing NextGen programming, an essential element of our effort to fulfill and expand our mission of “fostering international engagement and global cooperation.”
For each regular WorldBoston event, the selected Green Room Scholar will help greet and orient the speaker, serving as part of the WorldBoston event team.
What benefits do Green Room Scholars receive?
- Networking
- Participation in a well-tuned, professional event team
- Blogging with byline
- Recognition in WorldBoston social media
- Connecting with one of WorldBoston's outstanding speakers, who are leading scholars and practitioners in global affairs
Who is eligible to be a Green Room Scholar?
Students at universities that are currently sponsoring WorldBoston!
For further information contact Director of Global Engagement Programs and Operations Harrison Zeiberg at hzeiberg@worldboston.org
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Writing Opportunities
Are you interested in writing about international affairs? Below are opportunities for you to submit your pieces to publications nationwide!
- The Journal of Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs: This quarterly journal is accepting submissions of features and essays, as well as online exclusive submissions to appear on their website on a rolling basis. Submit your piece here.
- Realist Review Article Submission: This policy publication is accepting submissions from anyone interested in writing a commentary or analysis piece that expresses a perspective on policies or developments in international affairs and diplomacy. Submit your work here.
- AFSA’s National High School Essay Contest: This contest encourages young people to think critically about how U.S. diplomats utilize policy expertise, negotiation skills, and crosscultural understanding to shape a more peaceful and interconnected world. The 2025-2026 topic is The Fragile Front Line: U.S. Diplomacy and the Future of Soft Power. This contest is open to high school students in grades 9-12. Learn more here.
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