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. To hear audio of selected U.S. Foreign Policy Program events, visit our YouTube channel.
Student-Alumni Reception
The USFP Program hosted a student-alumni reception in late March, inviting alumni to come back to campus and meet our current students and visit with faculty. USFP Students had an opportunity to network with alumni and hear more about what our alumni have done since graduating.
Presidents, Colleagues, Friends and Family Fete Professor Robert
Pastor
Longtime friends, colleagues and family, including former President Jimmy Carter, former national security advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski and AU president Neil Kerwin, surprised Professor Robert Pastor on Tuesday, March 5 at an event organized by by USFP Professor Phil Brenner and AU Chaplain Joe Eldridge to honor Pastor for his 40 years of contributions to public policy as a scholar, public intellectual and government official.
"A New Cuba: 'Updating' the Revolution"
Ambassador José Ramón Cabañas discussed recent Cuban reforms and the potential for restoration of US-Cuban relations. Ambassador Cabañas is the Chief of the Cuban Interests Section in Washington, DC. Prior to arriving in Washington at the end of 2012, he was a Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs. He has also served as Cuba's ambassador to Austria. Click here to listen to an audio recording of this event.
“America’s Other Army: The US Foreign Service and 21st Century Diplomacy”
Students and faculty joined author, journalist, and lecturer Nicholas Kralev for a discussion on his recent book America’s Other Army: The US Foreign Service and 21st Century Diplomacy. The book draws on Kralev’s experiences traveling with four US secretaries of state and interviews with numerous high-level Foreign Service Officers. Kralev spoke about the role of diplomats in US foreign relations, and the various tasks diplomats worldwide undertake.
“Five Myths About Nuclear Weapons: A Pragmatic Re-appraisal” with Ward Wilson
Dr. Ward Wilson, Senior Fellow at the Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies led a discussion about nuclear weapons in today’s political climate. He presented ideas from his book entitled Five Myths About Nuclear Weapons. Dr. Wilson argues that nuclear weapons are expensive, imprecise, ineffective, and outdated technology, and advocates for their elimination. The event was co-sponsored by American University Global Zero.
“US-Pakistan Relations: Post-Alliance Future" with Hussain Haqqani
Former Pakistani Ambassador to the US Hussain Haqqani presented to a packed house of students, faculty, and the defense community about the future of US-Pakistani relations. Ambassador Haqqani argued that the US-Pakistani alliance has always had a shaky foundation. He encouraged both countries to reexamine their interests with each other, and move forward with a more pragmatic approach to their interactions. Ambassador Haqqani is currently Director for South and Central Asia at Hudson Institute in Washington DC and Professor of the Practice of International Relations at Boston University and author of the acclaimed book, Pakistan Between Mosque and Military. Click here to listen to an audio recording of Ambassador Haqqani's presentation.
“The Politics of Intelligence and the Politicizing of Intelligence” with Glenn Hastedt
Dr. Glenn Hastedt, professor of Political Science and Justice Studies at James Madison University, led students and faculty in a discussion about the politicization of national intelligence. Borrowing from Nye’s idea of “hard” and “soft” power, Dr. Hastedt argued that politicizing of intelligence can also be defined as either hard or soft, depending on the motive behind the politicization. He concluded by going over various case studies where national intelligence had been politicized, and the subsequent ramifications.
“Going to Tehran: Why the United States Must Come to Terms with the Islamic Republic” with Flynt and Hillary Mann Leverett
Flynt and Hillary Mann Leverett spoke to a packed room of faculty and staff about their newest book Going to Tehran: Why the United States Must Come to Terms with the Islamic Republic, recently named one of the “Top books to read in 2013” by Foreign Policy. Flynt Leverett served as Senior Director for Middle East Affairs at the National Security Council, as well as working at the State Department and CIA, and is currently a professor at Penn State. Hillary Mann Leverett served as Director for Iran, Afghanistan and Persian Gulf Affairs at the National Security Council as well as at the State Department and is currently a professor at SIS. Click here to listen to an audio recording of this presentation.
Photo by Jeff Watts.
"Strategic Vision: America and the Crisis of Global Power" with former National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski
Former National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski spoke in April 2012 to a packed SIS Abramson Family Founders Room on his latest book, Strategic Vision: America and the Crisis of Global Power. A detailed write-up of the event can be found at the following link:
http://www.american.edu/sis/news/The-Case-for-Reason-Zbigniew-Brzezinski-Discusses-World-Politics-at-SIS.cfm
"Defense and the Federal Budget Follies: Over the Cliff, Grand Bargain, or Kick the Can?"
U.S. Foreign Policy Program professor Gordon Adams moderated a panel discussion on the looming fiscal cliff and its impact on the defense budget. Panelists included Stan Collender, National Director of Financial Services COmmunication at Qorvis Communications and author of the "Fiscal Fitness" column for Roll Call and the "Capital Gains and Games" blog, David Glaudemans, Program Examiner at the Office of Management and Budget's National Security Division, and Kate Kaufer, Majority Professional Staffer at the Senate Appropriates Committee, Subcommittee on Defense.
"Next Generation Proliferation Challenges: Looking Ahead" with Thomas M. Countryman, Assistant Secretary of State for International Security and Nonproliferation
Assistant Secretary of State Thomas Countryman discussed his Bureau's role in preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy. He also outlined specific goals, such as the creation of a nuclear-free zone in the Middle East, the nuclear disarmament of North Korea, and the negotiation of an international arms control treaty regulating trade of traditional weapons.
"The Role of Intelligence in Crafting U.S. Foreign Policy" with William D. Murray, Former CIA
