Future Programs
U.S. Relations with the Americas after its withdrawal from Afghanistan and Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
Ambassador Krishna Raj Urs
Illini Country Club
Wednesday, October 4th, 2023
5:30 pm: Cocktail Reception
6:15 pm: Dinner
7:00 pm: Program
With the end of the Cold War in the 1990s, Presidents H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton sought to build closer, steadier ties with the United States’ partners in the Western Hemisphere through economic reform, free trade, support for democracy, and cooperation against illegal narcotics and other organized crime. Efforts were coordinated in part through the once every three years Summit of the Americas process. There followed a decade of close cooperation during the 1990s. The terror attacks of September 11, 2001 drew U.S. engagement away from the Hemisphere towards the Middle East. With the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, some observers hoped that the United States would be able to reengage more fully in the Americas. But, as fate would have it, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has once again drawn U.S. attention away from the Americas. What is the prognosis for closer ties in the Western Hemisphere today?
Dinner and cocktails will be served beforehand at 5:30 pm and reservations are required. Cost for dinner
is $40 per person. The presentation is free and open to the public. Reservations are not required for the presentation.
Dinner reservations must be prepaid and received on or before September 29th. There is no guarantee of seating beyond that date. Text our Registrar, Lynn McMenamin, at 217-502-6956, to determine whether seating is available after that date. Please make your reservation early!
Pay Online or print this form and send with check payable to WACCI.
Mail to: WACCI, Box 2233, Springfield, IL 62705
Menu for the October 4th Event
SALADS
Cucumber Salad – Chopped Romaine Lettuce, Cucumbers, Avocado, Red Onion, Feta Cheese, Tossed in Jalapeno Lime Vinaigrette
Bean & Corn Salad – Mixed Beans, Roasted Corn, Tomatoes, Peppers, Onions, Arugula, Garlic and Chili Vinaigrette
ENTREES
Ceviche – Cold Cooked Seafood marinated in Lime Juice and Cilantro
Aji de Gallina – Shredded Chicken in a Cream Sauce with Ground Walnuts, Cheddar, and Aji-Armarillo
SIDES
Papa a la Huancaina – Steamed Potatoes Covered in a Spiced Cheese Sauce
Grilled Corn on the Cobb with Aji Verde and Queso Fresco
DESSERT
Suspiro de Limena – Caramel Custard with Port Meringue and Cinnamon
Mark your calendars for three upcoming events:
- October 12th – WACCI has reserved three tables at the Peoria Area World Affairs Council Gala Event to be held at Bradley University at 5:00 p.m. to hear Dr. Fiona Hill, the former National Security Council Advisor for Russia and Eastern Europe, and Ambassador William Taylor, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine. Go to pawac.org to register.
- Late October (date TBD) – Ambassador Charles Rey will discuss a
Blueprint for a more Modern Diplomatic Service - November 8th – A delegation representing the Republic of Korea,
the U.S. Department of State, and the Korea Economic Institute will
explore the ties between Illinois and the Republic of Korea, cultural,
economic, political and military.