Book Launch | American Diplomacy Toward Lebanon: Lessons in Foreign Policy and the Middle East by Ambassador David Hale

Thursday, Feb. 22 // 11:30 am–12:30 pm (ET)

The Middle East Program at the Wilson Center, the Middle East Institute and the American Task Force of Lebanon are pleased to host the launch of Ambassador David Hale’s book: American Diplomacy Toward Lebanon: Lessons in Foreign Policy and the Middle East. Ambassador Hale, a Global Fellow at the Wilson Center and former Ambassador to Lebanon, examines several key episodes in US diplomatic history with Lebanon, starting with the country's independence in 1943 up until the present moment.

Crucial events, such as the Lebanese Civil War, the Cedar Revolution, and, more recently, the spillover from the Syrian Civil War are examined within the context of the respective US government administrations of the time and their foreign policy strategies. Hale asks whether policy-makers had realistic and compelling goals, the right strategy, sufficient means, and capable diplomats in their diplomatic approaches towards Lebanon through the years.

Still to Come this week

What to Expect from Secretary Blinken’s Visit to Brazil

Tuesday, Feb. 20 // 9–10:00 am (ET)

Join the Wilson Center’s Brazil Institute for a virtual conversation with US Ambassador to Brazil Elizabeth Bagley and former US Ambassador to Brazil Liliana Ayalde on the expectations for Blinken’s visit and the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting and future cooperation between the United States and Brazil, including on Amazon conservation.

Is China Hungry for Low-Carbon Beef?: A Green Tea Chat on Deforestation and Agricultural Commodities with André Vasconcelos and Ren Peng

Tuesday, Feb. 20 // 9:30–10:15 am (ET)

Jennifer Turner will sit down with André Vasconcelos (Global Canopy) and Ren Peng (Global Environmental Institute) for a Green Tea Chat to discuss how the carbon footprint of major agricultural commodities is a key issue that needs cooperation between producer and consumer countries. They will also delve into policy efforts from China that can help offset their carbon emissions from consumption.

Ten Years of Ukraine’s Revolution of Dignity: Stakes and Consequences

Tuesday, Feb. 20 // 10–11:00 am (ET)

What was at stake at Maidan in the winter of 2013/2014? What did the Revolution of Dignity and its aims reveal about Ukraine and its place in the world? Was the promise of the Revolution delivered and what are its lessons? To discuss these questions, Global Europe Program’s Ukraine in Europe initiative is honored to welcome prominent speakers who took a direct part in the historic events of 2014 and continue to shape Ukraine’s European future.

How is Turkey's Place in the Broader Turkic World Changing?

Tuesday, Feb. 20 // 11:00 am–12:00 pm (ET)

This moderated panel discussion will examine Turkey’s social, cultural, political, economic, and other influences on the South Caucasus and Central Asia over the last thirty years from the perspective of the South Caucasus and Central Asian states themselves.

Venezuela at a Crossroads: Is the Barbados Agreement on Life Support?

Tuesday, Feb. 20 // 2–3:00 pm (ET)

Join us for a conversation on the prospects for elections in Venezuela this year and the role of the United States, moderated by Leopoldo Lopez, with opening remarks from Amb. Brownfield, and (virtual) closing remarks from President Duque.

Beneath the Ice: Navigating Legal Frameworks and Collaborative Solutions for Subsea Infrastructure Protection in the Arctic

Wednesday, Feb. 21 // 11–11:45 am (ET)

Join us for an engaging event co-hosted by the Royal Norwegian Embassy and the Wilson Center's Polar Institute, as we explore the crucial legal aspects of subsea infrastructure development in the Arctic. This event, featuring esteemed expert in international law and member of the UN International Law Commission Ambassador Rolf Einar Fife, will offer an insightful examination of the challenges and opportunities within the dynamic subsea landscape of the Arctic.

Enhancing Japan-South Korea Cooperation in 2024

Wednesday, Feb. 21 // 3–4:00 pm (ET)

Relations between Japan and South Korea continued to improve throughout 2023, culminating in the the Camp David Summit that brought together Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and President Yoon Suk Yeol, as well as President Joe Biden. Since then, ties between Tokyo and Seoul have continued to have strengthened and furthered the cooperation between the three countries. Join us for a discussion on the possibilities and potential challenges of this historic bilateral and trilateral collaboration in 2024 and how such cooperation will form policies toward North Korea and Indo-Pacific strategies.

A Brazilian Perspective on the G20: Debriefing the First Ministerial Meeting

Friday, Feb. 23 // 11:00 am–12:00 pm (ET)

Brazil assumed the presidency of the G20 in December 2023, a significant role in global affairs for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s administration. The G20 has 19 member countries, including most of the world’s largest economies, as well as the European Union and African Union. Following the inaugural meeting of foreign ministers in late February, Brazil Institute Director Bruna Santos and analyst Lourival Sant’Anna will provide insights on the outcomes of the dialogue and Brazil’s agenda for the remainder of its G20 presidency.