GPII was honored to host Lieutenant General (Retired) Ben Hodges, the former Commanding General of US Army Europe as part of the Lester N. Mandell Endowed Distinguished Lecture Series in a full room event at the Fairwinds Alumni Center. The discussion focused on the ongoing war in Ukraine and the critical security commitments for the European Union to deter the Russian threat. The conversation included US foreign policy toward Ukraine and its role in the changed political scene in Europe.

General Hodges currently serves as NATO Senior Mentor for Logistics; consults for several companies on Europe, NATO, and the European Union; and is the co-author of the book, Future War and the Defense of Europe, published by Oxford University Press.

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UCF Global highlighted the outstanding contributions of UCF’s international students and faculty and celebrated the rich cultures they bring to campus during IEW Partner Reception. GPII’s very own Dr. Mirvate El Jerdi and UCF Global’s Jennifer Haddad led the Partner Reception that served as the grand opening to International Education Week and showcased an amazing line up of speakers and cultural performances.

The Partner Reception also recognized the Guest of Honor Jonathan Wolf as the recipient of the Global Leadership Award. Nancy and Jonathan Wolf have worked tirelessly to facilitate programmatic exchange promoting ties between UCF and the American University of Cairo in Egypt through The Nancy and Jonathan Wolf Global Academic Initiative. The event was emceed by Hazel Ortiz, a TelevisaUnivision host, Miss Grand Puerto Rico 2019, and public relations professional.

GPII’s David Dumke was named a Distinguished Visiting Fellow at the American University in Cairo for the Fall 2023 semester. He was assigned to the School of Global Affairs and Public Policy’s Prince Al Walid bin Talal Center for American Studies and Research (CASAR). Dumke, who previously lived in Cairo and has worked on Middle East policy issues for 25 years, taught foreign policy, published a series of articles in Egypt’s Al Ahram newspaper, and was a frequent speaker at public events on the crisis in Israel and Gaza, American politics, and American foreign policy. His speaking appearances included multiple events at AUC and Badr University Cairo. He also participated in high-level meetings aimed at identifying possible solutions to the ongoing war in Gaza. GPII and AUC’s School of Global Affairs and Public Policy have agreed to launch a conflict resolution program which in time will facilitate events in Cairo, Orlando, and Washington, DC, support research and publications, and identify opportunities for student and faculty involvement in this important space. The GPII-AUC initiative will adopt a comparative approach to peace and work directly with Dr. Gary Mason and veterans of the Northern Ireland Good Friday Peace Process. 

On the two years anniversary marking the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan, Owen Kirby, GPII Non-Resident Fellow, and David Dumke, GPII Executive Director, have published on the current politxical situation in Afghanistan. Kirby’s article Two Years On, Afghanistan Is Not What You Might Expect was published in The Messenger and can be viewed on the this link:
Two Years On, Afghanistan Is Not What You Might Expect - The Messenger

Dumke’s article Is the US a superpower after Kabul? focuses on the chaotic departure from Kabul and its connection to the US foreign policy, the global scene, and domestic challenges. Dumke’s article was published in Al-Ahram Weekly and can be accessed on this link:
Is the US a superpower after Kabul? - Opinion - Al-Ahram Weekly - Ahram Online

Ambassador (ret.) Harriet Elam Thomas Visits GPII

Ambassador (ret.) Harriet Elam-Thomas visited GPII sharing with our students her journey, experiences, and lessons learned as a diplomat. She graciously answered their questions and encouraged them to stay true to themselves. Ambassador Elam-Thomas’s unwavering support of our students is truly an inspiration. This visit is part of GPII’s commitment to providing access and opportunities to our students and integrating partners and community to enhance the students’ experience through incorporating education and practical real-life experiences

GPII Welcomes Alison Millar, Filmmaker and Director of LYRA

Director Alison Millar visited the GPII’s office and met with GPII staff and interns to discuss her movie LYRA, a powerful documentary that follows the life of Northern Irish investigative journalist Lyra McKee. McKee was fatally shot at age 29 while observing rioting in Londonderry's Creggan estate.

Millar also had the opportunity to visit Professor Betsy Kalin's film class to share the compelling story of McKee as well as insights on documentary filmmaking and her creative techniques.

GPII extends gratitude to WorldOrlando for making this visit possible. You can listen to Millar’s engaging conversation with our interns on this link.

Dr. Tom Crisman Presents in Florida Tax Collector Fall Education Forum

GPII’s hardworking non-resident fellow Tom Crisman visited GPII as part of engaging community partners as well as advancing UCF’s brand and reputation with his excellence in research especially in areas of sustainability and environmental change. Crisman’s visit included talking to Florida Tax Collectors, meeting with Climate First Bank, and discussing on Global Perspectives TV show the Caribbean water management and climate change. Crisman's presentation at the Florida Tax Collector Fall Education Forum in Rosen Shingle Creek was focused on 'Climate Change and the FL Economy'. Dr. Crisman discussed the interplay between environmental shifts and economic strategies in his presentation "Adapting to Climate Change in Florida: No Single Approach Applies Equally to all Climate Zones of the States." GPII's Executive Director, David Dumke, was in attendance.

Dr. Crisman has investigated the ecology, management, restoration and conservation of freshwater wetlands, lakes and rivers in the subtropics and tropics for more than 44 years. He conducted long term research programs in Florida, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and the Balkans. He has written 96 refereed publications, two books and presented in nearly 300 scientific events. Crisman’s  interview on Global Perspectives TV show can be watch here. His latest article, “Caribbean Small Island Developing States Must Incorporate Water Quality and Quantity in Adaptive Management of the Water-Energy-Food Nexus” can be accessed on this link. 

Redefining Internationalism Panel Discussion

GPII hosted a panel discussion titled: Redefining Internationalism. The panel included esteemed scholars and community experts who addressed the rapidly changing world and how individuals from different background fit within its context. The conversation included insightful personal perspectives on how it can be both a scourge and great opportunity for growth. Panelists included Dr. Fernando Rivera, Director of the Puerto Rico Research Hub; Dr. Sandra Sousa, Associate Professor of Portuguese at UCF’s Department of Modern Languages and Literatures; Dr. Francisco Fernandez-Rubiera, Professor at the College of Arts and Humanities and Honorary Consul of Spain; and Marlyn Bonzil-Juste, Chairwoman for Greater Haitian American Chamber of Commerce in Orlando. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Angela Vergara from UCF’s Department of Sociology.

GPII Interns Attend World Orlando Women in STEM Luncheon

GPII Interns Mackenzie Greaney and John Sayer joined WorldOrlando for lunch and a discussion with international women leaders across various STEM fields titled "Hidden No More: Empowering Women Leaders in STEM." As part of the U.S. Department of State's International Visitor's Program, attendees were able to take part in a nuanced discussion with women who have fought their entire life to have their voices heard in their respective industry. The event, moderated by UCF instructor and WUCF-TV co-host Katie Coronado, highlighted eight women from around the world who were able to discuss the story of their careers and give insight into the challenges they face.

AUC Knights Welcomed for Dinner at the Wolf's

Nancy and Jonathan Wolf hosed the exchange students from the American University in Cairo who are spending their Fall 2023 semester at UCF. The Wolf’s showed remarkable hospitality as they welcomed the AUC knights to their home and dinner table. They listened to the students as they shared their stories and life changing experiences shaped by their study abroad opportunity at UCF made possible through the generous gift of The Nancy and Jonathan Wolf Global Academic Initiative.

Puerto Rico Research Hub Events

This fall, the UCF Puerto Rico Research Hub continued to position itself as the gateway to Latin American and Caribbean Research by engaging in several activities in support of UCF strategic plans goals. In support of sustainability goals, the Hub celebrated its 5th anniversary in September which highlighted the efforts to fundraise to enhance the mission and community impact of the Hub. (https://www.ucf.edu/news/ucf-puerto-rico-research-hub-celebrates-5th-anniversary/)

During the semester there were several community engagement events in which the Hub’s Director participated including a presentation in support of the Orange County Regional History Center Latin American Arts & Culture Celebration and organizing/moderating a panel in collaboration with the National Puerto Rican Agenda during the Puerto Rican Bar Association National Conference. The director also participated in a Roundtable Discussion discussing Latino Homeownership organized by Unidos US.  (https://www.wmfe.org/housing-homelessness/2023-10-18/nationwide-latinx-homeownership-initiative-begins-in-central-florida)

Finally, this semester the Hub hired a group of students and a post-doctoral scholar as part of the “Puerto Rico Research Hub-Building Research Capacity Project (PRRH-BRC)” from the US Department of Education (Award # P116Z230193) from a Congressional appropriation grant from Rep. Soto (https://www.ucf.edu/news/ucf-puerto-rico-research-hub-receives-500k-to-expand-research/). These activities contribute to UCF’s strategic goals of increasing the percentage of students with High Impact Practices and hiring of Post-doctoral Appointees. 

India Center Events

The India Center at UCF hosted several events during the fall semester. Members of the Central Florida Indian American Community gathered at UCF to celebrate India’s 77th Independence Day. The celebration was attended by UCF faculty, students, and members of the greater Orlando community. Remarks were delivered by UCF’s Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Michael D. Johnson, Ph.D.; Madan Kumar Ghildiyal, Acting Consul General from the Consulate General of India in Atlanta; and Aditi Walunj, First Secretary of Culture and Education, at the Embassy of India in Washington, D.C.

The India Center also welcomed Dr. Madhu Kalimipalli, Professor of Finance at the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics, for an event focusing on the effects of government infusions on promoting financial stability and diffusing financial crises in India. The discussion examined the public and private sectors of Indian banks and financial systems and was moderated by Dr. Buvaneshwaran Venugopal, Assistant Professor at UCF’s College of Business.

The Center was also privileged to host intriguing discussion with Dr. Tanvi Madan, Senior Fellow with the Brookings Institute. The event titled “The India-US-China Triangle: Past, Present, and Prospects” revolved around the evolving connections between these three countries, current climate, and future prospects.

Dumke sits with Dr. Tol who has written extensively on Turkey-U.S. relations, Turkish domestic politics, foreign policy and the Kurdish issue. Tol is also a frequent media commentator.

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Dumke sits with Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Ben Hodges, former Commanding General of US Army Europe (2014-2017). Hodges currently serves as NATO Senior Mentor for Logistics, consults for several companies on Europe, NATO, and the European Union, and is co-author of the book, Future War and the Defense of Europe, published by Oxford University Press. He has a regular media presence on CNN, MSNBC, Fox, BBC, ZDF, and other media.

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Dumke sits with Dr. Wayne H. Bowen. Bowen is an author of six books on Spain and three on the Middle East, with a focus on political and religious history. Bowen’s latest, “The History of Saudi Arabia,” traces the Arabian Peninsula from ancient times to the modern era.

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GPII Interns and Fellows scour the global news to write about what is happening in a specific area or region. Each post includes multiple sources and gives a brief recount of a timely event. Check out these articles and more here: