The Future of WAIS

     The future of WAIS is naturally the subject of active discussions. Here are some questions which one unfamiliar with it would ask:


     1.Q: With all the different organizations and institutions dealing with World Affairs, what is the "value added" that WAIS contributes? What is its distinctive role, that the World Affairs Council, the Pacific Council on International Affairs, Hoover, IIS, etc., cannot fill or duplicate?
     A: WAIS is unique. Other organizations could do it but don't. It is a select group of individuals representing different countries, political views, religious affiliation and crossing all those barriers to discuss current world developments in an informed and civilized way. I repeat, WAIS is unique.


     2. Q: Does anyone else work actively on WAIS other than yourself?
     A: There is the webmaster, whom I provide; that is the only non-honorary slot. We in turn get excellent advice from our technical associates at Stanford. Bill Van Orsdol is our TV producer and Fred Hansson our treasurer. It says something that we get such generous and competent help.
     Obviously the main job falls on me. I am hoping that Stanford will find a substitute, say through a cooperative arrangement between Hoover and the Institute of International Studies. WAIS could move to any institution in the world, but it has its roots in Stanford. Obviously a retired person with the necessary background and enthusiasm would be ideal, but a younger person could take it on just as he does other academic enterprises.


     3. Q: What does the Board, and the Chairman of the Board, do? What can you imagine them doing in the future that they do not do now?
     A: The task of the Board is not heavy. One advantage of our e-mail system is that regular meetings are not necessary. When a question arises, I seek the opinion of the board. The decision is then incorporated into our modus operandi.
     The important matters are incorporated into the statement of the purpose of WAIS at the beginning of the home page. This seems better than compiling a volume of by-laws. In due time we might become more formal in this regard.
     As for future role of the board, it could decide that itself. Board members are selected for their active interest in international affairs. Some send in things for me to post and more could do so. I would welcome it.

Ronald Hilton - 5/5/00