SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR NEXT SPECIAL DINNER EVENT – Thursday, September 11 from 6PM-8PM

Hello Everyone,

After a longer-than-expected break, we’re thrilled to finally be back and happy to announce that our regular events programming is officially a go! We’ve missed connecting with all of you and are so excited to kick things off again with an event that promises to inspire and energize.

Mark your calendars for September 11, 2025, when we’ll be welcoming a truly remarkable speaker and guest, Dr. Richard J. Harknett. As we gather on this very significant date – one that forever changed our understanding of security and resilience – we confront a new frontier of threats that transcend borders and challenge the very foundations of global stability. His insights and expertise are sure to make this gathering one to remember, whether you’re a familiar face or joining us for the first time.

Stay tuned for all the details below. We can’t wait to see you there!


Cyber Persistence and Int’l Security: Insights from the Russo-Ukraine Conflict and Kettering Health

In today’s hyperconnected world, cyberspace is both our greatest asset and our greatest Achilles’ heel. Every transaction, every communication, every critical system we depend on is part of a vast, invisible network that never sleeps. Yet with this connectivity comes unprecedented risk. Nations are racing to strengthen their cyber defenses, deploying bold new strategies to protect critical infrastructure, prevent espionage, and neutralize threats before they strike.

Our special dinner event presentation takes you inside the evolving playbook of national cybersecurity, where cutting-edge technology, intelligence operations, and strategic planning converge. You’ll discover how the same principles that protect a country in times of war can be applied to stopping cybercrime in your own backyard, shielding businesses from catastrophic breaches, and safeguarding your personal digital footprint.

Cybersecurity is no longer a distant government concern, it’s the modern battlefield, and we are all part of this confrontation.   

The question is: Can we and WILL we be ready?

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The event will be held at The Literary Club, 500 East Fourth Street (across from Lytle Park), America’s oldest continuously operating literary club. Doors open at 5:30PM, dinner at 6PM, event program from 6:30PM-7:15PM, Q&A session and networking  from 7:15PM-8PM.

Seats are Limited – Registration and Reservations are Required!

OUR EVENT SPEAKER

Richard J. Harknett, PhDRichard J. Harknett, PhD is Professor and Director of the Center for Cyber Strategy and Policy at the University of Cincinnati, where he also co-directs the Ohio Cyber Range Institute, a state-wide organization supporting cyber education, workforce, economic, and research development. He is Board Member and Faculty Liaison for the Portman Center for Policy Solutions.

He served as Scholar-in-Residence at US Cyber Command and continues in a support role. He has presented both policy briefings and academic research in 15 countries, on Capitol Hill, and to various US Federal and State government agencies. Professor Harknett has held two Fulbright Scholar appointments: in Cyber Studies at Oxford University in the UK, and in International Relations at the Diplomatic Academy in Vienna, Austria, where he continues to hold a non-resident professor appointment.

He has authored over 60 publications including the co-authored book Cyber Persistence Theory: Redefining National Security in Cyberspace (Oxford Univ. Press, 2022) and has contributed to raising over $60 million in institutional and research grant and philanthropic financial support.


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09-11

 

Disarray & Disaster in the Taliban’s Afghanistan

Please join us for a special, exclusive event featuring Lt. Tom Schram, a former U.S. Navy intelligence officer, who specializes in the study and reporting on national security and political-economic events in China, the Western Pacific, the Middle East, and Afghanistan.

Thursday, November 18 at 6:30PM EST (Zoom)

The disaster and chaos in Afghanistan just keep getting worse. With the government unable to pay its bills, the infrastructure crumbling, the ruthless treatment of remaining Afghans who could not escape during the U.S./NATO airlift, the ruling Taliban are finding it complex and difficult to govern and manage as they change from fighting a war to state building, all in a failing economy with no workable financial system in place.

The Taliban’s approach to government has been and continues to be a strict Sharia law under a vicious theocracy. Their merciless approach to those not conforming exactly to these beliefs knows no mercy for those left behind following the U.S. departure. Women’s rights are almost non-existent.

Our evening presentation will touch on the history of the region, previous conquests, topographic challenges, war after 9/11, the evacuation debacle and the poor planning decisions by National Command Authority. Last but not least, our speaker will discuss the strategic implications for the U.S. and the world going forward.


Tom SchramOur Presenting Guest Speaker

Tom Schram holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the United States Naval Academy, Class of 1969. Tom also has an MBA degree in marketing and finance from the Shidler School of Business, University of Hawaii. He was commissioned in the Navy’s Restricted Line and served 7.5 years as a special intelligence officer in the Naval Security Group. He was stationed in both Japan and Okinawa while serving on multiple deployments. In 1973, he was assigned to NSGA Anchorage, AK as Executive Officer. He resigned his commission in late 1976.

His specialty was electronic intelligence collection while serving in the Naval Security Group. He played a role in the Saigon evacuation in 1975. After leaving the Navy, he had an eclectic career starting with Procter & Gamble where he worked in manufacturing, research & development, advertising brand management, and sales. He was a co-owner of an advertising agency that he helped grow from $2M/year in revenue to $12M over five years. He ran a ballistics research firm for eight years, helped start a microbrewery and led an Internet security firm who had developed an unbreakable firewall.

Tom’s innovative approach in each of his endeavors led to patents and unique business opportunities. However, he never lost his interest in discovering and publishing about world events. For the past twenty years, he has been deeply involved in studying and reporting on geopolitical events around the world with special focus on the Middle East, Afghanistan, and China. His resurgence in learning about all things geopolitical began on 9/11/2001 when he lost his very close friend and USNA classmate in the South Tower of the World Trade Center during the attack on America. Most recently, Tom played a direct role in assisting 757 Afghan refugees flee in the recent aftermath of the Taliban takeover and is now currently assisting another group of refugees who desperately need to evacuate Afghanistan.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE VIDEO OF THE PRESENTATION

The Complicated Case of Iraq – An Inside Look into the Challenges of Democracy Building

What’s it like in Iraq today? How is it to live in the the Republic of Kurdistan and Erbil, thought by some to be the world’s longest continually inhabited city? Is democracy taking hold there as America considers continuing military withdrawal from the country?

Join us for a live discussion from Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq with Steve Driehaus.

Wednesday, April 21 @ 12PM (Noon) EST

Steve DriehausSteve Driehaus is Resident Senior Director in Iraq for the National Democratic Institute (NDI). He manages 16 Iraqi and other nationals who design and implement programs to support Iraqi democracy. NDI focuses on strengthening political parties, professionalizing offices and staff of Parliament Members, empowering women and youth to engage in the political process, and election monitoring.

Before joining NDI, Steve was President of Good Government Group, LLC, a consulting firm in the intersection of public policy, community engagement and economic development.  Steve was Executive Director of Cincinnati Compass, a regional initiative advocating on behalf of immigrants. Previously Steve served as Country Director for the Peace Corps in Morocco, after 4 ½ year service for Peace Corps Swaziland, and 2 years in Senegal after graduation from Miami. Steve is a former U.S. Congressman (2009-11) and an 8-year Ohio Representative.

When not overseas, Steve and his wife, Lucienne, reside in Cincinnati, Ohio.

A New Path Forward for U.S. Global Leadership in the 21st Century

Message to America: A United States Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) Town Hall with Secretary Robert M. Gates

Wednesday, July 15
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. EDT

Robert M. Gates

As Secretary Bob Gates launches his new book – Exercise of Power – we invite you to join a conversation with the USGLC community and the former Secretary of Defense.

  • The interactive online town hall will dive in the Secretary’s new book and his views on how to lead America forward, including the importance of our civilian tools of global engagement.
  • RSVP is required for the Zoom event link and there will be time for audience Q&A with the Secretary, a member of USGLC’s National Advisory Council.
  • Signed and discounted copies of the book will be available for purchase for registered participants prior to the event.

Event sponsored by:

USGLC