As the Summer Ends, an Exciting New Chapter Begins

Dear Members, Supporters, and Community Partners,

As we navigate a pivotal year, I'm thrilled to introduce our Fall 2024 Program Series, "Democracy at a Crossroads." This series delves into the complexities of democracy, offering a global perspective while reflecting on local implications. We will explore the resilience of democratic institutions, the rise of populism, and the role of technology and media in shaping public discourse. We aim to understand how these global trends impact our community and the world through expert talks and discussions.

In addition to our series beginning in September, we reflect on summer travel this month with a screening of the documentary The Last Tourist at FilmScene, which provides a poignant look at the global tourism industry's impact on local cultures and economies, sparking a conversation on responsible travel and sustainability—issues that resonate both globally and locally.

In September, we will screen The Monk and the Gun, a unique exploration of societal transformation in Bhutan, as part of our program series. This film offers unique insights into how different cultures approach governance and the challenges they face, which can inform our understanding of democracy's future, both globally and in our own backyard.

We encourage you to attend these events, bring friends, and actively engage in these critical discussions. Your participation and support are essential as we strive to deepen our collective understanding of the issues shaping our world.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

In partnership,

Peter Gerlach

Executive Director

Iowa City Foreign Relations Council

The Last Tourist Film Screening w/POPCORN

​SUNDAY AUGUST 11, 2024, 3:30 - 5:30PM

​FilmScene at the Chauncey

The Monk and the Gun Film Screening w/POPCORN

​SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 15, 2024, 3:30 - 5:30PM

​FilmScene at the Chauncey

DEMOCRACY AT A CROSSROADS

The Iowa City Foreign Relations Council (ICFRC) proudly presents its fall 2024 series on democracy, a vital opportunity for our community during a critical period in our nation's history. In alignment with the belief that discussing threats to democracy is not escalatory but essential for its health, this series explores how political disagreements can coexist within the democratic framework that facilitates such discourse.

As highlighted by our executive director during ICFRC's 40th-anniversary event, the latest Freedom House report reveals a sobering reality: democracy has been in decline worldwide for the past 18 years, with 60% of the global population now living under authoritarian regimes. In 2024, nearly half of the world's population will vote in national elections, marking an unprecedented scale in human history.

Our series is designed to offer a comprehensive understanding of democracy through a rich tapestry of global perspectives, ensuring that all viewpoints are not just heard, but valued. This approach reflects our unwavering commitment to examining democracy without succumbing to partisanship or polarization. These perspectives will shed light on the implications for the US elections in November, making each of us a part of the conversation.

Confirmed programs so far include esteemed experts that will delve into the reshaping of European media, the historical context of South African democracy, and the rise of authoritarianism in Hungary. The series will conclude with a panel of Iowa experts interpreting the November elections and their implications for our state and international relations.

Join us in this crucial journey to navigate the complexities of democracy in a global context, understand its challenges, and foster a cautiously hopeful outlook for America's future during this consequential election year. Together, we can engage in meaningful dialogue and shape a brighter future. This series is not just about understanding democracy, but about actively contributing to a better tomorrow.

Full program lineup will be announced soon!

The Last Tourist Film Screening

SUNDAY AUGUST 11, 2024, 3:30 - 5:30PM

FILMSCENE AT THE CHAUNCEY

Hosted by Krista Regennitter, program officer for global education

​at the Stanley Center for Peace and Security

PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FILMSCENE AND GLOBAL EDUCATION AT STANLEY CENTER

Travel is at a tipping point. Tourists are unintentionally destroying the very things they have come to see. Overtourism has magnified its impact on the environment, wildlife, and vulnerable communities around the globe. Filmed in over 16 countries and guided by the world’s leading tourism and conservation visionaries, THE LAST TOURIST reveals the real conditions and consequences of one of the largest industries worldwide through the forgotten voices of those working in its shadow. The role of the modern tourist is on trial.

Dr. Anu Taranath brings both passion and expertise to her work as a speaker, facilitator and educator. As a UW Teaching Professor for the past 20 years and a racial equity consultant, Dr. Anu deepens conversations on diversity, social justice and global consciousness. She teaches about contemporary world and multi-ethnic literatures; colonial and postcolonial literatures and theory; and transnational feminist and cultural studies. A four-time member of Humanities Washington Speakers Bureau, she has also received the Seattle Weekly’s “Best of Seattle” recognition, the UW’s Distinguished Teaching Award, and multiple US Fulbright Fellowships to work abroad. Her book Beyond Guilt Trips: Mindful Travel in an Unequal World was published in 2019, and has garnered many awards and honors.

https://www.anutaranath.com/  

https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Guilt-Trips-Mindful-Unequal/dp/1771134321

The Monk and the Gun Film Screening

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 15, 2024, 3:30 - 5:30PM

FILMSCENE AT THE CHAUNCEY

PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FILMSCENE

The Monk and the Gun is a Bhutanese film set in 2006 during the country's transition from a constitutional monarchy to a democracy. The film explores this period through intertwined narratives: a young monk tasked with finding a gun for his lama, an American searching for a historic firearm, and villagers navigating their first democratic election.

These stories unfold against Bhutan's stunning landscapes and a society encountering modernity and Western culture for the first time​ while offering a satirical and thought-provoking commentary on democracy, modernization, and cultural change. It highlights the challenges and paradoxes faced by a traditionally isolated society opening up to global influences, including the introduction of democratic processes and the clash of cultural values​.

In the context of global democracy and the upcoming U.S. elections, The Monk and the Gun provides a nuanced reflection on the value of democratic participation and the influence of external cultural forces. It invites viewers to consider the complexities and consequences of political and cultural transitions, making it a relevant and engaging piece for discussions on the state of democracy worldwide and the factors that shape electoral processes and outcomes​.

Political and Policy Obstacles to Feeding the World

John Norris has over three decades of political, policy and administrative experience at the highest levels of state and federal government on energy and agricultural issues. Prior to becoming a Partner and Co-Owner of the State Public Policy Group (SPPG) based in Des Moines, Iowa, Norris served as the Minister-Counselor for Agriculture for the United States Mission to the United Nations Agencies in Rome, Italy. He was appointed by President Obama in 2009 and 2012 to serve as a Commissioner on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

When: ​October 18, 2018

Speaker: John Norris​

Our programming is made possible by our supporters just like you who have helped us reach communities across Iowa for nearly 40 years. Learn more about how your support is helping uplift communities and raising awareness about issues affecting our world.

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