US Policy on Lebanon: A Conversation with Assistant Secretary of State for NEA Ambassador Barbara Leaf

Wednesday, Oct. 26 // 1:30–2:30 p.m. (ET)

Lebanon faces a plethora of economic and political challenges amidst a difficult regional and global geopolitical context. On the economic front, the country is suffering from the rapid collapse of its economy, a severely devalued currency, high debt and rising poverty rates. On the political front, parliamentary elections that took place in May have yet to bring about significant change, as gridlock and infighting continue to impede presidential elections and block progress toward critical reforms.

In a change of fortunes, the United States successfully brokered an agreement on the maritime boundary between Lebanon and Israel, although the long-term impacts of the deal on Lebanon, its people, and the region remain to be seen. US support to Lebanon is paramount to keep the country moving towards implementing much needed reforms, allowing Lebanon to rebuild institutions that are stronger, more transparent, and more capable than those that created the current crises.

As part of the Middle East Program’s Lebanon Ideas Forum, join us for a timely conversation with Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf.

Recalibrating US-Japan Indo-Pacific Strategies Towards ASEAN

Monday, Oct. 24 // 10–11:00 a.m. (ET)

Neither Japan nor the United States have had a clear vision for ASEAN’s strategic role in the Indo-Pacific, even as both countries press for greater engagement with Southeast Asia in light of growing regional competition with China. Yet no single great power can gain influence over all of Southeast Asia, and the need for Tokyo and Washington to enhance engagement with the region with greater clarity is gaining greater urgency. Join us for a discussion on prospects for bilateral cooperation in the world’s most dynamic region and the shifting needs of ASEAN.

Afghan Crucible: The Soviet Invasion and the Making of Modern Afghanistan

Monday, Oct. 24 // 4–5:30 p.m. (ET)

While the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan has usually been treated as a key Cold War case study, this perspective alone is insufficient. Instead, Elisabeth Leake argues, the real significance of the war in Afghanistan can only be understood by examining local, national, regional, and international imperatives and the interlinked histories of anti-colonial modernity, postcolonial statehood, the shifting norms of international relations, as well as the Cold War.

Climate Change, Population, and the Shape of the Future

Tuesday, Oct. 25 // 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (ET)

Join the Wilson Center, in partnership with the Population Institute, to hear from an expert panel on how climate change and population trends are shaping our world, and what this means for understanding future risk and potential solutions.

Amplifying Inclusive & Sustainable US-Canada Trade Relations

Tuesday, Oct. 25 // 2–3:30 p.m. (ET)

This event will highlight the research of US Fulbright Scholar Virgil Parker, who is conducting his research on the importance of diversity and amplifying inclusion in cross-border trade. Mr. Parker aims to positively impact the trade conditions for women, people of color and other traditionally marginalized populations.

Unpacking the 2022 US National Strategy for the Arctic Region

Tuesday, Oct. 25 // 2–3:15 p.m. (ET)

Join the Wilson Center’s Polar Institute for the first discussion in a series about the new National Strategy for the Arctic Region (NSAR), featuring representatives from the Arctic Executive Steering Committee, Department of Defense, State Department, and National Security Council. Speakers will share their perspectives on what the NSAR means, what has changed since 2013, and what the future holds for US Arctic policy.

Legacy of Violence: A History of the British Empire

Tuesday, Oct. 25 // 4–5:30 p.m. (ET)

Covering more than two hundred years of history, Legacy of Violence places coercion at the center of its narratives and challenges recent political defenses of British exceptionalism, puncturing the myths of paternalism and progress, and demonstrating liberalism’s perfidiousness across the empire and at home.

US Policy Options on Venezuelan Sanctions

Wednesday, Oct. 26 // 10–11:15 a.m. (ET)

How successful have US sanctions been in providing the United States diplomatic leverage in negotiations with the Maduro regime and the Venezuelan opposition? What types of sanction relief, if any, would best advance US interests in Venezuela? What alternative incentives could the United States offer to extract durable concessions from the Maduro regime? How can the US adapt its sanctions policy to promote political dialogue? To learn more, join the Wilson Center for a dialogue on how the US government could adapt sanctions policy to promote meaningful negotiations.

Ice War Diplomat: Hockey Meets Cold War Politics at the 1972 Summit Series

Wednesday, Oct. 26 // 10–11:00 a.m. (ET)

The Wilson Center’s Canada Institute invites you to celebrate hockey and diplomacy, highlighting the story of Ambassador Gary Smith’s role in the 1972 Summit Series and his book, Ice War Diplomat, published by Douglas & McIntyre. Join us for a panel discussion with Ambassador Gary Smith on his book moderated by Heather Exner-Pirot, alongside Blair Ruble and Andrew Holman.

The Case For and Against Sanctions

Wednesday, Oct. 26 // 1–2:00 p.m. (ET)

In his latest book Sanctions: What Everyone Needs to Know, former Wilson Center fellow and Duke University’s professor of public policy and political science Bruce Jentleson is joined by the Wilson Center’s public policy scholar and former US executive director of the IMF Meg Lundsager as well as the Wilson Center’s Vice President for Programs Rob Litwak to discuss the use and variations of sanctions, the factors that lead to their success or failure.

Seeking Innovative Solutions for Thirsty Rivers in China, US and the Middle East

Thursday, Oct. 27 // 9–10:15 a.m. (ET)

The deadly droughts and floods in the summer of 2022 gave the world a sobering reminder of the costs of inaction on climate change and the weaknesses in existing water infrastructure. In the run up to the November climate conference in Egypt, CEF is bringing together three experts to dive into obstacles and solutions for China, the United States, Iraq, and Iran to act on protecting rivers in a climate vulnerable world.