Steven Pifer - Top U.S. Challenges of Dealing with Russia in 2025 November 17, 2024 at Thunderbird Country Club -
As we head into a new Administration in 2025, a major focus of U.S. foreign policy will be on Russia. Amb. Pifer will discuss the new Administration's top challenges of dealing with Russia, including the Russia-Ukraine war, the collapse of arms control, and Russia's relations with China and other challengers.
A retired U.S. Foreign Service officer, Amb. Pifer's 25-year State Department career included roles such as U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, deputy assistant secretary of state, and special assistant to the U.S. president for Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia. He also served at U.S. embassies in Moscow, Warsaw, and London and participated in the U.S. -Soviet INF nuclear forces negotiations in Geneva. Pifer holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Stanford University. Currently, Pifer is an affiliate at Stanford University's Center for International Security and Cooperation, and a non-resident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. He focuses on nuclear arms control, Ukraine, Russia, and European security.
Rick Richman - The New President and the Middle East December 8, 2024 at Thunderbird Country Club Join us for a compelling return appearance by Rick Richman, a renowned expert on Middle Eastern affairs, as he presents his talk entitled "The New President and the Middle East." In this insightful session, Richman will delve into the dynamic political landscape of the region, examining the implications of the new U.S. administration's policies and strategies. Drawing on his extensive knowledge and experience, he will explore key issues, including diplomatic relations, security challenges, and economic opportunities.
You won't want to miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Israel and the Middle East and the pivotal role the new president will play in shaping its future.
Steve Clemons - 2024 World Elections and Foreign Policy January 12, 2025 at Thunderbird Country Club
Steve Clemons, global politics expert, founding Editor-at-Large of Semafor, former Editor-at-Large at The Hill and The Atlantic, and host of The Bottom Line, discusses the effects of the 2024 elections on U.S. foreign policy. The outcome will impact U.S. diplomacy, trade, and international engagements as the winning candidate and their administration's stance on climate change, security alliances, and economic partnerships will define America's global role for years to come.
Doug Lute - China, Russia, and the US: Global Great Power Competition February 2, 2025 at Thunderbird Country Club
Ambassador Douglas Lute (Lieutenant General, U.S. Army, Retired) is the Chair of BGR’s International and Trade and Defense and Critical Technologies Practices, working with the Advisory Services team. He has had a long and distinguished career in the U.S. military, serving as a senior White House advisor and diplomat. Throughout his career, Ambassador Lute has built extensive relationships with national security, diplomatic, and military leaders both in the United States and globally. His deep familiarity with American foreign policy and today's policymakers provides him with unique insights into Washington's approach to international security and the nation's relationships with its allies and partners.
Victor Avila - Cartels, Corruption, Fentanyl - U.S. National Security and the Southern Border March 2, 2025 at Thunderbird Country Club - Registration for this event is open. Click Here to Sign Up Victor Avila is a retired Supervisory Special Agent with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). He has been recognized for exemplary service at the El Paso Field Office and as an Assistant Attaché in U.S. Embassies in Spain, Portugal, and Mexico City. Avila conducted complex criminal investigations in narcotics trafficking, arms trafficking, human trafficking/smuggling, financial violations, commercial fraud, and counter-terrorism. He survived a violent ambush by the Los Zetas drug cartel in Mexico, where Special Agent Jaime Zapata tragically lost his life.
Avila has received numerous awards, including the ICE Hispanic Agents Association's Excellence in Law Enforcement Award and the Homeland Security Investigations Excellence in Public Service Award. He began his career as a U.S. Probation Officer and District Parole Officer for Texas. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at El Paso. Today, Avila advocates for border security, immigration reform, human trafficking awareness, and the protection of sovereignty. He has been featured on various media platforms including FoxNews, i24News, and Univision.
Christopher Sands and Duncan Wood - U.S, Mexico and Canada April 13, 2025 at Thunderbird Country Club - Registration for this event opens Mar. 4th
Trade between the United States, Mexico and Canada is governed by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement which came into effect on July 1, 2020. The Agreement will terminate June 30, 2026 unless extended a further sixteen years by mutual agreement.
The United States and Canada continue to conclude significant agreements reflecting their mutual economic interests. The United States and Mexico face challenges as the political direction of Mexico is changing rapidly, while still attracting investment from the United States.
Christopher Sands, Ph.D. is Director of the Wilson Center’s Canada Institute, the largest policy research program on Canada outside Canada and the leading source of scholarship on US-Canadian relations in Washington, DC. Duncan Wood, Ph.D. is President and CEO of the Pacific Council on International Policy, dedicated to promoting global engagement across Los Angeles and California. Together, they will bring us new and interesting perspectives on the relationship between the three North American neighbors.
Luncheon Speakers
Tom Spiglanin- Power in Harmony: How Local Wind Farms and Diverse Energy Sources Light Up Our Lives! February 26, 2025 at The Classic Club - Registration for this is now open! Sign Up Here Tom Spiglanin, PhD Director of Education at Palm Springs Windmill Tours, and author of “Backstories of the Palm Springs Windmills” gives us the inside story of the many wind turbines in Palm Springs.
Tom will cover the story of how these wind farms came to be, how wind turbines work, and the essential contribution they are making to the area and California. Tom will also give some perspective on the related technologies of solar power and battery storage, and the challenges they face.
Jim Turner- Lithium: The 21st Century "Gold Rush"- The Salton Sea and the Future of U.S. Lithium! March 26, 2025 at The Classic Club - Registration for this event opens Feb. 27th Jim Turner, President, Controlled Thermal Resources, widely regarded as an expert on the use of geothermal and lithium resources for clean, renewable energy, explains the extraction of lithium from the boiling brine pools found 2 miles underground one of the world's largest known geothermal resources at the Salton Sea and its significant future impact on the Imperial Valley, California, and the U.S.
Turner serves as the President for Controlled Thermal Resources and has developed, built and managed geothermal operations at the Salton Sea Geothermal Field for over 30 years. He currently oversees the Operations and Revenue divisions and continues to serve as Board Director. Jim has led operations, business development, sales and engineering across diverse industries, including chemical, renewable energy and drilling. He holds a strong background in operations and safety. Jim is resourceful, people focused and a strategic thinker.
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