Yesterday I had the privilege of attending a speech by Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on international relations in the 21st century post-global financial crisis.

Rice spoke at a luncheon hosted by the World Affairs Council of Houston that I was invited to by my friend Edgar Gonzalez, '07. The Council is part of a national non-profit, nonpartisan organization that sponsors over 2,500 events every year focusing on international relations.

Her speech marked the beginning of the Council's new lecture series, The Dillon Anderson Lecture on National Security, which is named after the famous Houstonian who served as National Security Adviser to President Dwight D. Eisenhower. It was attended by many of the Council's 5,000 local members.

I learned so much about international relations from her speech, particularly in regards to Russia and how President Dmitri Medvedev is straying from "Putinism."

I also appreciated Rice's comments on Iran. She said the United States should try diplomacy in Iran, but only with a big stick ready for use.

Rice also argued for patience with what she classified as "failed states." These failed states include Afghanistan.

Rice concluded by saying that there will probably never be a time when she runs for national office.

This lecture was a wonderful opportunity to meet leaders in the local community and hear from someone who has been in the spotlight many times before.

For more information on the Council and their upcoming events, including a lecture with New York Times Columnist Nicholas D. Kristof, please check out the Council's Web site.