This week in policy: 99 events across 29 topicsWeek Ahead
Virtual
Oct 21, 2026 · time not announced
Online

A Pacific Forum event examining France's strategic role and regional cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. No time or location provided in the newsletter.

Virtual
Oct 21, 2026 · time not announced
Online

Virtual panel moderated by CIGI Senior Fellow Mauritz Kop examining preparedness for quantum computing breakthroughs (Q-Day) and the convergence of quantum innovation with AI. Funded by DND's MINDS Targeted Engagement Grant program.

Virtual
Oct 21, 2026 · time not announced
Online

Online conversation with Lt. Gen. Linda S. Hurry on AFMC sustainment and modernization efforts across the force. Registration link provided in the newsletter.

TBD
Oct 21, 2026 · time not announced
In Person

Corporate roundtable debrief of the Global Quantum Forum. Date listed as October 21, 2026; the email does not specify time, location details, or virtual/hybrid options.

Harvard Kennedy School (On Campus), Cambridge, MA
Oct 21, 2026 @ 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM (EDT) · 23h 59m
In Person

Multi-session, in-person reading group led by WAPPP senior fellow Ashley Judd examining prostitution and pornography through multidisciplinary scholarship and testimonies. Open to Harvard affiliates.

Global Room, Four Millbank, London SW1P 3JA
Oct 21, 2026 @ 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM (BST) · 1h 30m
Hybrid

Launch of the Emissions Gap Report 2026 in partnership with UN Environment. In-person at Four Millbank, London, with a livestream available online; event includes keynote speakers and a panel discussion.

Virtual
Oct 21, 2026 @ 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM (UTC) · 1h
Online

A live Carnegie Connects conversation on the war in Iran with Carnegie's Karim Sadjadpour and Brookings' Suzanne Maloney, hosted by Aaron David Miller. The session will discuss escalation risks, regional dynamics, and implications for Gulf states.

Virtual
Oct 21, 2026 @ 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM (UTC) · 30m
Online

A CSIS Aerospace Security Project livestream discussion about Cosmos 2612's recent activity and potential threats to a U.S.-registered commercial satellite. Speakers include Greg Gillinger and Clayton Swope, moderated by Kari Bingen. 30-minute virtual event.

University Club of Washington, DC, 1135 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20002, USA (also available via Zoom)
Oct 21, 2026 @ 8:30 AM (EDT)
Hybrid

Full-day hybrid conference (in-person + Zoom) examining human capital and intangible factors needed for Ukraine's post-war recovery. Agenda and registration were provided in the email.

Virtual
Oct 21, 2026 @ 12:30 PM (UTC)
Online

Carnegie Council's flagship Global Ethics Day event convening experts across disciplines to examine re-centering ethics in a fragmented world. Public virtual event.

Virtual
Oct 21, 2026 @ 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM (UTC) · 1h
Online

A virtual seminar on the U.S. munitions shortfall exploring realistic options, timelines, and roles for suppliers and new entrants. First event in the 'Masters of the Defense Industrial Base' series, co-moderated by Jeff Bialos and Brett Lambert.

Virtual
Oct 21, 2026 @ 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM (UTC) · 1h
Online

A Niskanen Center Criminal Justice Department webinar (with Vital City) examining patterns of gun violence affecting women, particularly intimate-partner killings, and policy/system responses during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Panelists include Lynn Addington, Ayesha Dholaki, Alice Ellyson, and Marianna Mitchem; moderated by Kerri Raissian.

AI on the ballot

Posted: Oct 17, 2026
Brookings Institution, Washington, DC (and Virtual)
Oct 21, 2026 @ 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM (EDT) · 1h
Hybrid

Rep. James A. Himes and Brookings experts will discuss AI and the 2026 midterms, including the economic, community, and geopolitical dimensions of data center development. The event is available in person or to watch online.

Middle East Institute, 1763 N St NW, Washington, DC 20036
Oct 21, 2026 @ 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM (EDT) · 1h 15m
In Person

In-person panel marking the release of MEI's report 'The Middle East Beyond the Iran War' featuring authors Gönül Tol, Ross Harrison, and Jason Campbell, moderated by Laura Kelly. Panel will examine regional power dynamics, strategic lessons, and implications for US defense posture.

Virtual
Oct 21, 2026 @ 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM (UTC) · 45m
Online

Live online Carnegie Connects conversation on the U.S.-Iran war with Aaron David Miller in discussion with Suzanne Maloney (Brookings) and Karim Sadjadpour (Carnegie). Covers escalation risks, regional responses, and Tehran’s decision-making. Streaming link provided.

Virtual
Oct 21, 2026 @ 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM (EDT) · 45m
Online

Carnegie Connects online conversation with Aaron David Miller, Suzanne Maloney, and Karim Sadjadpour on the U.S.-Iran war, escalation risks, and regional implications.

Virtual
Oct 21, 2026 @ 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM (UTC) · 1h
Online

Launch of the CNAS documentary short 'Digital Lifelines' followed by a panel discussion on protecting subsea cables in the Indo-Pacific, featuring U.S. State Department and Philippine officials and CNAS staff. Live viewers may submit questions.

L-166 (Harvard Kennedy School)
Oct 21, 2026 @ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (EDT) · 1h
In Person

Conversation on the role of diplomacy amid shifting alliances and geopolitical uncertainty, featuring the Ambassador of Spain to the U.S.

Fundación Ibercaja Patio de la Infanta (San Ignacio de Loyola, nº16, Zaragoza, Spain)
Oct 21, 2026 @ 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (CEST) · 1h
In Person

Five-session conference cycle in Zaragoza analysing structural challenges shaping the new world order and the role of Spain and the EU. Organized by Real Instituto Elcano in collaboration with Fundación Ibercaja.

Virtual
Oct 21, 2026 @ 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM (UTC) · 1h
Online

Vinh X. Nguyen (CFR) leads a conversation on trust infrastructure and artificial intelligence for college and university educators and students.