The Global Citizen – Spring 2025

World Affairs Council of New Hampshire

What's Inside This Issue

• Page 2: Despite Roadblocks, WACNH Challenges NH Students
• Page 3: Why Exchanges Matter
• Page 4: WACNH Opens New Downtown Office

From the Director’s Desk

By Tim Horgan, Executive Director

What a wild ride it has been since our last newsletter. Over the past six months, the United States has elected a new President, attempted to dismantle its foreign aid commitments, utilized tariffs as a carrot and a stick, and upended the government’s approach to immigration (both legal and illegal). All the while, the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire has remained committed to programming that highlights critical issues facing the nation and the world.

2025 will bring many new challenges and opportunities to the organization. In January, we opened our new downtown office (bringing our 20-year relationship with SNHU to a close), which allows us the chance to host a variety of community events—bringing globally-minded people together for important conversations. In addition, we look forward to curating a strong set of speakers here in the state to lead our global discussions.

We are also excited to continue expanding our high school diplomacy simulations. This spring, we are already scheduled to work with five schools and over 500 students. We are excited to provide so many NH students with this unique opportunity to see themselves as global citizens.

Thank you to everyone who makes this work possible through your support and engagement.

An Evening with Secretary Pompeo

“Building Back American Deterrence and Strength in a Dangerous World”

As the United States reshapes its foreign policy priorities, many questions remain about how the U.S. will engage the world. Much of the conversation revolves around a return to the Ronald Reagan maxim of “peace through strength” and the “America First” doctrine.

The World Affairs Council of New Hampshire invites you to join us on June 25 for a major conversation featuring the 70th U.S. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo.

The event—hosted both in-person at the NH Institute of Politics in Manchester and online—will be the premier Global Forum of the year. Secretary Pompeo will draw on his extensive leadership experience across the military, Congress, the CIA, and the State Department to offer deep insights into America’s evolving role in global affairs.

This forum will highlight the importance of U.S. global leadership at this pivotal moment in history. Whether you're a student of international relations, a business leader, or a concerned citizen, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of where U.S. foreign policy may be headed—and what that means for the world.

Despite Roadblocks, WACNH Challenges NH Students

This spring, the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire is continuing its mission of empowering young people through high school diplomacy simulations, even as schools face a range of barriers—from scheduling limitations to transportation challenges.

Working with five schools and more than 500 students, the Council is bringing these international negotiation experiences directly to the classroom. These simulations place students in the roles of ambassadors, forcing them to think critically, collaborate diplomatically, and respond to global crises—skills that are increasingly essential in today’s interconnected world.

Despite the hurdles, interest remains strong across the state. Teachers cite the hands-on, real-world relevance of these events as a major draw. Students are not only learning about international relations, but also seeing how their voices can impact the broader world.

"This experience changed how I see the news and global events," one student remarked. "I realized I could actually make a difference."

WACNH looks forward to continuing to grow this program, ensuring more young Granite Staters see themselves as engaged global citizens.

Why Exchanges Matter

While diplomacy often happens at the highest levels of government, real global understanding begins with people-to-people connections. That’s why international exchange remains a vital piece of WACNH’s mission.

This past year, WACNH welcomed visitors from more than 20 countries, including Armenia, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Kenya. These individuals came to New Hampshire through the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), as well as other professional exchange efforts.

Their time here is more than a series of meetings—it's an opportunity for authentic connection. In one standout moment, two visitors joined students at Saint Anselm College for an Election Night Watch Party, engaging in open conversation about the differences and similarities in civic life.

These exchanges aren’t one-sided. New Hampshire hosts—whether businesses, schools, nonprofits, or families—often report being just as impacted by the cultural exchange.

“I never expected to learn so much from a two-day visit. It made the world feel a little smaller and a lot more hopeful.”

WACNH Opens New Downtown Office

In January 2025, WACNH began an exciting new chapter with the opening of its new independent office space in downtown Concord. After two decades of partnership with Southern New Hampshire University, the Council is proud to have a home that reflects its growing impact and independence.

The new space serves as a hub for community programs, international exchange meetings, and public events. It also symbolizes the organization’s deep commitment to rooting global dialogue in the local community.

“Our new office gives us the flexibility to expand programming and better serve the people of New Hampshire,” said Executive Director Tim Horgan. “It’s a long-overdue investment in our future.”

An open house is planned for later this year, and WACNH welcomes all members, supporters, and friends to stop by and see the new space in person.

Thank You for Supporting Our Work

Whether you're attending an event, volunteering to host a visitor, or donating to our mission—your engagement helps us bring the world to New Hampshire.

Together, we are building a stronger, more connected, and better-informed global community.

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As the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire continues to champion the power of international exchanges to build mutual understanding and strengthen global ties, it was wonderful to host the first Department of State International Visitor Program group in state for 2025.

While the year began with uncertainty due to the ongoing federal funding freeze, which has led to the cancellation or postponement of four scheduled projects, last Friday marked a welcome return to what these amazing programs. For months, like many in the exchange network, WACNH has been navigating uncertainty — unsure whether programming would continue, and feeling the weight that comes with these challenges. So when the group from Kosovo finally arrived, it wasn’t just the start of a program — it felt like a homecoming.

Six visitors from Kosovo spent their final days of a two-week U.S. visit here in New Hampshire, focused on the topic of U.S. Approaches to State and Local Government. Their program explored how local communities across the country foster transparency, inclusivity, and citizen engagement in the policymaking process.

During their time in New Hampshire, they met with the Town Manager of Bow, the New Hampshire Municipal Association, and the Town Administrator of Durham. Together, they explored how operating procedures and policies are designed to support community engagement, observed local government outreach efforts firsthand, and discussed the long-term value of involving citizens in governance at every level.

These kinds of honest, on-the-ground exchanges are what make the IVLP so powerful. Despite the challenges, last Friday reminds us all exactly why this work matters — because when people connect, listen, and learn from each other, real change becomes possible.

By: Anise Jasman Sayers, WACNH International Visitor Program Director

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On April 10, 2025, six Bow High School seniors—Anabelle Cattabriga, Trevor Abel, Mallory Hinck, Katie McCabe, Jonathan Gancarz, and Liam Miller—led a dynamic and inspiring workshop at the Innovations in Learning Conference, hosted by the New Hampshire School Administrators Association. These students were supported by Bow High School Social Studies teacher, Nick Watson and World Affairs Council of NH Events and Education Manager, Maheen Tariq. Their session centered on the importance of teaching diplomacy and global problem-solving through experiential learning, specifically highlighting their experiences with the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire’s diplomacy simulations.

The workshop provided a unique, student-led perspective on how diplomacy education can transform learning environments and prepare students for a rapidly changing world. Drawing from their participation in simulations such as Peacebuilding: The Challenge of Darfur, the students illustrated how these immersive activities require participants to grapple with real-world issues, understand multiple perspectives, and engage in critical negotiations.

Unlike traditional classroom settings, these simulations place students at the center of the action—tasked with resolving complex global dilemmas, drafting proposals, and navigating difficult conversations with empathy and precision. The students shared how these opportunities have helped them grow—not just academically, but also as leaders, communicators, and collaborators.

Throughout the session, the seniors walked participants through the structure of the simulations and the learning outcomes they achieved. They emphasized how the process requires a deep understanding of historical and political context, strategic thinking, and a commitment to respectful dialogue. They also reflected on the ways diplomacy simulations encourage students to listen actively, speak thoughtfully, and balance their own ideas with the goals of a broader group.

The partnership with the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire was a central theme of the presentation. The students explained how this collaboration gave them access to high-quality resources, expert guidance, and a platform to engage in real-world problem solving. It also helped foster a school culture that values global awareness and civic responsibility.

A highlight of the workshop was the student-led Q&A session, where they fielded thoughtful questions from educators, administrators, and community leaders. Their responses demonstrated a deep understanding of both the educational value of diplomacy simulations and the practical considerations for bringing these experiences to more classrooms across the state. The session served as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when students are trusted with meaningful roles in their own education. Through their leadership, preparation, and insight, these six seniors modeled the very skills they were promoting—collaboration, empathy, critical thinking, and diplomacy.

Their participation at the Innovations in Learning Conference not only celebrated their individual growth, but also underscored the importance of schools partnering with organizations like the World Affairs Council to bring transformative, globally relevant experiences to students across New Hampshire. As this workshop demonstrated, when students are given the tools to engage with the world, they don’t just learn—they lead.

By: Nick Watson, Bow High School Teacher & WACNH Board Member

Once known for its political stability, Portugal now faces a period of upheaval following President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa’s decision to dissolve parliament and call snap elections for May 18, 2025. The move follows the collapse of Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s minority Social Democratic government amid a growing political crisis.

What Led to the Crisis?

The turmoil began when allegations of conflicts of interest surfaced regarding Spinumviva, a data protection firm linked to Montenegro’s family. Despite surviving two no-confidence votes, Montenegro's refusal to submit to a parliamentary inquiry and his request for a confidence vote backfired—his Social Democratic Party (PSD) lost, forcing the president to call elections.

This marks Portugal's third election in just over three years, highlighting an unexpected period of political instability. The previous government, led by António Costa and the Socialist Party (PS), collapsed in November 2023 amid corruption investigations. Montenegro’s PSD formed a minority government in April 2024, relying on the opposition Socialist Party to pass its budget.

A Tight Race Ahead

Recent polls indicate a close contest between the PSD and the Socialist Party, both hovering around 30% support. Meanwhile, the right-wing populist Chega party remains a significant force, despite internal scandals that have eroded its backing.

The political uncertainty comes at a critical time for Portugal, which is set to invest over €22 billion in European Union development funds. Despite the instability, Portugal’s economy remains strong, outpacing the EU average in growth. Forecasts predict GDP growth of 1.9% in 2025 and 2.1% in 2026, compared to the EU averages of 1.5% and 1.8%, respectively. This reflects a remarkable five-year economic convergence cycle, one of the longest in the EU.

Key Election Issues

Several key issues will shape the election:

• Corruption and government transparency – A series of scandals has eroded public trust in political institutions.
• Economic challenges – Rising costs of living, housing shortages, and wage stagnation continue to pressure the government.
• Tourism and foreign investment – Portugal must balance economic gains from tourism with concerns about housing affordability and local displacement.
• Energy and environmental policies – Controversial lithium and hydrogen energy projects, central to the recent corruption scandal, remain highly debated topics.

A Historic Turning Point

President Rebelo de Sousa has called for a calm and dignified electoral debate, emphasizing the need for stability and clear leadership. However, this election will be a defining moment—will Portugal continue its traditionally left-leaning path, or shift in line with Europe’s broader rightward trend?

Until May 18, Portugal will be governed by a caretaker administration with limited powers. Once the election results are in, coalition negotiations could take weeks, as no single party is expected to win an outright majority. The future of Portugal’s political landscape remains uncertain, but its outcome will determine how the nation navigates both domestic and international challenges in the coming years.

Portugal, founded in 1143, was once a dominant maritime power in the 15th and 16th centuries. It saw its global influence decline due to a series of historical upheavals. The 1755 Lisbon earthquake devastated the capital, followed by Napoleonic invasions and the loss of Brazil, its wealthiest colony, in 1822. In 1910, a revolution overthrew the 800 year monarchy, ushering in decades of authoritarian rule. The Carnation Revolution of  April 25, 1974 ended dictatorship and paved the way for democracy and decolonization. Today, Portugal is a founding member of NATO and has been part of the European Union since 1986.

By Jayme Simoes, WACNH Board Member

In an effort to help people better understand the looming tariffs on Canadian goods, set to go into effect on March 1 unless a new deal is reached, the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire reached out to the Canadian Consulate General to New England for a statement. Below is a message from Consul General Bernadette Jordan. 

UNCLASSIFIED | NON CLASSIFIÉ

Dear New Englanders,

In true Canadian fashion, let me begin with an apology: I’m sorry it’s come to this.  Never in my wildest dreams did I think there would come a day when Canada and the United States would be at such odds.  Canadians are truly disappointed and disheartened with the U.S. imposing 25% tariffs on Canadian goods and 10% tariffs on Canadian energy.  Unfortunately, the threat of those tariffs remains a reality: the Feb. 1^st Executive Order imposing those tariffs has only been paused for 30 days, not rescinded.  

This is not where Canada wants our relationship to be. Canadians are proud to be America’s neighbor, friend, partner and ally.  We’re proud of the economic union that we’ve built up over the years.  A union that is worth nearly USD $1 trillion dollars a year in bilateral trade, where Canada serves as the top market (i.e. #1 customer) for 36 states. A union that sees Canadian raw materials like steel, aluminum, energy, forest products, seafood and agricultural goods exported to US manufacturers, who turn those inputs into finished goods sold around the world. Here in New England, it’s Canadian fuel that fills the trucks and planes that ship those goods elsewhere.  All of those Canadian inputs make the U.S. competitive and prosperous.

The Reality of Tariffs

The tariffs will not be paid by foreign governments.  Those additional costs will be paid by the American company that imports the goods, and then likely funneled down to the end consumer.  This will only mean jobs losses for U.S. businesses and higher costs for New Englanders. In this cold winter, your heating costs will go up. So will the price you pay at the pump. Grocery prices are already high, but tariffs will only push them higher. And as you grapple with housing affordability issues, construction costs will only rise. 

The Northern Border

The White House cites “illicit drugs” and “illegal migration” from the northern border as warranting these tariffs. Like communities in New England, communities in Canada have been devastated by the scourge of fentanyl.  But fentanyl from Canada is not pouring into the United States.  In fiscal year 2024 (October to September), U.S. CBP seized only 43 pounds from the Canada-U.S. border – less than 0.2% of what was seized nationwide. And less than 1% of illegal migrants entered the U.S. from Canada. I would note too that the border works both ways: sometimes there are items entering Canada that we would prefer not to see. 

Canadians want to work with the United States on strengthening our border; after all, a threat to you is a threat to us.  The best way to approach these common challenges would be for our law enforcement agencies to continue finding ways to work together, as Canada proposed in our $1.3 billion Border Plan . In addition to enhancing coordination with our American partners, that Plan includes reinforcing the border with helicopters, additional frontline personnel, and increased resources to stop the flow of fentanyl. That Plan is seeing results , with illegal crossings down 89% since last June.  Still, on Feb. 3^rd, Prime Minister Trudeau announced that Canada would appoint a fentanyl “czar”, list cartels as terrorists, and ensure a 24/7 eyes on the border, while providing another $200 million investment to combat organized crime and fentanyl.  Canada and the U.S. also agreed to launch a Joint Strike Force to combat organized crime, fentanyl and money laundering.

Trade Balances

The White House often cites trade deficits as a reason to impose tariffs. According to data from the U.S. Department of Commerce: 

• In 2024, the U.S. merchandise trade deficit with Canada was US$64.2 billion, driven entirely by energy products. 

o   Excluding energy, the U.S. has had a merchandise trade surplus with Canada since 2007, standing at US$34.3 billion in 2024. New England exported US$9.4 billion in goods to Canada in 2023.

• The U.S. has also had a services trade surplus with Canada for more than the last two decades. This surplus stood at US$31.7 billion in 2023. New England exported US$4.2 billion in services to Canada in 2023.

Building Things Together

The best way to usher in the Golden Age of America is to partner with Canada.  Canada has the ingredients necessary to build a booming and secure partnership for the North American economy – with inputs like critical minerals for semiconductors and battery technologies, reliable and affordable energy for your homes and factories, potash for your farmers’ fields, and shared values that underpin our communities and workers.  We stand at the ready to work together.

Throughout the years, Americans and Canadians have been there for one another in times of triumph and despair.  Together, we have built the most successful economic, military and security partnership the world has ever seen, a relationship that has been the envy of the world. Let’s grow that partnership! 

I hope you will engage with members of your community, political leaders in your State, members of Congress and the new administration to help them understand the negative impacts that the proposed tariffs will have on your communities and businesses.

Hon. Bernadette Jordan

Consul General of Canada in New England

In light of the ongoing discussions about the border and the potential for 25% tariffs being placed on goods from Mexico, WACNH reached out to the Consulate of Mexico in Boston for their reactions. Below is the statement the Consulate passed along. 

No matter how hard some people try to ignore the broader world and believe that the United States can simply go it alone, this has always been a fallacy. It is indisputable that without friends, allies, and partners who are willing to work with the United States, the world will not simply bend to our will. Some important priorities can be pursued unilaterally, but time and again it has been proven that broad coalitions can provide a significant counterbalance to hegemons.

At a critical time, the United States has appeared to have decided to give China a free opportunity to reshape the world to its liking. From pausing all international investments, to abandoning international forums, and attempts to bully friends and neighbors, the United States has demonstrated itself an unreliable partner and has undermined the influence it has spent the past 70 years building. When the United States refuses to lead, other countries will fill the void to shape the world in their own image.

Already, China is outcompeting the United States on the global stage and continues to increase their engagement with countries near and far. While opaque, it is estimated that China has increased its foreign aid to countries by tenfold since 2000 and the official number reached $4.8 billion in 2020. Several estimates indicate that this rose to $7.9 billion in 2022. No matter your feelings on the sustainability of these projects, the fact of the matter remains that China strives to build relationships with countries and leverage these investments into various forms of influence. The recent pause in all U.S. foreign aid for a 90-day review simply opens the doors to allow China to walk right through and increase their global influence even further. Why U.S. programs could not have continued while being reviewed remains unclear. This would have provided the opportunity to prevent massive disruptions to critical programs and the associated reputational damage that is currently ongoing, not to mention the untold number of people who will die due to these decisions.

In addition, by leaving global organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Paris Climate Accords, the United States only makes the issue worse. President Trump has openly complained that organizations such as the WHO are overly influenced by China, citing this as a reason to leave the forum. What better way to ensure that China solidifies that influence than by America taking our proverbial ball and heading home. As the largest funder of the WHO, the United States exerts the most influence on the organization, thereby providing itself with the opportunity to direct program funding.

In a climate in which there is bi-partisan support for competing with China on global priorities, now is not the time for leaving a gaping hole in international leadership.

The World Affairs Council of New Hampshire welcomes the implementation of the ceasefire between the Israeli government and the leaders of Hamas to bring hostilities in Gaza to an end. While we recognize that there remains a long path ahead to bring closure to this devastating war, it is important to take a moment to celebrate moments of peace.

Over the past fifteen months, many millions of lives have been altered with generational impacts. People have watched in horror from the early hours of October 7^th, 2023 on through the long months, as heart wrenching images and reports were broadcast worldwide. What was unimaginable to most people became the daily norm for so many millions inside Gaza, Israel, and around the world worried for their own safety or that of friends and loved ones.

We understand this conflict continues to divided people, as many want to point the finger of blame in one direction or the other. Now, however, is the time for the world to come together to support a lasting peace that will allow these communities to begin the long process of healing. It is vital that we all commit ourselves to the promotion of peace and encourage the people of Palestine and Israel to work together to find a solution that will create the conditions required for a sustained peace.

It is not for us to dictate what this looks like, what the timeline should be, or how the process should work. WACNH does, however, call upon the United States Government to provide space for an open, honest, and frank discussion between Israelis and Palestinians in a way that respects this volatile, sensitive, and longstanding conflict. Finally, we call upon all Parties to commit to a good faithed effort at adhering to this initial agreement and to work diligently to finalize stages two and three. No one should desire a return to the active phase of this conflict.

Finally, we call on people around the world to be on the alert for the disinformation, misinformation, and outright lies that will spread in the coming days and weeks, designed to derail the implementation of this agreement and to further sow discord. Please check your sources, verify videos, and approach inflammatory posts with a healthy dose of skepticism. Again, now is the time to promote peace, rather than stoke the flames of division.

Eighty years ago the future of European and American security was uncertain, as the world was in the midst of World War II. With fighting ongoing, a historic meeting took place at the Bretton Woods Hotel - now the Omni Mount Washington Resort - in the White Mountains, where delegates from 44 nations converged to begin to rebuild. The goal of these meetings was to create a new international monetary system that would prevent future conflict and foster global prosperity. The Bretton Woods Conference resulted in the establishment of two major institutions that continue to influence the world today: the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank.

A significant achievement of the conference was the establishment of the Bretton Woods system, where currencies were linked to the US dollar, while the dollar itself was tied to gold at $35 an ounce. The system provided stability to the post-war global economy, laying the groundwork for today’s global financial system. Although the gold standard has evolved and the global economy faces new challenges, the IMF and World Bank continue to play an important role by overseeing global financial stability, helping developing nations grow, and responding to crises that emerge around the world. 

(Source: https://mediacenter.imf.org/news/imfc-meeting/s/09e49407-5028-41e0-b70e-74f7e3cc510c)

The importance of these two organizations was underscored two weeks ago during the annual meetings of the IMF and World Bank in Washington, D.C. At these meetings global financial leaders discussed major global challenges: ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Lebanon as well as the alarming rise of public debt, which is set to exceed $100 trillion for the first time in history. A key outcome of the meetings was a surcharges review by the IMF, aimed at lowering borrowing costs for member countries by $1.6 billion per year. While the global nature of these organizations may seem less relevant to daily life, their work has a direct impact on the global financial system - and in turn, affects the economy here in New Hampshire.

As a student at American University in Washington, D.C. I had the opportunity to attend an event hosted by the German Marshall Fund, where I heard directly from Poland’s Finance Minister, Andrzej Domański. As the fastest-growing economy in Europe, I heard about Poland’s plans for leveraging this rapid growth while prioritizing defense spending as Russia continues its invasion to Poland’s east in Ukraine. Poland has been an active member of both the IMF and World Bank, using funds to respond to the 2008 Financial Crisis while investing in better air quality and energy efficiency. Hearing about Poland’s economic success was a valuable reminder that America’s partners around the world benefit from the international system that New Hamphsire helped develop. 

(Source: German Marshall Fund via X)

New Hampshire is the proud birthplace of both the IMF and World Bank that continue to have a major impact on development and the global financial system. Eighty years after the Bretton Woods Conference, these organizations continue to reflect New Hampshire’s historic role in shaping the modern world. As people around the world continue to become more interconnected, it is clear that decisions made at the World Bank and IMF will continue to resonate here in New Hampshire. By staying informed, we can better understand how the global financial system impacts our local economy, businesses, and everyday lives.

By: Lucas Gendron, WACNH Intern

The World Affairs Council of New Hampshire (WACNH) has chosen Rita Castonguay-Hunt, Director of Operations at ArgenTech Solutions, Inc., as the 2024 International Businesswoman of the Year award recipient. Ms. Castonguay-Hunt has distinguished herself by creating strategic partnerships and leading complex unmanned aircraft systems operations worldwide, excelling in a field that remains predominantly male, both in the U.S. and globally. According to the World Affairs Council, her global outlook, dedication to elevating New Hampshire’s business presence internationally, and strategic partnership initiatives have earned her this prestigious recognition.

“Having worked directly with Rita Castonguay-Hunt in several of her positions and projects, I can verify that she is knowledgeable, strategic, and creative when it comes to developing, growing, and sustaining business on a global level,” said Dawn Wivell, CEO of Firebrand International. “She is devoted to growing NH business internationally and embodies the best qualities of being a businesswoman in a very male oriented sector: aerospace, aviation, and unmanned systems.”

Now in its third year, the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire’s International Businesswoman of the Year award celebrates exceptional women who exemplify resilience, overcome obstacles, and forge successful global connections. This award also recognizes the distinct challenges women face in the international business landscape and honors those who excel despite these realities. Past recipients include Grace Preston of GSSI and Lindsey Badger of Airex, showcasing the level of leadership and achievement recognized by this prestigious honor.

The WACNH will present this award to Ms. Castonguay-Hunt at its annual Global Business Summit – Consulate Reception on November 12. This event brings together the consular corps from Boston representing the interests of countries around the world. Attended by leaders across business, government, academics, and the public, WACNH provides a unique opportunity to build global connections from right here in the state. In its second year, WACNH is proud to welcome the Consul General of Korea and the Director General of the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office to this event.

For additional information and registration please visit: tinyurl.com/Consulate-Reception-2024