Expectations of Privacy in the Digital Age
1/10/17
Terry Roberts

American and global societies are almost totally reliant on the Internet and digital support for communication and government and private sector transactions. Hackers are ahead of U.S. cybersecurity policy and tactical implementation. We are highly vulnerable. Ms. Terry Roberts, who has worked in the cyber and digital fields for more than thirty years, will identify cause and effect and propose policy and methodology to counter this threat.

Success and Failure in the Third World
1/17/17
Benjamin Barber

Since the launch of the Marshall Plan, the United States has invested hundreds of billions of dollars to help poor countries develop. Some succeed, others do not. Ben Barber analyzes the complex reasons for success or failure in the Third World.

Afghanistan: Condemned to Chaos or Prospects for Progress?
1/24/17
Amb. Zalmay Khalilzad

In a moderated conversation, Amb. Zalmay Khalilzad will talk with us about the opportunities missed in Afghanistan since 2001 and the role of regional partners, notably Pakistan. We will explore Afghanistan’s prospects as International attention and support wanes, and the potential that terror could again project from its ungoverned regions.

Turkey in Crisis
1/31/17
Amberin Zaman

Turkey, a NATO ally and secular Muslim democracy, is unraveling. President Erdogan is steering towards one-man rule. The rule of law and the country’s Kurds are under assault. Erdogan’s Syria policy has been disastrous. Ms. Amberin Zaman will review what Erdogan’s policy means for the United States and its regional implications.

Our Globe, Our Home: Seven Major Issues Confronting Us
2/7/17
Amb. Thomas Pickering

Amb. Thomas Pickering will reflect on the time to look ahead - and back - for lessons and ideas on the major questions facing us on the planet. These include the turbulent Middle East; China, Russia and other rivals and partners; weapons of mass destruction; failing states; the environment and climate change and how we organize ourselves to deal with them. He will give us an overview of the essential issues facing us for the next decade and beyond and how we might approach them.

HIV/AIDS: Lessons for Other Epidemics?
2/14/17
Dr. Michael Adler

Dr. Michael Adler will argue that HIV still presents a major public health and social problem in the developing world and Eastern Europe. Globally, thirty seven million people are living with HIV and there are two million new infections per year. We are also seeing a resurgence of infections among gay men in North America and the United Kingdom. What lessons have we learned from HIV that can be utilized in dealing with other epidemics such as Ebola and Zika?

Crypto Wars: Apple vs. the FBI
2/21/17
Stewart Baker

Apple's refusal to help the FBI gain access to the San Bernardino terrorists' iPhone is just the latest battle in a long running war between Silicon Valley and the U.S. Government over unbreakable encryption. Stewart Baker, former general counsel for the National Security Agency, will trace the long history of that dispute, discuss the claims of both sides, and offer predictions about its future.

Russia and Euro-Atlantic Security
2/28/17
Amb. James Collins

Russia’s interventions since 2012 have been read as threatening, undermining hopes for a Europe whole, free, and at peace. Moscow has shown determination to offer a global alternative to Western models. In a moderated conversation, Amb. James Collins will explore options for the new administration to preserve peace and protect America and our allies.

Presidential Options for Defeating Jihadists
3/7/17
Francis J. "Bing" West

President Obama is advocating a need to get tougher with ISIS. Will the new President continue that policy and put more U.S. advisers with Arab troops, or U.S. troops on the ground? Can we bomb more effectively or better organize resistance among the Sunnis? Are we at war, and if so, when will it end? Bing West will examine these questions.

U.S. Leadership in Refugee Settlement—Then and Now
3/14/17
Amb. Johnny Young

Refugee movements and resettlement have been a global challenge since World War II. As refugee flows reach new heights with multiple crisis centers, the U.S. is re-examining its role. Amb. Johnny Young examines how U.S. leadership in refugee settlement has evolved over the years to where it is today, especially in terms of how that role has changed in recent years.

Nigeria: Africa’s Giant Struggles for Stability
3/21/17
Amb. Johnnie Carson

With the democratic mandate from credible elections, Nigerian President Buhari tries to move in new directions. He is faced with low oil prices, rising debt, deeply engrained corruption, and security threats from Boko Haram. Amb. Johnnie Carson explains the scope of his effort and what it means for Africa’s largest economy.

China Under Xi Jinping
3/28/17
Dr. Elizabeth Economy

Xi Jinping is nearing the end of his first five-year term as president of China. Dr. Elizabeth Economy will examine these questions: What have been his greatest successes and where has he fallen short? What should we expect from the Chinese leadership over the next five years? How are U.S.-China relations likely to evolve?