About us
Bringing together curious and civically engaged members of the community, this forum creates space for thoughtful conversations on global issues. Each month features a focused presentation on a timely topic, followed by guided discussion. Our goal is to promote civil dialogue, intellectual curiosity, and a deeper understanding of the world beyond our borders.
Upcoming events
6

The Impact of Tech Firms on World Order: A Foreign Policy Discussion Series
507 7th St, Laurel, Ma, USLet's dive deep into the world of diplomacy, foreign policy, world order and geopolitics.
Join us for an exciting in-person event at the Laurel Library branch, 507 7th St, Laurel, MD 20707, where we'll dive into the complexities of geopolitics and its impact on the world order. This foreign policy discussion series will bring together experts and enthusiasts to explore history, politics, and future prospects. Mark your calendars and get ready for an enlightening event!
A Foreign Policy Discussion Series has been held at the Laurel Library branch for more than 3 years and hosted by Bear Afkhami to encourage civil discourse and expert-led learning on foreign policy topics.
More information can be found on the Laurel Library website here: https://pgcmls.info/events?l=Laurel&t=%255B%2522Speaker%2520or%2520Panel%2522%255D&r=range&start=2026-02-26&end=2026-12-31
Bear Afkhami has a combination of education, training and experience in homeland security, emergency management, foreign policy, intelligence, data and AI. He has a BA in Intelligence, MS in Analytics and numerous other credentials. He is a homeland security consultant, a Professor of Uncrewed & Autonomous Systems, sits on sector-related boards and has received Gubernatorial and County Executive appointments. He is also a Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) Education Ambassador and has published and become a regular speaker at national/state emergency management/homeland security conferences on the topics of risk mitigation, AI, disinformation and cybersecurity.
3 attendees
The Impact of Trade on World Order: A Foreign Policy Discussion Series
507 7th St, Laurel, Ma, USLet's dive deep into the world of diplomacy, foreign policy, world order and geopolitics.
Join us for an exciting in-person event at the Laurel Library branch, 507 7th St, Laurel, MD 20707, where we'll dive into the complexities of geopolitics and its impact on the world order. This foreign policy discussion series will bring together experts and enthusiasts to explore history, politics, and future prospects. Mark your calendars and get ready for an enlightening event!
A Foreign Policy Discussion Series has been held at the Laurel Library branch for more than 3 years and hosted by Bear Afkhami to encourage civil discourse and expert-led learning on foreign policy topics.
More information can be found on the Laurel Library website here: https://pgcmls.info/events?l=Laurel&t=%255B%2522Speaker%2520or%2520Panel%2522%255D&r=range&start=2026-02-26&end=2026-12-31
Bear Afkhami has a combination of education, training and experience in homeland security, emergency management, foreign policy, intelligence, data and AI. He has a BA in Intelligence, MS in Analytics and numerous other credentials. He is a homeland security consultant, a Professor of Uncrewed & Autonomous Systems, sits on sector-related boards and has received Gubernatorial and County Executive appointments. He is also a Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) Education Ambassador and has published and become a regular speaker at national/state emergency management/homeland security conferences on the topics of risk mitigation, AI, disinformation and cybersecurity.
2 attendees
