Dr. Shannon K. O'Neil, CFR senior fellow for Latin American studies, led a discussion on Evolving U.S.-Mexico Relations. Dr. O'Neil underscored the ways in which many Americans misunderstand Mexico and its ties to the United States in spite of the important trade relationship these two nations share. She also highlighted the economic and political challenges Mexico will face in the coming years. 

Hans-Ulrich Klose, Chairman of the German-American Parliamentary Group and a Member of the Bundestag (Federal German Parliament), spoke with members of both the Dallas Committee on Foreign Relations and the American Council on Germany on the 1st of May. Mr. Klose's discussion, Pivot to Reality-New Strategies for the West, emphasized the challenges and opportunities faced by the western world in the 21^st century. 

Ali Aslan, Washington Correspodent of Turkey's largest daily newspaper Zaman, led a discussion on Turkey's Challenges and Opportunities. Mr. Aslan highlighted Turkey's economic growth and reemergence on the regional and global scene as well as the potential problems Turkey will face in the future. 

Dr. Gerry Galloway, Glenn L. Martin Institute Professor of Engineering and Affiliate Professor, School of Public Policy, University of Maryland, led a discussion on Flash Points and Challenges Ahead in Water Security. Dr. Galloway highlighted both national and economic security implications that could lay ahead in water security issues. Read about his discussion on the DCFR blog, GeoEdge.

Max Boot, Jeane J. Kirkpatrick Senior Fellow in National Security Studies at CFR, led a discussion on "The History and Future of Guerilla Warfare" to members of the Dallas Committee on March 30th. Mr. Boot is the author of Invisible Armies: An Epic History of Guerilla Warfare: From Ancient Times to the Present. Mr. Boot's historic look at guerilla warfare emphasized important lessons for modern day militaries. 

Ambassador Vicki Huddleston, former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Defense for African Affairs, spoke with DCFR members on February 26, 2013 regarding the current crisis in Mali. Read more about her visit on DCFR's blog, GeoEdge. 

On February 20, 2013, Professor Alyson Warhurst, CEO and Founder of U.K.-based Maplecroft spoke to DCFR regarding "Risks in the Global Growth Landscape: 2013 Hotspots and Opportunities."  Maplecroft analyzes the world's top growth economies from various angles, including political, legal and regulatory risk, environment and rule of law, and corruption and human rights. To read more, see the post in DCFR's blog, GeoEdge. 

Dr. Robert A. Pastor, Professor and Director of the Center for North American Studies at American University, spoke with DCFR on February 2nd regarding "The State of NAFTA and North America." Dr. Pastor is the author of The North American Idea: A Vision of a Continental Future. Read more about his discussion on DCFR's blog, GeoEdge. 

The following interview with Juan Zarate for DCFR's Global Themes brief series offers a wealth of knowledge about security issues and counterterrorism. Zarate comments on his top five security threat challenges, many of which will dominate counterterrorism and foreign policy for years to come. 

The latest brief explores topics such as —energy and water resources; environmental impacts of developing countries and climate change; and the geopolitics of energy sources, including discussions about China and India. Dr. Rajan Gupta, Laboratory Fellow of the Los Alamos National Laboratory, offers thought-provoking insight and analysis.