The U.S. Foreign Policy Program prides itself on bringing diverse and fascinating speakers to campus to discuss issues in foreign policy.  Below are some of our most recent events. 

Pulitzer-prize winning reported Dana Priest speaks on the militarization of U.S. foreign policy.

"Mission Creep: Is U.S. Foreign Policy Being Militarized?"

On February 17th, the U.S. Foreign Policy Program hosted an all-day academic conference that explored the ways in which U.S. foreign policy is being militarized and examined the effects of this trend.  The keynote speaker was Washington Post reporter and Pulitzer Prize winner Dana Priest.  Panelists included former Ambassadors Brian Carlson and Edward Marks, professors Gordon Adams (American University), Charles Cushman (Geogetown), Cathy Downes (National Defense University), Jennifer Kibbe (Franklin and Marshall), and Derek Reveron (U.S. Naval War College), and Nina Serafino from the Congressional Research Service.

"The Future of Power" with Dr. Joseph S. Nye

Dr. Joseph Nye, noted international relations scholar and Distinguished Service Professor at Harvard University, presented his latest book, The Future of Power, to a packed SIS Founders Room on September 8th, 2011.  Dr. Nye is the former Dean of the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard, the former Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, the former Chairman of the National Intelligence Council, and is a premier scholar of international relations who co-founded neoliberalism theory and pioneered the concept of 'soft power.'

"George F. Kennan: An American Life" with John Lewis Gaddis

Noted Cold War historian John Lewis Gaddis discussed his latest book, George F. Kennan: An American Life, in a packed SIS Atrium on December 8th, 2011.  Gaddis is the Robert A. Lovett Professor of History at Yale University, has been called the "dean of Cold War historians" by the New York Times, and received the National Humanities award in 2005.  George F. Kennan: An American Life profiles the seminal diplomat and statesman who is considered the father of containment strategy during the Cold War.  

"Global Development Cooperation: Fixing the Architecture" with J. Brian Atwood

J. Brian Atwood, Chair of the OECD Development Assistance Committee and former Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, discussed the ways in which the international development community can evolve to better address the development needs of the modern world.  Atwood holds an honorary doctorate from American University and has received the United States Secretary of State's Distinguished Service Award.

"Power and Willpower in the American Future: Why the United States is Not Destined to Decline" with Robert Lieber

Georgetown professor Robert Lieber presented his latest book, Power and Willpower in the American Future: Why the United States is Not Destined to Decline, to USFP students and faculty on Monday, April 16th.  Dr. Lieber argued that American decline is not inevitable and is avoidable with effective political leadership. 

"National Security in a Changing Space Environment" with Gregory L. Schulte

Gregory L. Schulte, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy, discussed U.S. security policy in outer space, particularly in an age where access to space has become available to more than just the two Cold War superpowers.  Ambassador Schulte also spoke with students about obtaining a career in national security.

"Dysfunction and Divergence: The Present and Future State of the U.S.-Pakistan Relationship" with Michael Kugelman

Michael Kugelman, Asia Program Associate at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, discussed the vital and often troubled relationship between the United States and Pakistan.  Kugelman, who received his BA from the School of International Service, has most recently co-authored a report for the Wilson Center titled Reaping the Dividend: Overcoming Pakistan's Demographic Challenges.

"Imperial and Financial Overstretch: The Politics of Nixon and Obama - Lessons to Be Learned?" with Klaus Larres

Klaus Larres, Senior Fellow at the Center for Transatlantic Relations and Visiting Professor at Johns Hopkins University, outlined parallels between the Nixon and Obama administrations, including financial crises at home and involvement in long wars abroad.

Egyptian ambassador to the United States H.E. Sameh Shoukry answers a question during his presentation. (Photo: Jeff Watts)

"A Report and Dialogue on Egypt" with Egyptian Ambassador to the United States Sameh Shoukry

SIS students and faculty were treated to a wide-ranging and candid dialogue with Egyptian Ambassador Sameh Shoukry in December 2011.  The Ambassador spoke briefly and then answered an array of audience questions on the recent revolution in Egypt.  The event was moderated by U.S. Foreign Policy Professor Robert Pastor, who arranged the Ambassador's visit. 

"Our Own Worst Enemy? Institutional Interests and the Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Expertise" with U.S. Foreign Policy Professor Sharon Weiner

In November USFP Professor Sharon Weiner presented her new book, Our Own Worst Enemy? Institutional Interests and the Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Expertise.  George Perkovich, Vice President for Studies and Director of the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, provided commentary on the book.  

Ambassador John Negroponte (right) during his visit to SIS Professor Anthony Quainton's course.

Honors Speaker Series hosted by Ambassador Anthony Quainton

U.S. Foreign Policy Professor and Distinguished Diplomat-in-Residence Anthony Quainton brought several senior policymakers to his Honors colloquium "9/11 Ten Years Later: What Have We Learned?"  Speakers included John Negroponte, former Director of National Intelligence and Ambassador to Iraq, L. Paul Bremer, former head of the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq, Ronald Neumann, former Ambassador to Afghanistan and Deputy Chief of Mission in Iraq, and John Bellinger III, former State Department and National Security Council Legal Advisor.  Guests also met with U.S. Foreign Policy faculty and SIS Dean James Goldgeier over lunch.

"Careers in the Intelligence Community"

The U.S. Foreign Policy Program sponsored a discussion in November 2011 featuring representatives from the Central Intelligence Agency, Defense Intelligence Agency, Office of the Director of National Intelligence, National Security Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, State Department Intelligence and Office of Naval Intelligence. Discussion participants gave tips on how to prepare for a career in intelligence and described what it is like to work in their respective agencies.

"New Dynamics of U.S.-China Relations: A Dual Leadership Structure in Asia-Pacific"

Dr. Quansheng Zhao, USFP Affiliate Faculty member and Director of the Center for Asian Studies, examined the future of US-Chinese relations on October 25th. Dr. Zhao highlighted China's rapid rise and outlined areas of potential cooperation or competition between the United States and China in the Pacific and East Asia.

"The North American Idea"

U.S. Foreign Policy Professor Robert Pastor celebrated the release of his 17th book, The North American Idea: A Vision of a Continental Future on October 5th.  He was joined by Jorge Castañeda, former Foreign Minister of Mexico from 2000-2003, who presented his latest book Mañana Forever? Mexico and the Mexicans.  The event was moderated by SIS Dean James Goldgeier and commentary was provided by former Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Arturo Valenzuela.

SIS Faculty members discuss the impact of 9/11 on the foreign policy of the United States. File photo.

"Reflections on the 10th Anniversary of 9/11: A Faculty Expert Panel"

SIS Faculty Gordon Adams, Julie Mertus, Shadi Mokhtari, Anthony Quainton, and Jordan Tama discussed the course of U.S. foreign policy in the wake of the September 11th, 2001 attacks in a panel event on September 12th, 2011.  The event was moderated by U.S. Foreign Policy Program Director Shoon Murray. Members of the panel outlined the ways the 9/11 shaped U.S. defense, national security, and human rights policy, and offered their assessment of the best and worst policy decisions of the past decade.  

Graduate Reception

The U.S. Foreign Policy Program held a reception for graduating MA students on Sunday, May 8th prior to Commencement. Students were able to introduce their families to some of their favorite faculty and relax prior to completing the last step of their graduate studies. 

"Terrorism and National Security Reform: How Commissions Can Drive Change During Crises" with U.S. Foreign Policy Professor Jordan Tama

Click here to listen to an audio recording of this event.

"Growth in Executive Power after 9/11: Continuity and Change" with Louis Fisher of the Constitution Project, James Pfiffner of George Mason University, and Charlie Savage of the New York Times

On February 23rd Louis Fisher, James Pfiffner, and Charlie Savage discussed the expansion of executive power after the September 11th 2001 attacks at an event moderated by US Foreign Policy Director Shoon Murray.  They also compared the records of George W. Bush and Barack Obama and noted the similarities and differences in executive power claimed by each president. 

Louis Fisher is author of Military Tribunals and Presidential Power: American Revolution to the War on Terrorism and The Constitution and 9/11: Recurring Threats to America's Freedom. James Pfiffner is author of Power Play: The Bush Presidency and the Constitution and Torture as Public Policy. Charlie Savage is Washington Correspondent for the New York Times, author of Takeover: The Return of the Imperial Presidency & the Subversion of American Democracy, and Pulitzer Prize winner for his reporting on presidential signing statements.

Click here to listen to an audio recording of the event.

"Chasing the Proliferation Supply Chain: Engaging the Global South in Effective Nonproliferation" with Brian Finlay, Director of the Managing Across Boundaries Program at the Stimson Center.

Brian Finlay of the Stimson Center spoke to U.S. Foreign Policy students in March 2011 on current efforts to engage the developing world in preventing WMD proliferation. Finlay heads the Managing Across Boundaries Program at the Stimson Center, which seeks to develop partnerships to address transnational issues such as proliferation, human and drug trafficking, and the small arms trade. 

"Iran, the United States, and the Middle East's Changing Balance of Power" with Hillary Mann Leverett, U.S. Foreign Policy Adjunct Professor, CEO of STRATEGA, and former Director for Iran, Afghanistan, and Persian Gulf Affairs at the National Security Council

On March 2nd Professor Hillary Mann Leverett discussed the effects of recent popular unrest in the Middle East on Iran's influence in the region.  She also assessed the probability of change within Iran's political system and suggested policy options for the United States.

Click here to listen to an audio recording of this event.

"WikiLeaks: Significance and Implications" with Peter Kornbluh, Senior Analyst at the National Security Archive

On January 19th, Peter Kornbluh of the National Security Archive spoke to a packed SIS Founder's Room on the impact of WikiLeaks.  Kornbluh discussed the controversy surrounding the release of documents through WikiLeaks, and dispelled several myths surrounding what he described as "WikiMania."  Ambassador Anthony Quainton, USFP Professor and career foreign service officer, also weighed in with his thoughts on the leaks and their possible impact on US foreign policy.

Click here to listen to an audio recording of the event.

“An Afghanistan Review” with Matthew Hoh and Lt. General David W. Barno

On November 15th, 2010 the U.S. Foreign Policy Program hosted a discussion between Matthew Hoh of the Afghanistan Study Group and Lt. General David W. Barno of the Center for a New American Security.The discussion focused on current and future U.S. strategy in Afghanistan, and was moderated by U.S. Foreign Policy Professor Gordon Adams. Hoh, a former State Department employee who resigned over U.S. policy in Afghanistan, was one of the principle writers of the recent Afghanistan Study Group Report, “A New Way Forward: Rethinking U.S. Strategy in Afghanistan.” Barno, who served for over 30 years in the U.S. military, commanded 20,000 U.S. and Coalition troops in Afghanistan in 2003.

“India and the United States in the 21st Century” with Ambassador Teresita Schaffer

On November 5, 2010 Ambassador Teresita Schaffer, Director of the South Asia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), discussed her most recent book,"India and the United States in the 21st Century: Reinventing Partnership." Ambassador Schaffer spent 30 years in the U.S. Foreign Service, specializing in international economics and South Asia.During her career she served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia, U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, and Director of the Foreign Service Institute.

“Global Security and Reversing Nuclear Proliferation” with Dr. Pierce Corden

At the end of October, U.S. Foreign Policy adjunct professor Pierce Corden discussed the current trajectory of nonproliferation efforts worldwide. Dr. Corden is also a Visiting Scholar at the Center for Science, Technology, and Security Policy at the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He has previously served as the Director of the Office of International Security Negotiations within the U.S. Department of State and Chief of the International Security and Nuclear Policy Division within the U.S. Arms Control Agency.

“Obama’s Policy in Latin America and the Caribbean: Change or More of the Same?” with Ambassador John Maisto

In early November Ambassador John Maisto discussed the continuity and change in President Obama’s policies towards Latin America and the Caribbean. Ambassador Maisto previously was U.S. Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States from 2003-2006, and was named by President George W. Bush as U.S. Coordinator for the Summit of the Americas, where he was in charge of U.S. participation at summits in Mexico in 2004 and Argentina in 2005.

"Why Democrats Should Win on National Security (And Why That's So Hard)" with Rachel Kleinfeld

Rachel Kleinfeld, CEO and Co-Founder of the Truman National Security Project, discussed the electoral impact of national security issues for the Democratic Party. The Truman National Security Project seeks to recruit and train progressive leaders on national security topics.  Her discussion is available below.

Click here to listen to an audio recording of the event.

"Cuba: Where Do We Go From Here" with Dr. Philip Brenner and Ambassador Anthony Quainton

In September 2010, U.S. Foreign Policy professors Philip Brenner and Anthony Quainton discussed the current U.S. policy towards Cuba, as well as the possible course for future relations between the two.  

Click here to listen to an audio recording of the event.

U.S. Foreign Policy Opening Reception

Over sixty U.S. Foreign Policy graduate students and faculty gathered on August 27th, 2010 to celebrate the beginning of a new academic year.  The event provided an opportunity for old and new students to meet each other, and for new professors to be introduced to the Program.  Thai food was enjoyed by all, and the student-run U.S. Foreign Policy Association organized a social hour following the Reception.

Photo by Jeff Watts.

"Syria: What are the Prospects for Normalization of Relations with the US and Peace with Israel?" with Dr. Imad Moustapha, Syrian Ambassador to the United States and Dr. Robert Satloff, Executive Director of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy

In November of 2009, the U.S. Foreign Policy Program brought to campus Dr. Imad Moustapha, the Syrian Ambassador to the United States, and Dr. Robert Satloff, the Executive Director of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.  Ambassador Moustapha and Dr. Satloff spoke to a standing-room-only SIS Lounge and expressed starkly contrasting opinions on the prospects for normalization between the United States and Syria and the possibility of peace between Syria and Israel.

"Planning the U.S. Diplomatic Future: The Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review" with Dr. Anne-Marie Slaughter, Director of Policy Planning at the U.S. State Department

Dr. Anne-Marie Slaughter, Director of Policy Planning for the U.S. State Department, discussed the main components of State's new Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review (QDDR) in November 2009 with students and faculty.  She outlined the main goals of the QDDR and acknowledged that it was the first step in a long process to reform the State Department.

"Applying Counterinsurgency in Afghanistan" with Dr. John Nagl, President of the Center for a New America Security

Dr. John Nagl spoke in January 2010 on the current conflict in Afghanistan, as well as U.S. military efforts to incorporate counterinsurgency principles into their war fighting strategies. Dr. Nagl was a Military Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Defense and served in the U.S. Army for 20 years, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. While in the Army, he was a member of the writing team that produced the new U.S. Army/Marine Corps Counterinsurgency Manual and is also the author of Learning to Eat Soup with a Knife: Counterinsurgency Lessons from Malaya and Vietnam.