UPCOMING CWAC EVENTS
Plus, keep scrolling for WACA & Community events below
Japanese Conversation Group of the Midlands
Saturday, June 13, 2026 | 2:00 o 4:00 pm
Lexington Main Library, General Meeting Room 2A
5440 Augusta Rd, Lexington, SC 29072
Downstairs, big room to the right of the reference desk
Topic of conversation: summer, rainy season
Lexington Main Library, General Meeting Room 2A
5440 Augusta Rd, Lexington, SC 29072
Downstairs, big room to the right of the reference desk
Topic of conversation: summer, rainy season
JAASC Midlands has partnered with the Columbia World Affairs Council to offer Japanese conversation groups! Please fill out the RSVP form if you plan to attend. The form helps us know how many people to expect at each meeting.
The Japanese conversation groups are open to all English and Japanese speakers who want an excellent opportunity to practice their language skills. Everyone is welcome, but we recommend that you have some basic knowledge of English and Japanese.
The group generally meets on the first Saturday of every month around the Columbia area.
Contact Mandy Green at [email protected] or (864) 517-5339 for any questions. Hope to see you there!
会話グループに興味がありますか？
ぜひ参加してください！
グループは第一土曜にコロンビア近辺で集まります。
みなさんにお会いできる事を楽しみにしています！
Optional! Join the JCG GroupMe with this link to connect with members.
The Japanese conversation groups are open to all English and Japanese speakers who want an excellent opportunity to practice their language skills. Everyone is welcome, but we recommend that you have some basic knowledge of English and Japanese.
The group generally meets on the first Saturday of every month around the Columbia area.
Contact Mandy Green at [email protected] or (864) 517-5339 for any questions. Hope to see you there!
会話グループに興味がありますか？
ぜひ参加してください！
グループは第一土曜にコロンビア近辺で集まります。
みなさんにお会いできる事を楽しみにしています！
Optional! Join the JCG GroupMe with this link to connect with members.
FROM THE WACA NETWORK
WorldNow with Jim Falk
What will war look like in 2084 – in a world devastated by climate change?
Join us on WorldNow with Jim Falk as we sit down with Elliot Ackerman, author of 2084: A Novel of the Future of War; NYT bestselling author, and contributing writer at The Atlantic.
In 2084, decorated military officers and award-winning authors Elliot Ackerman and Admiral James Stavridis write a world on the brink of war, divided between equatorial countries ravaged by climate change and the wealthier, politically fractured countries like China and the U.S. 2084 follows their two previous novels, envisioning a war between the U.S. and China in 2034 and the breakdown of American politics fueled by AI in 2054.
Join us on WorldNow with Jim Falk as we sit down with Elliot Ackerman, author of 2084: A Novel of the Future of War; NYT bestselling author, and contributing writer at The Atlantic.
In 2084, decorated military officers and award-winning authors Elliot Ackerman and Admiral James Stavridis write a world on the brink of war, divided between equatorial countries ravaged by climate change and the wealthier, politically fractured countries like China and the U.S. 2084 follows their two previous novels, envisioning a war between the U.S. and China in 2034 and the breakdown of American politics fueled by AI in 2054.
MEET THE GUEST:
Elliot Ackerman is the New York Times bestselling author of the novels Halcyon, 2034, Red Dress In Black and White, Waiting for Eden, Dark at the Crossing, and Green on Blue, as well as the memoir The Fifth Act: America's End in Afghanistan, and Places and Names: On War, Revolution and Returning. His books have been nominated for the National Book Award, the Andrew Carnegie Medal in both fiction and nonfiction, and the Dayton Literary Peace Prize among others. He is a contributing writer at The Atlantic and a Marine veteran who served five tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he received the Silver Star, the Bronze Star for Valor, and the Purple Heart. He divides his time between New York City and Washington, D.C.
Elliot Ackerman is the New York Times bestselling author of the novels Halcyon, 2034, Red Dress In Black and White, Waiting for Eden, Dark at the Crossing, and Green on Blue, as well as the memoir The Fifth Act: America's End in Afghanistan, and Places and Names: On War, Revolution and Returning. His books have been nominated for the National Book Award, the Andrew Carnegie Medal in both fiction and nonfiction, and the Dayton Literary Peace Prize among others. He is a contributing writer at The Atlantic and a Marine veteran who served five tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he received the Silver Star, the Bronze Star for Valor, and the Purple Heart. He divides his time between New York City and Washington, D.C.
MEET THE HOST:
Jim Falk is President Emeritus of the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth. Now residing in Santa Fe, NM, he is Vice Chairman of the Board of Global Santa Fe. In addition to hosting WorldNow with Jim Falk, Jim produces and hosts The Forum, a weekly talk show on KSFR-FM, Santa Fe Public Radio. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
Jim Falk is President Emeritus of the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth. Now residing in Santa Fe, NM, he is Vice Chairman of the Board of Global Santa Fe. In addition to hosting WorldNow with Jim Falk, Jim produces and hosts The Forum, a weekly talk show on KSFR-FM, Santa Fe Public Radio. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
2084 (A Novel of Future War) by Elliot Ackerman and Admiral James Stavridis
“Gripping…Ackerman and Stavridis stage a harrowing global conflict that pits military might against an appetite for justice… equal parts haunting and entertaining.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
A gripping drama and chilling prophecy about the possible path to war for a planet devastated by climate change.
In their novel 2034, decorated military officers and award-winning authors Elliot Ackerman and Admiral James Stavridis imagined a war between the US and China. In their follow-up novel, 2054, they envisioned a breakdown in American politics fueled by a radical advance in AI. Now they make their boldest, most astonishing, and arguably most necessary leap—imagining the consequences of a climate war.
By the year 2084, the world is divided into the equatorial countries that bear the brunt of the climate crisis—led by Nigeria, Brazil, and Indonesia—and wealthier countries like China and the US, beset by their own problems after a series of civil wars. Tensions between the two sets of countries have reached a breaking point, until finally the so-called Reparationist nations of the equator decide that only military force can bring them justice.
A fascinating and disturbingly plausible extrapolation from current realities, 2084, like other classics of the genre such as Kim Stanley Robinson’s The Ministry for the Future and Neal Stephenson’s Termination Shock, deploys a global cast of characters, all protecting their interests as the fate of human civilization hangs in the balance. Individuals often seem small in the face of the forces that drive global change, but in the end human agency proves surprisingly decisive. Big doors can swing on small hinges. We have it within ourselves to write a different destiny, if only we can imagine it.
Get yourself a copy of 2084 on Bookshop.org and support your local bookstore.
2084 (A Novel of Future War) by Elliot Ackerman and Admiral James Stavridis
“Gripping…Ackerman and Stavridis stage a harrowing global conflict that pits military might against an appetite for justice… equal parts haunting and entertaining.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
A gripping drama and chilling prophecy about the possible path to war for a planet devastated by climate change.
In their novel 2034, decorated military officers and award-winning authors Elliot Ackerman and Admiral James Stavridis imagined a war between the US and China. In their follow-up novel, 2054, they envisioned a breakdown in American politics fueled by a radical advance in AI. Now they make their boldest, most astonishing, and arguably most necessary leap—imagining the consequences of a climate war.
By the year 2084, the world is divided into the equatorial countries that bear the brunt of the climate crisis—led by Nigeria, Brazil, and Indonesia—and wealthier countries like China and the US, beset by their own problems after a series of civil wars. Tensions between the two sets of countries have reached a breaking point, until finally the so-called Reparationist nations of the equator decide that only military force can bring them justice.
A fascinating and disturbingly plausible extrapolation from current realities, 2084, like other classics of the genre such as Kim Stanley Robinson’s The Ministry for the Future and Neal Stephenson’s Termination Shock, deploys a global cast of characters, all protecting their interests as the fate of human civilization hangs in the balance. Individuals often seem small in the face of the forces that drive global change, but in the end human agency proves surprisingly decisive. Big doors can swing on small hinges. We have it within ourselves to write a different destiny, if only we can imagine it.
Get yourself a copy of 2084 on Bookshop.org and support your local bookstore.
WorldNow with Jim Falk is hosted by the World Affairs Council of Connecticut with the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth and the World Affairs Councils of America. Presented in partnership with Councils nationwide:
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Experience the thrill of live music at its finest with a festival that brings together the power of orchestral concerts, the energy of Broadway musicals, the drama of opera, and the beauty of choral music. Whether you’re moved by soaring strings, powerful voices, or show-stopping performances, there’s something that will inspire every kind of music lover. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear world-class artists and celebrate the mastery of the performing arts.
The 5th Annual Muzika! Festival returns with a breathtaking lineup that spans the globe. From the fiery passion of Bizet’s Carmen and the heart-stirring journey of Little Women: The Musical, to the symphonic depth of Bloch’s Sacred Service, our 2026 season offers something to inspire every listener.
Significantly, this year the Musika! Festival welcomes the renowned Detska Kitka Female Youth Choir, an ensemble of orchestra players, and Chief Conductor Yana Deliradeva from Columbia’s Sister City of Plovdiv, Bulgaria. We extend our deepest gratitude and hospitality to them for traveling far from home to share with us the transformative beauty of their music which enriches the tapestry joining our communities.
The 5th Annual Muzika! Festival returns with a breathtaking lineup that spans the globe. From the fiery passion of Bizet’s Carmen and the heart-stirring journey of Little Women: The Musical, to the symphonic depth of Bloch’s Sacred Service, our 2026 season offers something to inspire every listener.
Significantly, this year the Musika! Festival welcomes the renowned Detska Kitka Female Youth Choir, an ensemble of orchestra players, and Chief Conductor Yana Deliradeva from Columbia’s Sister City of Plovdiv, Bulgaria. We extend our deepest gratitude and hospitality to them for traveling far from home to share with us the transformative beauty of their music which enriches the tapestry joining our communities.
Support International Business Education & Research!
Dear Folks Center Friends:
As you can see, 2025 was another banner year for the Folks Center and the International Business Department. Not only have we continued nearly three decades of our No. 1-ranked International Business educational programming and research, but we have also become a central entity on issues of global competitiveness and innovation.
But we need your help now more than ever to build on the legacy of IB@Moore that Randy Folks and his colleagues began over 50 years ago: Our international business activities have taken a major financial shock because of the U.S. Department of Education’s sudden decision to discontinue all grant programs for international studies, including our Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER). Since 1989, CIBER has been at the foundation of all our IB programming, directly impacting our students, faculty, the Folks Center, our partners and our stakeholders, all of which have helped us achieve our important ranking.
We see this crisis as an opportunity: The Folks Center is mobilizing its allies and faculty to create new sources of funding to sustain our success.
Join us in shaping an even more impactful 2026! Please use this link or scan the QR code below to give generously and fuel the continued success of the International Business program.
As you can see, 2025 was another banner year for the Folks Center and the International Business Department. Not only have we continued nearly three decades of our No. 1-ranked International Business educational programming and research, but we have also become a central entity on issues of global competitiveness and innovation.
But we need your help now more than ever to build on the legacy of IB@Moore that Randy Folks and his colleagues began over 50 years ago: Our international business activities have taken a major financial shock because of the U.S. Department of Education’s sudden decision to discontinue all grant programs for international studies, including our Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER). Since 1989, CIBER has been at the foundation of all our IB programming, directly impacting our students, faculty, the Folks Center, our partners and our stakeholders, all of which have helped us achieve our important ranking.
We see this crisis as an opportunity: The Folks Center is mobilizing its allies and faculty to create new sources of funding to sustain our success.
Join us in shaping an even more impactful 2026! Please use this link or scan the QR code below to give generously and fuel the continued success of the International Business program.
With best regards,
Gerald McDermott, PhD Amy G. Thomson
Department Chair Executive Director
Sonoco International Business Department Folks Center for International Business
Gerald McDermott, PhD Amy G. Thomson
Department Chair Executive Director
Sonoco International Business Department Folks Center for International Business