America at 250, Taiwanese Democracy at 30, and the Americas at a Crossroads

A high-level conversation America at 250, Taiwan's experience in democratization, and lessons for good governance in Latin America.

Summary

In 2026, the United States marks 250 years of democracy, while Taiwan—a key U.S. partner—celebrates 30 years since the inauguration of its first democratically elected president. These milestones highlight the endurance and evolution of democratic governance and offer lessons for both building and sustaining democracy over time.

On May 28, you are invited to join the World Affairs Council of Miami and Miami Dade College—in partnership with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Miami, Lazarus Consulting, the Miami Dade County International Trade Consortium, and Spirit of America—for a high-level conversation on the future of democracy in the Western Hemisphere and beyond. Drawing on Taiwan’s successful transition from authoritarian rule to a vibrant democracy, this program will explore lessons for countries navigating political changes, including potential shifts in Venezuela and Cuba.

This program is held with the support of the Miami Dade College - Wolfson Campus, Miami Dade College Honors College, and Miami Dade College Institute for Freedom in the Americas.

Join to hear directly from senior policymakers and international experts; understand Taiwan’s democratic model and its global relevance; explore the future of democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean; and connect with Miami’s international affairs and policy community.

A networking reception featuring authentic Taiwanese cuisine will follow the official program.

Program

Opening Remarks

• U.S. Representative Carlos Gimenez (FL-28), United States Congress
• Charles Chou, Director General, Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in Miami

Panel Discussion

• Juan Guaidó, Former Interim President of Venezuela
• Leland Lazarus, Founder & CEO, Lazarus Consulting
• John W. Tai, Professorial Lecturer, GWU Elliott School of International Affairs

Moderator

• Aaron Rosen, Founding President, World Affairs Council of Miami

Event Details

Date: May 28, 2026
Program: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Networking Reception (featuring Taiwanese cuisine): 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Location:
Miami Dade College – Wolfson Campus
300 NE 2nd Ave, Building 1, Room 1261 (2nd Floor)

Parking: Free guest parking will be available in the Miami Dade College Building 7 Garage, 500 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL.

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Livestream will be accessible here
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Speaker bios:

• Carlos Gimenez serves as U.S. Representative (FL-28) on the House Armed Services Committee, Homeland Security Committee, and the Select Committee on Strategic Competition with China. A former Mayor of Miami-Dade County and Fire Chief of the City of Miami, he brings decades of public service and leadership experience at the local and national levels.
• Charles Chou serves as Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Miami. He is a senior Taiwanese diplomat with extensive experience across the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including career postings in the United States and Malaysia, as well as leadership roles in East Asian and Pacific affairs and congressional engagement.

Panelists bios:

• Juan Guaidó served as Interim President of Venezuela (2019–2023) and former President of the National Assembly. Juan Guaidó is an internationally recognized leader in the fight for democratic governance. He continues to be an influential voice on political transition and democracy in Latin America.
• Leland Lazarus is the Founder & CEO of Lazarus Consulting, where he advises on geopolitical risk related to China’s engagement in the Western Hemisphere. A former U.S. diplomat and Special Assistant at U.S. Southern Command, he is President and Chair of the Fulbright Alumni Association, a Council on Foreign Relations Term Member, and frequent media commentator on global affairs.

• John W. Tai is a Professorial Lecturer at the GWU Elliott School of International Affairs and Senior Advisor at Pamir Consulting. He is an expert on China, Taiwan, and Indo-Pacific security. He has supported the U.S. intelligence community and teaches at the State Department’s Foreign Service Institute.

Moderator bio:

• Aaron Rosen is the President and Founder of the World Affairs Council of Miami, which serves as a leading nonpartisan platform for foreign affairs in South Florida. He is a Term Member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a 2024 Eisenhower Fellow, and provides recurring on-air commentary on global affairs for local media outlets. He previously held international policy roles in Moscow, Washington, D.C., and Brussels, including at MUFG Bank and the European Parliament.

Free guest parking will be available in the Miami Dade College Bldg. 7 Garage, 500 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL. The event itself will be held in Bldg. 1.