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Maintaining Global Dialogue
Newsletter of UCF Global Perspectives and International Initiatives
Issue 33 – Fall 2025 |
Message from David Dumke
GPII Executive Director
Embracing Dialogue, Pragmatism, and Hope
At times of deep polarization, it is far too easy to appeal to base emotions than identify workable solutions offering hope for a better tomorrow. For years, Northern Ireland was seen as an intractable conflict highlighted by competing narratives over land, religion, and identity. This conflict involved not only the people of Ulster, but the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. It also resonated emotionally with the enormous Irish diaspora, including 36 million Americans who claim Irish ancestry.
The Office of Global Perspectives & International Initiatives is pleased to host one of the architects of the peace agreement which ended the Irish Troubles. Legendary Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Bertie Ahern will visit UCF on February 11 to discuss conflict, peace, dialogue, and reconciliation – the lessons of Northern Ireland and how they apply to other conflicts and potential conflicts around the globe.
This talk is part of GPII’s Conflict Transformation Program, which seeks to empower students with the problem-solving tools needed to resolve challenges large and small at the local, state, national, and international level. Ahern’s talk will be just one of several conflict transformation events and activities GPII will host and organize during the Spring semester – culminating in a student trip to Belfast and Dublin to gain unique, first-hand knowledge about the keys not just to ending violence, but to continually working to prevent its return.
The Ahern visit provides the UCF and Central Florida community with an opportunity to meet and learn from an accomplished global stateman. Working with Bill Clinton, Tony Blair, and U.S. envoy George Mitchell, Ahern championed the Good Friday Agreement. The 1998 agreement included several key elements: power sharing, North-South and East-West cooperation, protection of rights and affirmation of identity, and disarmament and security guarantees. Notably, this agreement did not require a huge allocation of military or economic aid from Washington but offered the people a chance to live in peace and create economic opportunities for all citizens. Mr. Ahern has actively supported reconciliation efforts, particularly those aimed at cultivating pragmatic young leaders who seek to work together for the collective good. The work continues to this day.
In addition to the Taoiseach, the GPII Conflict Transformation Program will also host Rev. Dr. Gary Mason of Rethinking Conflict, Belfast-based restorative justice advocate Debbie Waters, and former Deputy National Security Advisor and U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nancy Soderberg. We encourage students, faculty, and interested members of the community to attend Mr. Ahern’s lecture, and to participate in these other special upcoming events.
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Lessons of the Good Friday Agreement: Bertie Ahern on Ending Conflict and Preserving Peace |
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 from 3:00 – 4:30 P.M. EST
Pegasus Grand Ballroom
In-Person Event |
The UCF Office of Global Perspectives & International Initiatives (GPII) is honored to host former Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Bertie Ahern, a key architect of the Good Friday Agreement, the historic accord that brought an end to decades of conflict in Northern Ireland. The successful approach to resolving this longstanding conflict is a living breathing model which can help end and prevent conflicts in all corners of the globe.
During his leadership, Ahern worked closely with British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Northern Irish political parties, and U.S. partners including President Bill Clinton and U.S. Special Envoy Senator George Mitchell to establish a fully democratic, exclusively peaceful framework for power-sharing among Northern Ireland’s political parties. The Good Friday Agreement gained bipartisan political support as well as endorsement by both the British and Irish governments and the people of Ireland – both north and south.
Join us for an engaging discussion as Bertie Ahern reflects on the peace process, the diplomacy behind ending conflict, the work of preserving peace, and the key lessons these experiences offer for addressing global conflict today. |
Smithsonian Natural History Director Visits UCF, Inspires Students and Community |
The UCF Office of Global Perspectives and International Initiatives (GPII) welcomed Dr. Kirk Johnson, a renowned paleobotanist and Sant Director of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. His visit offered students, faculty, and community members a rare opportunity to engage with one of the world’s leading voices in natural history and science.
Dr. Johnson began the day with an energizing conversation with UCF students, delving into topics ranging from the Smithsonian’s vast and globally significant collections to the monumental effort required to digitize and preserve them. He spoke about the broader responsibilities museums carry, preserving natural history, advancing scientific research, and fostering public understanding of our planet’s past and present. Students described the exchange as transformative, gaining valuable insights into careers in science, museum work, and the many pathways that connect academic study with real-world impact.
In the afternoon, Dr. Johnson delivered a keynote address to a packed audience at the Fairwinds Alumni Center as part of the Lester N. Mandell Distinguished Lecture Series. His talk, Museums, Science, Nature, and the Future, explored how museums serve not only as guardians of history but also as engines of scientific discovery. He traced the story of Earth across deep time, illustrating how the intersection of museums, science, and nature helps humanity understand the present and navigate an uncertain future.
Dr. Cady Coleman, former NASA astronaut and retired U.S. Air Force colonel, joined Dr. Johnson on his visit. Coleman inspired students by sharing stories from her career and her collaborations with Dr. Johnson and the Smithsonian. |
Waging Peace in a Fractured World: Carter Center Peacebuilding Leader Visits UCF |
The UCF Office of Global Perspectives and International Initiatives (GPII) welcomed Barbara Smith, Vice President of Peace Programs at The Carter Center, for a series of timely and thought-provoking conversations on global conflict transformation. Her visit provided UCF students and faculty direct insights from a global leader in grassroots peacebuilding.
During student roundtables, Smith led transformative discussions on the vital role young people play in shaping more peaceful and democratic societies. Drawing from her decades of experience in fragile regions; including post-Taliban Afghanistan, post-war Bosnia, the Middle East, and ongoing efforts in Mali and Sudan; Smith emphasized how sustainable peace requires meaningful dialogue, local leadership, and a willingness to challenge the structures and attitudes that fuel conflict.
Smith was joined by GPII Non-Resident Fellow and former Director of the USAID Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) Owen Kirby for a public forum focused on the importance of inclusive peace initiatives. Together, they provided the attendees with on-the-ground insights into navigating complex geopolitical landscapes and building bridges in divided communities. Smith underscored the often-overlooked contributions of those rebuilding lives and institutions in post-conflict societies, reminding attendees that peace is not merely the absence of violence, it is the presence of justice, trust, and resilient communities. Smith commented that programs engaging students in global conversations help build empathy, expose them to different perspectives, and deepen their understanding of the challenges others face, ultimately enriching the overall human experience. |
GPII Talks Middle East Geopolitics, Space, and Technology with Georgia Tech Scholar Dr. Lawrence Rubin |
The UCF Office of Global Perspectives and International Initiatives (GPII) welcomed Dr. Lawrence Rubin, Associate Professor at Georgia Tech’s Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, for a full day of activities.
Dr. Rubin began his visit by meeting with students, sharing his career journey in international affairs and answering questions about professional pathways, academic preparation, and opportunities to contribute to global problem-solving. These student interactions underscored GPII’s commitment to connecting classroom learning with real-world expertise and broadening global engagement across the UCF community.
Dr. Rubin concluded his visit with a keynote address during a campus wide public event focused on the rapidly evolving dynamics of the Middle East, a region undergoing significant shifts in alliances, ideologies, and long-term strategic priorities. He discussed how the Middle East’s growing investment in emerging technologies, expanding space programs, and strengthening national defense systems is reshaping the region’s power structures and elevating its relevance on the world stage. His analysis offered attendees a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities transforming this strategically vital region. |
GPII Welcomes Advisory Board to Annual Luncheon |
At the UCF Office of Global Perspectives and International Initiatives (GPII), we take great pride in building a relationship-rich culture that brings together a wide range of community stakeholders and partners to advance transformational opportunities that elevate the human experience.
This fall semester began with welcoming the GPII Advisory Board to our annual luncheon. This gathering provided an opportunity to review GPII’s accomplishments over the past year while engaging in thoughtful discussions about our strategic priorities and initiatives for the year ahead. This year’s luncheon also included a special presentation titled SYRIA 2025: A Tale of Two Countries by Owen H. Kirby, the former Regional Director for North Africa and the Middle East at the International Republican Institute and the former Director of the USAID Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI).
GPII is deeply thankful for the Advisory Board’s continued commitment, leadership, and support, which remain essential to advancing our work and impact. |
GPII and Former Members of Congress Visit Cairo |
The UCF Office of Global Perspectives & International Initiatives organized a visit to Cairo with former U.S. Congressmen Larry LaRocco (D-Idaho) and Scott Klug (R-Wisconsin), both of whom are affiliated with the U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress (FMC). The primary purpose of the visit, which took place November 8-15, was to promote the UCF Conflict Transformation Program, which includes roles for both the American University in Cairo (AUC) and FMC.
Additionally, the visit offered Egyptians – students, faculty, and key individuals in business, politics, and civil society – an opportunity to have frank, honest, and informative conversations with seasoned American politicians. In turn, because the trip allowed the bipartisan delegation to have lengthy, unofficial conversations over a whole business week, FMC was able to better understand the thoughts and concerns of America’s Egyptian allies in this period of profound global change. With deep ties to Congress, the executive branch, think tank community, and business, FMC regularly organizes fact-finding trips abroad. Participating members are then able to convey key messages to Washington.
Larry LaRocco represented Boise, an Idaho-based district, and served on the Banking and Interior Committees. Prior to his own election, he was a longtime aid to Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Frank Church. A former FMC President, LaRocco remains active in Idaho and Washington politics. He has worked extensively in the Middle East, primarily on issues of finance and banking. He has extensive experience in government affairs on the domestic and international level. He is an emeritus board member of the Frank Church Institute at Boise State University and has an extensive network of contacts in political and academic circles.
An Emmy award winning television reporter, Scott Klug served four terms in the U.S. House, where he sat on the Energy & Commerce Committee. Klug subsequently served two terms on the President’s Advisory Board on Trade and Policy Negotiations. He has also led international training programs on journalism and political campaigns for the U.S. State Department and has done extensive work with the International Republican Institute. He also served as an election observer in Iraq and headed Congressional exchange programs with Kuwait, Oman and Egypt.
While in Egypt, the members participated in events at the American University in Cairo and Badr University Cairo. They were welcomed to AUC by President Ahmed Dallal, and hosted at BUC by Major General Mohamed El Keshky, who heads the Centre for Global Affairs. They talked to members of parliament and civil society, political and business leaders, and representatives from a variety of sectors – including higher education, tourism, and economic planning. The delegation also had a special visit to the newly-opened Grand Egyptian Museum, which is a central component of Egypt’s effort to strengthen and grow the tourism sector. UCF and AUC recently entered an agreement to jointly work on a tourism development initiative.
GPII has partnered with FMC for the past eight years, hosting FMC’s Congress to Campus visits in which two former members – one Democrat, one Republican – talk to students about their experience, policymaking, and bipartisanship. GPII’s multi-faceted partnerships in Egypt, and the development of the conflict transformation and tourism initiatives, are supported by the generous contributions of Jonathan and Nancy Wolf. |
GPII Hosts Visiting German Authors for Literary Exchange and Cross-Cultural Dialogue |
The UCF Office of Global Perspectives and International Initiatives (GPII) welcomed German authors Sonali Beher and Iven Yorick Fenker for a breakfast and conversation as part of the Goethe-Institut Deutschland’s special U.S. program, “Among Friends: On the Road” which was made possible by GPII Advisory Board member Beppy Owen.
Beher and Fenker, both students at the renowned Literature Institute Leipzig, are traveling along the U.S. East Coast to promote literary exchange and deepen cultural dialogue between Germany and the United States. Their stop at UCF offered a unique opportunity for students and community members to engage with emerging voices in contemporary German literature.
The authors read selections from their work and shared thoughtful reflections on their creative processes, followed by an engaging Q&A with attendees. They also participated in a student-led podcast interview with GPII interns Brandon Garrett and Noah Mohammedelamien.
The program underscored the power of literature in fostering connection across cultures and provided UCF students with a valuable learning experience, sharpening their intercultural communication skills and broadening their global perspectives. |
GPII Welcomes AUC Student Government to UCF |
The UCF Office of Global Perspectives and International Initiatives (GPII) was thrilled to welcome student leaders from the American University in Cairo (AUC) Student Government to UCF for a cultural exchange centered on student life, leadership, and cross-campus collaboration.
As part of their visit, the AUC students met with GPII interns, members of UCF Student Government and the UCF Arab American Student Association to share experiences and discuss how student government functions in Egypt and the U.S. Both groups gained a stronger understanding of how student leaders engage with campus life and represent their peers in different university settings. The visit concluded with a lively campus scavenger hunt highlighting UCF’s landmarks and student-centered spaces.
This exchange underscores GPII’s ongoing commitment to provide transformative opportunities to enrich the student experience. By fostering these exchanges, GPII contributes to developing an educated citizenry that engages thoughtfully and leads with confidence at Knights Nation and beyond. |
GPII Puerto Ricco Research Hub Celebrates the Release of Encuentros |
The Hub celebrated the release of the first issue of Encuentros, a digital academic magazine produced collaboratively between the Graduate School of Planning at University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras and the UCF-Puerto Rico Research Hub.
The launch event, hosted on the UPR-RP campus, featured student presentations, faculty commentary, and dialogue on research topics shaping Puerto Rico and its diaspora. The publication continues to serve as a platform for scholarly exchange and cross-institutional collaboration. |
GPII Puerto Ricco Research Hub Hosts Dr. Miguel Vilar |
The Hub hosted a talk by Dr. Miguel Vilar, an expert in anthropological genetics and science communication. Dr. Vilar discussed the intersection of DNA, migration, and identity in the Caribbean and Latin American context, offering students and community members a valuable framework for understanding science, heritage, and history.
The event highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary research in exploring the Puerto Rican experience and strengthening data-driven storytelling. |
GPII Puerto Ricco Research Hub Partners with Grupo 21 Workshop for Emerging Professionals |
The Hub expanded its commitment to student development by partnering with Grupo 21 to host a professional skills workshop for young professionals.
Dr. Fernando Rivera, Director of the UCF Puerto Rico Research Hub, accompanied two UCF student volunteers to Puerto Rico to participate in programming that included career readiness, networking strategies, and essential workplace skills. Participants engaged with leaders across industry and academia, gaining tools that will support their entry into global and competitive career markets. |
Global Perspectives TV Show |
Global Perspectives is an award-winning TV show on PBS (WUCF-TV), a regional Public Broadcasting Service station. Hosted by David Dumke, Executive Director of UCF’s Global Perspectives and International Initiatives (GPII), the show features interviews with local, national, and international experts, authors, economists, politicians, journalists, diplomats, and activists who delve into issues of global significance and local impact. |
WUCF TV's Global Perspectives Hosts Lindsey Ford, Senior Fellow at ORF America |
David Dumke sits down with Lindsey Ford, a Senior Fellow at ORF America. She is a leading expert on Indo-Pacific security issues with two decades of experience. Most recently, Ford served as the Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for South Asia at the National Security Council from 2024-2025. Ford oversaw the establishment of a new U.S.-India initiative on green energy supply chains. |
WUCF TV's Global Perspectives Hosts Dr. Larry Rubin, Co-director of the Georgia Tech DC Program & Associate Professor at the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs |
David Dumke sits down with Dr. Larry Rubin, who shares his insights on current international affairs and the key forces shaping global security today. Their conversation also delves into the future of the Middle East, examining intra-regional dynamics, the emerging technologies transforming the nature of war and conflict, as well as developments in space programs and related technologies. |
GPII interns and fellows dive into global news to bring you the latest insights on key issues and regions. Explore our top selections. |
Brave Pink is the New Black: How the Indonesian Women's Alliance is Standing Up to State Violence |
By: Ashley LaFlamme, Special Problems Intern |
Paths to Security: A Comparative Analysis of Georgia, Lebanon, and Jordan |
By: Samantha Romero, Conflict Transformation Intern |
The Crisis in Sudan, Inflamed |
By: Noah Mohammedelamien, Terrorism Studies Intern |
A Jolt Ahead: Emerging Environmental Policy and Markets in Vietnam |
By: Sydney Rhodes, Special Projects Intern |
Lebanon's Banking System in Crisis |
By: Susana El Souki El Assal, M.E.N.A. Intern |
Pro-EU Party Wins Moldovan Elections Despite Misinformation |
By: Camila Gimenez Valero, Terrorism Studies Intern |
Understanding Emergency Declarations: A Summary of Research and Implications |
By: Brandon Garrett, Puerto Rico Research Hub Intern |
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