About this Event
Join us for an evening commemorating John Kenneth Galbraith, the distinguished economist whose belief that economies should serve people—and not the other way around—remains profoundly relevant. Author of more than thirty influential books, including the timeless The Affluent Society, Galbraith delivered the inaugural lecture on August 3, 1981, at the 25th anniversary of the World Affairs Council. He spoke yearly through 1999, succeeded by his sons Peter and James.
This year’s keynote speaker is Ambassador Peter Galbraith, who will present a timely address titled: “Hot Spots: Revolution in Syria, Ukraine’s Munich Moment, NATO in Peril, War with Iran, Gaza.”
The evening will begin with a virtual welcome from Robert Reich, economist, former Secretary of Labor, and longtime friend and mentee of John Kenneth Galbraith. Reich recently reflected on their relationship, noting that his mentor did not regard economics as a detached mathematical exercise, but rather as inherently entwined with politics, history, and moral philosophy. This belief continues to guide thoughtful inquiry and public purpose.
The event begins with a cocktail reception and carries a suggested donation of $25. This modest contribution supports our core mission: keeping programs free and open to the public and sustaining our sponsorship of Brattleboro High School’s Peace Jam. If the fee presents a barrier, please reach out to us at [email protected]—we welcome anyone who wishes to attend.
In a world teetering on the edge, Ambassador Galbraith’s presentation is alarmingly timely. The Syrian uprising, mounting risks to NATO’s cohesion, and escalating conflicts in Europe and the Middle East—including the devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza—are testing the post–1945 global order like never before. Recently, in a high-profile summit in Alaska, President Trump met privately with President Putin to discuss the war in Ukraine. Though they struck an ill-defined “understanding,” the meeting produced no concrete ceasefire or roadmap, raising alarm among U.S. allies. At the same time, Trump renewed his controversial rhetoric around Greenland—calling control of the Arctic island an “absolute necessity” and refusing to rule out force—provoking concern about alliance frictions and territorial coercion. Drawing on decades of direct experience in diplomacy and humanitarian action, Ambassador Galbraith brings invaluable insight and context to these urgent global flashpoints.
His distinguished career in volatile regions includes serving as the first U.S. Ambassador to Croatia (where he helped negotiate the Erdut Agreement that ended the Croatian War), leadership roles in UN missions in East Timor and Afghanistan, and an ongoing commitment to international humanitarian efforts. Most recently, Ambassador Galbraith has devoted himself to aid work in Syria—most notably reuniting Yazidi mothers with children born in captivity of ISIS, facilitating rescues of displaced children from camps, and advocating for meaningful inclusion of Syria’s Kurdish communities in future governance—all actions grounded in compassion and diplomacy.
His many contributions also extend to public service in Vermont, where he served two terms as a State Senator and mounted a gubernatorial campaign, as well as a prolific writing career in such venues as The New York Review of Books, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Guardian.
Moderating the lecture will be John Ungerleider, former Professor of Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation, current Director of the Greater Falls Community Justice Center, and a valued member of the WWAC community.
We look forward to an evening that enriches our understanding, honors a legacy of humane economics, and reaffirms our commitment to public engagement.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Centre Congregational Church, 193 Main Street, Brattleboro, United States
USD 0.00
