This week in policy: 104 events across 29 topicsWeek Ahead
Tokyo, Japan
Oct 23, 2026 @ 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM (UTC+9) · 3h 30m
Hybrid

A hybrid symposium convening leaders and experts from Japan, the United States, and the Indo-Pacific to discuss the future of the U.S.-China-Japan triangle, Japan's security strategy, and regional perspectives on a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. Sessions include keynote and panel discussions with senior officials and scholars. A livestream and recording will be available.

ORF Conference Room, Delhi
Oct 23, 2026 @ 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM (UTC+5:30) · 1h 30m
In Person

In-person panel discussion on the Russia–Africa Summit 2026 exploring interests, influence, and interdependence between Russia and African states. Features multiple regional experts and will be followed by high tea.

L-166, Harvard Kennedy School
Oct 23, 2026 @ 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM (EDT) · 1h
In Person

Akbar Shahid Ahmed discusses the political debates and decisions shaping the Biden administration’s approach to the war in Gaza, drawing on his book. Hosted by the Institute of Politics' Global Affairs Program; breakfast provided. Must RSVP with a valid Harvard email.

Event at CSS
Oct 23, 2026 @ 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM (UTC) · 1h 30m
In Person

Seminar on developments in Russia’s shadow fleet activities, implications for European coastal states, enforcement gaps, and policy response options.

Virtual
Oct 23, 2026 @ 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM (UTC) · 1h
Online

Online book forum featuring Asma Afsaruddin with comments by Leena El-Ali and Mustafa Akyol, discussing gender egalitarianism in Islam. Hosted by the Cato Institute.

Virtual
Oct 23, 2026 @ 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM (UTC) · 1h
Online

A conversation with Liana Fix (CFR) on her book Germany Rearmed, examining post-Cold War German foreign policy, European geopolitics before and after Feb 2022, and risks/opportunities of a rearmed Germany. Moderated by Michael Kimmage of the Kennan Institute. Live on Zoom.

1789 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036
Oct 23, 2026 @ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (EDT) · 1h
In Person

Book event featuring Ilan Wurman in conversation with AEI’s Yuval Levin on the Constitution of 1789 and the structural integrity of the U.S. Constitution. In-person at AEI.

Institute for Policy Studies; Virtual
Oct 23, 2026 @ 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM (EDT) · 2h
Hybrid

Young Congolese organizers discuss their work toward a free, liberated, and sovereign Congo. Event available in-person and online.

Study Group (Harvard Kennedy School) — Harvard ID required
Oct 23, 2026 @ 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM (EDT) · 1h
In Person

Study group on faith and public service exploring leadership across differences; open to Harvard community.

1789 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC (AEI)
Oct 23, 2026 @ 2:00 PM – 3:40 PM (EDT) · 1h 40m
In Person

AEI panel examining potential post-communist recovery patterns and infrastructure-building for Cuba, comparing historical recoveries in Poland, Vietnam, and Romania.

JFK Jr. Forum, Harvard Kennedy School
Oct 23, 2026 @ 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM (EDT) · 1h
In Person

Kevin Rudd discusses U.S.-China relations and pathways forward, moderated by Graham Allison. Co-sponsored by the Belfer Center.

JFK Jr. Forum
Oct 23, 2026 @ 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (EDT) · 1h
In Person

A Harvard Family Weekend debate between the Harvard College Democrats and the Harvard Conservative Coalition moderated by Jason Furman, covering the economy, education, and immigration. Must RSVP with a valid Harvard email.

L-166 (Harvard Kennedy School)
Oct 23, 2026 @ 10:00 PM – 11:00 PM (EDT) · 1h
In Person

Food for Thought conversation with journalist Akbar Shahid Ahmed on U.S. policy toward Gaza and journalism's role in diplomacy and conflict coverage.

JFK Jr. Forum
Oct 24, 2026 @ 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM (EDT) · 1h
In Person

Discussion on the political landscape and dynamics shaping the 2026 midterm elections featuring IOP Fall 2026 Resident Fellows. Must RSVP with a valid Harvard email; includes insights from the Harvard Youth Poll.

JFK Jr. Forum (Harvard Kennedy School)
Oct 24, 2026 @ 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM (EDT) · 1h
In Person

Panel conversation with IOP resident fellows on the political landscape and dynamics shaping the 2026 midterm elections.

Brazil Presidential Runoff

Posted: Oct 17, 2026
Brazil (nationwide)
Oct 25, 2026 · time not announced
In Person

Brazil's presidential runoff election scheduled for October 25, 2026 (reported in the newsletter).

CSIS Headquarters or Virtual
Oct 25, 2026 @ 8:00 PM – Oct 29, 2026 @ 7:59 PM (EDT) · 3d 23h 59m
Hybrid

Multi-day CSIS executive education program on geopolitical risk, scenario planning, and foresight techniques, including a crisis simulation. Available in-person at CSIS Headquarters or virtually.

Virtual
Oct 26, 2026 · time not announced
Online

Author and New America Fellow Mona Chalabi will hold an online conversation about her new book Ten Lives on Monday, October 26, 2026. Event details and registration available via link.

Canada; Virtual
Oct 26, 2026 @ 12:00 AM – Oct 28, 2026 @ 11:59 PM (EDT) · 2d 23h 59m
Hybrid

Co-hosted by the Canadian Intellectual Property Office, CIGI and WIPO, this hybrid conference (Oct 26–28, 2026) focuses on IP data, international issues and the Canadian IP landscape.

Aspen, Colorado
Oct 26, 2026 @ 12:00 AM – Oct 29, 2026 @ 11:59 PM (MDT) · 3d 23h 59m
In Person

Four-day immersive seminar for high school students modeled on the Aspen Executive Seminar to strengthen leadership and critical thinking.