The World Affairs Council of Charlotte is honored to host renowned expert Candace Rondeaux, Senior Director of Future Frontlines and Planetary Politics at Arizona State University, Professor of Practice, and author of "Putin’s Sledgehammer: The Wagner Group and Russia’s Collapse into Mercenary Chaos." Rondeaux will offer a compelling analysis of how Russia’s growing dependence on paramilitary forces signals a broader shift in modern warfare. She will explore the global implications of this mercenary strategy, highlighting its destabilizing impact in regions such as Ukraine, Africa, and the Middle East, and what it may signal for the future of international conflict and great power rivalry. Drawing on her groundbreaking research and firsthand reporting, Rondeaux will lead a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of authoritarian power, irregular warfare, and global security. This private, off-the-record dinner provides a rare opportunity for attendees to engage with her directly.

The World Affairs Council of Charlotte is honored to host a private dinner with Fahad Nazer, spokesperson for the Saudi Embassy in Washington, D.C. This exclusive, off-the-record gathering offers a rare opportunity for in-depth conversation and nuanced insight into some of the most complex and consequential developments in the Middle East. With headlines dominated by the war in Gaza, Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, shifting alliances with Iran, and broader U.S. strategic recalibrations in the region, this small-group dinner with Mr. Nazer offers a unique opportunity to move beyond the headlines. In an intimate setting, participants will gain firsthand insight into Saudi Arabia’s regional priorities, domestic reform agenda, and evolving partnership with the United States, while engaging in meaningful dialogue that explores the deeper context, motivations, and implications of today’s most pressing Middle East challenges.