Become a member
Learn more about the benefits of membership
2021 Lecture Series
Currently, all lectures are taking place online.
US – Iran Relations: Can There Be a Deal?
March 5, 2021 – with Alex Vatanka, Senior Fellow, Middle East Institute

Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera and Mexican Modernism
March 7 – 4 pm – by Monika Ghattas, PhD.
Following the Mexican Revolution of 1917-1920, the administration of Álfaro Obregón launched a program to create Mexico’s unique identity based on its rich history, its indigenous culture, and colorful folk traditions. It hired leading artists to paint murals in public buildings illustrating the tenants of Mexican culture. This talk will focus on prominent 20th century Mexican Modernists – Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, Rufino Tamayo and others and their efforts to nurture and celebrate Mexican identity.
Architecture of Power: Albert Speer’s Plans for Nazi Berlin
March 12 – 4:00 pm – by David G. Winter PhD. – As “Hitler’s architect,” Speer was responsible for translating fantasies of Berlin as the “world capital” Germania into actual plans and buildings — that would both express and also create power. Only a couple of the buildings were built (including Hitler’s “New Chancellery”), and very little remains today, but the project offers insights about how architecture can affect people.
US – Mexico: An Update on Cross-border Issues, Immigration, the Wall & USMCA
March 19, 2021 – with Jerry Pacheko, Executive Director, International Business Accelerator
US National Security: the Challenge of Domestic Terrorism
April 9, 4:00 pm – An interview of professor E. Pope, UT Austin by Doug Wise, CIA (retd), followed by discussion.
The United States faces many external threats, but the existential threats may be closer to home from domestic terrorism – the ultimate threat from within. Given the diversity of factors driving domestic terrorism makes this one of the most significant challenge to our national security. Participate in a timely interview on this critical topic with UT at Austin Professor Paul Pope. Paul will provide insight into the history and complexity of this issue and explain why it is important for all Americans including those of us in New Mexico.
How to Get Ahead in Life: Practical Advice from Tolstoy’s War and Peace
April 11, 4:00 pm – by Professor Sam Ramer, PhD, Tulane University
Humanitarian Crisis in the Middle East
April 23, 3:00 pm – by Marjolaine Greentree, Regional Protection Advisor, Swiss Cooperation Program, Middle East Embassy of Switzerland in Jordan

Continuity and Change in U.S. Policy Toward Africa
May 7 – 3pm – by Judd Devermont, Director, Africa Program at the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS)