Iowa City Foreign Relations Council

ICFRC - Kosovo's Cultural Survival Through Literature and Education

Vlora Konushevci is a poet, translator, and essayist from Kosovo whose work spans the literary, cultural, and linguistic bridges of the Balkan region. She is the author of the acclaimed poetry collection Lavdi Vetes, a bold exploration of selfhood and identity. As editor and translator, she has curated two notable bilingual anthologies Poetry Without Borders (Albanian-Serbian), which fosters dialogue across historical divides, and Magma (Albanian-English), introducing Albanian voices to a broader international readership. She also published a short-story collection Martesat, valixhet dhe ngarkesat e tjera (Marriages, suitcases and other burdens) in 2025, a spare, unsentimental portrait of post-war Kosovo. With quiet irony and tight, clear prose, Konushevci turns departures, waiting rooms, and half-open doors into acts of witness and stubborn survival. Her poetry and translations have appeared in a range of respected literary journals including The Common, Songs of Eretz, and European Literature Network. Konushevci has received multiple literary awards for her original work and is a respected voice in Kosova's cultural press. Beyond her creative contributions, she serves as a certified translator for both national and international institutions, playing a key role in intercultural communication and diplomacy. Her participation in this program is made possible through the generous support of the University of lowa's Office of the Vice President for Research and the Graduate College. Presented in partnership with Oaknoll. For more information about the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council, visit icfrc.org [https://icfrc.org]. To watch other ICFRC programs, please view our extensive collection at citychannel4.com/icfrc [https://citychannel4.com/icfrc].

ICFRC - Is the USA a Nation of Immigrants or a Deportation Nation?

The United States is a nation of immigrants, or so the saying goes. Most people are familiar with this idea. Far fewer know that the United States has deported more people than any other nation. Join Dr. Adam Goodman and Dr. Lina-Maria Murillo for a conversation about the history of mass deportation during the past 150 years. How have public officials' used force, coercion, and fear to purge immigrants from the country and exert control over those who remain? Who has pushed for and profited from expulsion? What have been the human costs of deportation campaigns? And what have been the innovative strategies people have adopted to fight against removal and redefine belonging?. For more information about the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council, visit icfrc.org [https://icfrc.org]. To watch other ICFRC programs, please view our extensive collection at citychannel4.com/icfrc [https://citychannel4.com/icfrc].

ICFRC - A Danish Nurse's Journey with MSF

Anni Fjord, a Danish nurse with over 45 years of experience working in both Denmark and international crisis zones, shares insights from her extensive career with Médecins Sans Frontiéres (MSF), or Doctors Without Borders. Her presentation explores the diverse roles and challenges faced by medical professionals in the field, including responding to natural disasters and conflict zones, collaborating with local health workers, and leading international teams under pressure. Anni will also reflect briefly on her recent 2025 mission to Gaza, offering a glimpse into the realities of delivering healthcare in one of the world's most complex humanitarian environments. For more information about the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council, visit icfrc.org [https://icfrc.org]. To watch other ICFRC programs, please view our extensive collection at citychannel4.com/icfrc [https://citychannel4.com/icfrc].

ICFRC - Flashpoint? Taiwan, China, and the United States

The 100-mile-wide Taiwan Strait, which separates the small democratic island of Taiwan from the People's Republic of China, has emerged as one of the world's most volatile geopolitical flashpoints. As tensions between China and the United States continue to rise, the risk of conflict-either deliberate or accidental-has become a subject of serious concern. China views Taiwan as a breakaway province and has not ruled out the use of force to assert control. President Xi Jinping has directed the People's Liberation Army to be ready for a possible invasion of Taiwan by 2027. Meanwhile, the United States continues its long-standing "One China" policy, accompanied by a deliberately vague stance of "Strategic Ambiguity" -- a posture that has left key questions about American military intervention unanswered. Former President Biden publicly declared that the U.S. would defend Taiwan in the event of an attack, though those remarks were later tempered by his staff. Adding to the stakes, Taiwan plays an outsized role in the global economy: a single Taiwanese company manufactures over 90% of the world's most advanced microchips-components that power everything from smartphones to artificial intelligence systems. This presentation examines the underlying interests of the United States, China, and Taiwan; the potential pathways to conflict; and the far-reaching consequences for global security, diplomacy, and technology. Featured speaker: Ron McMullen Ambassador Ronald McMullen is a career diplomat with over 30 years of service as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer. He has lived, worked, or traveled in more than 100 countries and brings a wealth of global experience to discussions of international relations, diplomacy, and strategic conflict. Known for his captivating storytelling and deep insight, Ambassador McMullen brings global complexity into focus and makes the most pressing international issues accessible and compelling for public audiences. He is a native of Northwood, lowa, and holds a doctorate in political science from the University of lowa. Presented in partnership with Oaknoll. For more information about the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council, visit icfrc.org [https://icfrc.org]. To watch other ICFRC programs, please view our extensive collection at citychannel4.com/icfrc [https://citychannel4.com/icfrc].

ICFRC - Well Earth - Spices and Sustainability in Business and Agriculture

Since 2007, Frontier Co-op's Well Earth program has been the foundation of the co-op's responsible sourcing efforts, fostering long-term relationships with suppliers around the world. In this program, speakers share how the Norway, Iowa-based company ensures the long-term sustainability of its supply chain by investing in their partners and communities at origin to improve their social and environmental impact. Presented in partnership with Frontier Co-op and 100 Grannies. For more information about the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council, visit icfrc.org [https://icfrc.org]. To watch other ICFRC programs, please view our extensive collection at citychannel4.com/icfrc [https://citychannel4.com/icfrc].