Churchill, Kennedy, and What They Teach Us About Confronting Today's Global Challenges | Joel Nelson

Rickey Bevington, President of the World Affairs Council of Atlanta (left), in conversation with Joel Nelson, British author and historian (right), during the virtual discussion “Churchill, Kennedy, and What They Teach Us About Confronting Today’s Global Challenges.”

Published: October 28, 2026

The World Affairs Council of Atlanta hosted Churchill, Kennedy, and What They Teach Us About Confronting Today's Global Challenges, bringing together our community for a timely virtual conversation exploring how the leadership of Winston Churchill and John F. Kennedy can inform responses to today's increasingly complex geopolitical challenges.

The program featured Joel Nelson, British writer, historian, former Foreign Affairs editor, and author of Kennedy's Only Hero, in conversation with Rickey Bevington, President of the World Affairs Council of Atlanta. Drawing on his research into Churchill's influence on Kennedy, Nelson explored the enduring relevance of leadership, diplomacy, and strategic decision-making in times of global uncertainty.

Leadership in Times of Crisis

Winston Churchill and John F. Kennedy led during two of the twentieth century's most consequential periods. Churchill confronted the rise of fascism and the devastation of World War II, while Kennedy navigated Cold War tensions and the threat of nuclear confrontation.

Although their circumstances differed, both faced difficult questions about balancing military strength with diplomacy, maintaining international alliances, and protecting democratic values amid growing global threats.

The conversation examined how their approaches to crisis leadership, communication, and international cooperation offer valuable lessons for contemporary policymakers. Nelson's book, Kennedy's Only Hero, provides a historical perspective on Churchill's influence on Kennedy's political development and understanding of leadership.

Lessons for Today's Global Challenges

As nations confront renewed geopolitical rivalries, security threats, and growing uncertainty about the international order, the experiences of Churchill and Kennedy offer an important perspective on the responsibilities of democratic leadership.

The discussion considered the continuing importance of deterrence, diplomacy, strong alliances, and strategic thinking in navigating international crises. Their experiences also highlight the value of understanding history when confronting challenges that, while different in nature, raise familiar questions about peace, security, and international cooperation.

By connecting the decisions of past leaders to the challenges facing governments today, the program encouraged a deeper understanding of how historical lessons can inform modern foreign policy.

Continuing the Conversation

Programs like Churchill, Kennedy, and What They Teach Us About Confronting Today's Global Challenges reflect the World Affairs Council of Atlanta's commitment to connecting our community with leading experts and fostering informed dialogue on the issues shaping our world.

We thank Joel Nelson for sharing his historical insights, Rickey Bevington for moderating the conversation, and everyone who joined us for this engaging discussion.

Watch the full program recording on our YouTube channel

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