Diplomacy
TopicThink tanks convening on Diplomacy: 60 upcoming events over the next 60 days from 33 organizations, led by Harvard Kennedy School, Real Instituto Elcano and Clingendael Institute. This week: 21 events. More topics: Defense Technology and Space Policy.
Active organizers
- Harvard Kennedy School6 events
- Real Instituto Elcano6 events
- Clingendael Institute4 events
- World Affairs Councils of America4 events
- Chicago Council on Global Affairs3 events
Book Talk | Crossing the Red Line
Posted: Nov 1, 2026A Quincy Institute webinar featuring Annelle Sheline, Khaled Elgindy, and Akbar Shahid Ahmed in conversation about the book Crossing the Red Line. One-hour virtual book talk with registration required.
Book talk and discussion of Crossing the Red Line with author Akbar Shahid Ahmed and panelists Khaled Elgindy and Annelle Sheline, hosted by the Quincy Institute. Registration via Zoom required.
Study group on leadership, democracy, and the transatlantic alliance with Ambassador Nathalie Rayes and guest Ambassador Mark Brzezinski. Open to Harvard community.
Study Group: Politics in an Age of Discontent: Civil Discourse and the Future of Democracy — Tue, Nov 10, 2026 4:00pm ET (Amb. Kelly Craft with Marc Thiessen)
Posted: Nov 9, 2026Study group discussion about civil discourse and democracy featuring Ambassador Kelly Craft and Marc Thiessen. Open to Harvard community with Harvard ID.
Middle East Dialogue — A Conversation with Simon Sebag Montefiore
Posted: Oct 17, 2026A conversation between Middle East Initiative Faculty Chair Professor Tarek Masoud and historian/author Simon Sebag Montefiore about the modern history of the Middle East and its impact on contemporary ideological and geopolitical tensions. Event is open to Harvard ID holders only; registration required.
Saint or Suckers? The Ethics of Foreign Aid — Moderated Q&A with Ambassador Mark Storella
Posted: Nov 4, 2026A moderated Q&A on the ethics, effectiveness, and future of U.S. foreign aid featuring retired Ambassador Mark Storella. Hosted by the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire and the Center for Ethics in Society at St. Anselm College.
Hans Morgenthau and the Enduring Value of Realism
Posted: Aug 27, 2026A conversation between author David Sacks and Council President Joel Rosenthal about Hans Morgenthau, realism, and the purpose of American power. Public virtual event.
Can Europe still count on Berlin? Navigating a changing Germany — 11 Nov 2026, 10:00–11:00 Berlin time
Posted: Nov 6, 2026Online webinar launching an ECFR New Politics Project policy brief on Germany's future and its implications for EU foreign policy and European cooperation. Panel includes Anne-Sylvaine Chassany, Jana Puglierin, and Andreas Rödder; chaired by Piotr Buras.
9th Summit of the European Political Community — 12 Nov 2026 (Dublin)
Posted: Oct 29, 20269th Summit of the European Political Community in Dublin on 12 November 2026. Included in the newsletter's international agenda with a link to host information.
The Atlantic Brief: After the U.S. Midterms, Transatlantic Defence Cooperation
Posted: Oct 31, 2026A joint webinar by RUSI and War on the Rocks analysing the US midterm results and implications for US force posture, NATO, support for Ukraine, European defence investment, and supply chain pressures.
High Stakes, Higher Expectations: Africa and the Future of UN Leadership — Webinar (12 Nov 2026, 15:00–16:00 SAST)
Posted: Nov 9, 2026Webinar to launch and discuss the policy brief 'High Stakes, Higher Expectations', exploring African expectations and advice for the next UN Secretary-General. Hosted by SAIIA and Cepei in partnership with the NYU Center on International Cooperation and the United Nations Foundation.
Authoritarianism in the Arab World (Panel)
Posted: Nov 2, 2026Panel discussion hosted by the Carnegie Middle East Program on the dynamics of Arab authoritarianism and the new edited volume 'Authoritarianism in the Arab World', featuring Dana El Kurd, Mai El-Sadany, and Sarah Yerkes; moderated by Andrew Leber. Event is in Washington, D.C. and available live online.
Fifteen Years After Arab Spring, What Has Changed? — Panel discussion
Posted: Nov 9, 2026Panel discussion with Carnegie Middle East Program staff and external experts examining the evolution and consequences of entrenched authoritarianism in the Arab world. Available live online or in-person at Carnegie in Washington, DC.
Mexico’s Evolving Landscape: Politics, Economic Outlook, and U.S.–Mexico Relations
Posted: Oct 29, 2026An online discussion by the Inter‑American Dialogue's Mexico Program analyzing Integralia’s report on President Claudia Sheinbaum’s second year, covering governance, economic trajectory, security, and U.S.–Mexico relations. Panel includes experts from Integralia and academia and will be moderated by the Dialogue's Mexico Program director.
Israel's Elections and the Future of the Middle East — Expert Panel
Posted: Nov 4, 2026A virtual expert panel examining the regional implications of Israel's elections, featuring Amb. (ret.) Michael Ratney, Dr. Paul Salem, and Celine Touboul, with Mona Yacoubian moderating. The session will be livestreamed and audience questions are welcome.
Book Talk | The Great League of Peace and Power
Posted: Nov 1, 2026A Quincy Institute virtual book talk featuring David Hendrickson, Daniel Larison, and Kelley Vlahos discussing The Great League of Peace and Power. One-hour webinar; registration required.
In-person panel at Harvard examining the Iran war and the strategic implications of the Strait of Hormuz for global energy politics. Hosted by Harvard's Center for Middle Eastern Studies.
Containing the Risk: Biological and Nuclear Threats in a Divided World — Nov 12, 2026 17:30–18:30 (America/Chicago)
Posted: Oct 27, 2026Experts Sergey Radchenko, Deborah Rosenblum, and Ariane Tabatabai explore management of biological and nuclear risks amid geopolitical divisions.
Delivering Humanitarian Aid in a Contested World — Thursday, Nov 12, 2026 (Panels + Reception)
Posted: Oct 28, 2026Two-part panel exploring the future of humanitarian assistance amid contested access and security challenges, including a focus on Arab-Israeli cooperation; panels followed by a reception.
Boiling Point: How America Brought War To Ukraine — Author Talk with Stephen Kinzer
Posted: Nov 4, 2026Book event and discussion with Stephen Kinzer about his book 'Boiling Point,' exploring the U.S. campaign that set the stage for war in Ukraine. Book sales and signing will take place.
Global Impact Forum UK — November 15–18, 2026 (Cambridge, UK)
Posted: Oct 28, 2026A residential convening for ~75 leaders hosted by Aspen Institute UK and the Aspen Global Leadership Network for reflection, connections, and cross-sector collaboration.
Can International Law Still Protect Us? Ukraine, Accountability and the Future of the Rules-Based Order — 16 Nov 2026 12:30–14:00 (CEST listed; converted to local Europe/Zurich)
Posted: Oct 27, 2026Geneva Security Debate examining whether international law can protect civilians, ensure accountability and uphold the rules-based order, drawing on the war in Ukraine. Features experts in diplomacy, humanitarian action and international law.
Enlarging the Security Space: What EU Accession does for Europe’s Security (Roundtable)
Posted: Oct 17, 2026ECFR roundtable on the relationship between EU enlargement and European security, with speakers Pirro Vengu, Nicu Popescu, and Bojana Zorić; moderated by Fredrik Wesslau. Discussion on how accession could strengthen deterrence and close grey zones.
20th Annual Benjamin Franklin Award Celebration — Honoring World Central Kitchen
Posted: Oct 17, 2026FPRI's 20th annual Benjamin Franklin Award Celebration honoring José Andrés' World Central Kitchen, featuring a keynote and fireside chat with U.S. Representative Brendan Boyle. In-person evening event including program and awards.
Humanitarian Diplomacy for Aid Workers (17-19, 23 & 24 Nov 2026) — online training
Posted: Oct 17, 2026An online training series for aid workers on humanitarian diplomacy, scheduled across multiple days in November.
WACA National Conference — Nov 17–20, 2026 (Washington, D.C.)
Posted: Oct 17, 2026Annual WACA National Conference taking place in Washington, D.C., Nov 17–20, 2026. Full registration includes plenaries, receptions, think-tank visits, and networking opportunities. Various ticket options available.
PONI 2026 Fall Conference — November 17, 2026 (at CSIS)
Posted: Sep 9, 2026The Project on Nuclear Issues (PONI) will host its 2026 Fall Conference at CSIS in Washington, DC on November 17, 2026. Applications to present are open and due September 21, 2026. Register to attend via the link provided.
Webinar examining how the November 2026 U.S. midterm elections may reshape U.S.–Mexico relations, focusing on implications for trade, immigration, and security. A binational, bipartisan panel of experts will analyze results and prospects for bilateral cooperation. Hosted by the Dialogue's Mexico Program.
Book Launch: The Cauldron: The Making of the Modern Middle East with Simon Sebag Montefiore
Posted: Nov 10, 2026In-person book launch and author conversation for The Cauldron by Simon Sebag Montefiore, moderated by MEI VP for Policy Dr. Ken Pollack. Copies will be available for purchase, followed by a book signing. Opening remarks by Ambassador (ret.) Stuart Jones.
APEC Summit — 18-19 Nov 2026 (Shenzhen, China)
Posted: Oct 29, 2026APEC leaders' meeting in Shenzhen on 18-19 November 2026. Listed in the newsletter's international agenda with the official summit site.
Human Rights Under Pressure: A Discussion with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
Posted: Oct 26, 2026UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk and Leslie Vinjamuri discuss the state of human rights and related global challenges.
Book Talk | Boiling Point: How America Brought War to Ukraine
Posted: Nov 8, 2026A Quincy Institute book talk featuring Stephen Kinzer and Eurasia Director Anatol Lieven discussing Boiling Point: How America Brought War to Ukraine.
Cato Book Forum: Reclaiming America First
Posted: Nov 3, 2026Launch and panel discussion for the volume 'Reclaiming America First' assessing US foreign policy and the Iran war. Two panels will discuss how foreign policy shaped the midterms and implications of the Iran war; a reception follows.
Estonia at the Front Line — Security, Resilience, and Technology: Discussion with Prime Minister Kristen Michal
Posted: Oct 17, 2026A conversation with Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal on security, resilience, and Estonia's digital and AI ambitions, moderated by Michael McFaul. Free and open to the public as part of the Global Conversations series.
1918 Society Dinner — Tuesday, November 17, 2026, 6:00–8:00 PM (Invite-only)
Posted: Sep 10, 2026An invite-only reception and dinner for supporters of WACA's 1918 Society featuring special guest speakers. Takes place during the 2026 WACA National Conference on November 17, 2026, from 6:00–8:00 PM ET in Washington, D.C.
Saudi Arabia's Future: Transformation and Leadership in a Turbulent Region — Tue, Nov 17, 2026 6:00pm ET (JFK Jr. Forum)
Posted: Nov 9, 2026Discussion on Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, economic diversification, social change, and regional diplomacy featuring Saudi and U.S. speakers.
Scoping a Policy Problem
Posted: Oct 28, 2026An Aspen Policy Academy session on how to define and narrow broad policy issues into specific, achievable goals.
Permission to pass: sub-threshold pressure in the Taiwan Strait — 18 November 2026 (London)
Posted: Oct 17, 2026An ODI event in London examining sub-threshold pressure in the Taiwan Strait and related geopolitical dynamics. Date given (18 Nov 2026); no time specified.
T20 U.S. Summit — 18-19 November 2026 (Hybrid) at Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice, New York
Posted: Sep 21, 2026Invite-only T20 U.S. Summit ('Harnessing Knowledge and Ensuring Continuity for Better Policymaking in Uncertain Times') convening think tanks, policymakers, and engagement groups for panels and deep-dive sessions. Interested participants may submit an Expression of Interest.
T20 U.S. Summit — 'Harnessing Knowledge and Ensuring Continuity for Better Policymaking in Uncertain Times'
Posted: Oct 17, 2026A hybrid summit convening global think tanks, policymakers, and G20 engagement groups for keynotes, panels, and deep-dive sessions shaping the path to the G20 Summit. Takes place at the Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice across from UN HQ with virtual participation available.
T20 US Summit: Harnessing Knowledge and Ensuring Continuity for Better Policymaking in Uncertain Times — Nov 18–19, 2026, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM ET (Live-streamed conference)
Posted: Nov 8, 2026Two-day T20 US Summit co-hosted by the Stimson Center, Quincy Institute, and Brookings (live-streamed). Features Sarang Shidore, Zachary Paikin, and Trita Parsi among others.
Book Forum: Iran and the Bomb
Posted: Oct 28, 2026Book forum for Sina Azodi's Iran and the Bomb with comments by Ariel (Eli) Levite and moderated by Justin Logan. The event is offered in person at the Cato Institute in Washington, DC, and online. Lunch to follow.
Ciclo "Fracturas globales: el futuro de Europa y España" — Conference (18 Nov 2026, 18:00 local)
Posted: Oct 17, 2026Five-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.
Inside the Alliance: Conversation with Ambassadors from America's NATO Allies — Nov 18, 2026, 12:00pm (Malkin Penthouse)
Posted: Nov 5, 2026Conversation with current ambassadors from NATO member countries on challenges and opportunities facing the Alliance, featuring multiple ambassadors and moderated discussion. Co-sponsored by Belfer Center and other centers.
Venezuela: A Roadmap to Recovery — Virtual (Wed, Nov 18, 2026; 1:30 PM DC / 6:30 PM London)
Posted: Nov 5, 2026CGD and the Latin American Committee on Macroeconomic and Financial Issues (CLAAF) host a virtual panel discussing a proposed roadmap for Venezuela's economic and political recovery, covering debt, fiscal and monetary policy, and the role of international actors.
The United States and Israel: Past, Present, and Future — Session 4
Posted: Sep 15, 2026Fourth session in the study group on the US–Israel relationship and implications for US foreign policy and domestic politics.
WACA National Conference — Thursday Day Ticket (Nov 19, 2026, Washington, D.C.)
Posted: Oct 17, 2026Single-day (Thursday) ticket for Nov 19 programming, including breakfast and lunch, plenary sessions, think-tank off-site visits, evening networking, and an off-site reception.
EU–UK Summit — 20 Nov 2026 (Brussels)
Posted: Oct 29, 2026EU–UK leaders' summit in Brussels on 20 November 2026. Included in the newsletter's agenda with a Council link.
Consular Corps Reception 2026 — Nov 19, 2026, 5:00–7:00 p.m. CST (reception)
Posted: Nov 3, 2026A reception celebrating the Chicago Council's longtime collaboration with the Chicago Consular Corps.
National Conference Closing Luncheon honoring Ambassador William J. Burns
Posted: Oct 23, 2026Presentation of WACA's 2026 International Service Award to Ambassador William J. Burns during the National Conference closing luncheon.
Negotiation Skills training in Nairobi, Kenya
Posted: Sep 25, 2026Negotiation skills training offered in Nairobi on 24–26 Nov 2026 (registration via provided form link).
Course: International Negotiations
Posted: Oct 22, 2026Four-day course 'International Negotiations' (24–27 Nov 2026) offered by Clingendael Academy. Practical training in negotiation skills for international contexts. Register via the course page.
EU–Western Balkans Summit — 25 Nov 2026 (Brussels)
Posted: Oct 29, 2026Summit between the European Union and Western Balkans scheduled for 25 November 2026 in Brussels. Listed in the newsletter's agenda with a Council link.
Reshaping Russia: Power, Economics and Statecraft - Book launch
Posted: Nov 6, 2026Book launch for 'Reshaping Russia: Power, Economics and Statecraft' exploring Western strategies to shape Russia's economic capabilities across historical eras. Registration link provided in newsletter.
Extraordinary European Council meeting — 26-27 Nov 2026 (Brussels)
Posted: Oct 29, 2026Extraordinary meeting of the European Council on 26–27 November 2026 in Brussels. Included in the newsletter's agenda with a Council link.
Launch of the Asia Power Index 2026 — Canberra (26 Nov 2026, 18:15–19:15 AEDT)
Posted: Nov 10, 2026In-person launch of the Lowy Institute's Asia Power Index 2026 with a panel unpacking key findings on great-power competition, regional dynamics, and implications for Australia. Moderated by Mihai Sora and featuring Hunter Marston, Graham Fletcher, and Natalie Sambhi. Audience Q&A will be included; refreshments provided.
Intensive online course on WMD non-proliferation and disarmament
Posted: Oct 21, 2026A four-day intensive online course bridging technical and policy dimensions of WMD non-proliferation and disarmament, hosted by SIPRI and the EU Non‑Proliferation and Disarmament Consortium. Designed for graduate students and early-career technical professionals. Approximately 20 participants will be selected.
Inzicht in Europa — 30 Nov–15 Dec 2026 (for rijksambtenaren)
Posted: Aug 6, 2026Multi-week course 'Inzicht in Europa' for civil servants (rijksambtenaren) from 30 Nov–15 Dec 2026. Dates provided; time and exact venue not specified.
International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) 2026 — 1–4 December 2026, Barceló Bávaro Convention Centre, Punta Cana
Posted: Oct 17, 2026The International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) 2026 will be held 1–4 December at the Barceló Bávaro Convention Centre in Punta Cana. The agenda is published and early-bird registration is open. The conference features 80+ sessions on anti-corruption topics including transnational corruption and accountability.
Global Technology Summit — Pravaah: The Currents Shaping Technology and Partnerships
Posted: Sep 3, 2026The tenth annual Global Technology Summit (theme: Pravaah) hosted by Carnegie India, co‑hosted with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. The summit will be held in New Delhi from December 2–4, 2026, and will convene industry experts, policymakers, and academics to discuss technology flows, data, supply chains, and global partnerships.