Three years ago, Putin’s army invaded Ukraine starting the first land war in Europe in over 80 years. Ukraine has fought valiantly but now President Trump seems to be switching sides. He is experiencing significant push-back from our national security, intelligence and military sectors. Why? What implications do President Trump’s policies have for US alliances and international leadership? What are the consequences to canceling foreign aid to third world countries?
Join guest speaker and career foreign service officer Nick Mele to hear his take on how the US is now perceived internationally and how these changes affect us all.
Nicholas Mele is currently a senior adviser to Pax Christi USA for nuclear issues. Nick grew up in New York City and was drawn to get involved in international affairs. After Peace Corps service in South Korea, Nick joined the United States Information Agency as a foreign service officer. With over 25 years of service in Asia and Africa, Nick retired at the end of 1999 and began working for the Nonviolent Peaceforce in 2001 as its first Communications Director. He and his wife helped found the Whatcom Peace and Justice Center and he served as the first president of the Center board. Nick is also active with the Bellingham Catholic Relief Services Chapter, a volunteer group that lobbies Congress on legislation affecting around the world. A long time member of Pax Christi, an international faith-based movement for peace and reconciliation, Nick writes and speaks about foreign policy issues, nonviolent intervention and cross-cultural topics for audiences in this country and abroad. Nick and Mary, his wife, met in Korea.