Global Minnesota

Since gaining independence in 1991, the five former Soviet Central Asian republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan have all experienced varying degrees of political and economic change. The United States has played an important role in sustaining this transition by supporting each nation’s sovereignty and economic growth. Today, these Central Asian nations navigate an increasingly strategic position in geopolitics, with energy and critical mineral reserves placing them at the forefront of competition among China, Russia, and the United States.

Global Minnesota hosted a conversation on the forces shaping U.S. policy toward the region with former Ambassador Dan Rosenblum. He served as Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Ambassador to Uzbekistan, and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Central Asia. His talk outlined the region’s evolving political, economic, and diplomatic landscape. Here is Sovereignty and Stability in Central Asia with Ambassador Dan Rosenblum.

View all of our upcoming events at globalminnesota.org!

Since gaining independence in 1991, the five former Soviet Central Asian republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan have all experienced varying degrees of political and economic change. The United States has played an important role in sustaining this transition by supporting each nation’s sovereignty and economic growth. Today, these Central Asian nations navigate an increasingly strategic position in geopolitics, with energy and critical mineral reserves placing them at the forefront of competition among China, Russia, and the United States.

Global Minnesota hosted a conversation on the forces shaping U.S. policy toward the region with former Ambassador Dan Rosenblum. He served as Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Ambassador to Uzbekistan, and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Central Asia. His talk outlined the region’s evolving political, economic, and diplomatic landscape. Here is Sovereignty and Stability in Central Asia with Ambassador Dan Rosenblum.

The Arctic is a critical crossroads for a number of geopolitical priorities today, including international security, climate change, and economic competition. Together with the recent changes to the U.S. position on Greenland in the Kingdom of Denmark, the Arctic is and will remain an important topic in international affairs in 2026 and beyond.

Global Minnesota hosted a webinar and discussion on February 25 with Jim DeHart, a former career member of the Senior Foreign Service and former U.S. Coordinator for the Arctic Region. He spoke with Global Minnesota Program Director Erin Hart about the challenges and opportunities of this pivotal region of the world.

https://globalminnesota.org/

From trade and agriculture to immigration and global power, South Africa is an excellent point of entry to explore broader U.S. foreign policy issues.

Anne Linnee, former U.S. Consul General in Durban, South Africa presented at a recent event about how bilateral relations between the U.S. and South Africa are illustrative of wider regional trends. Listen to the event recording in our latest podcast episode.

https://globalminnesota.org/

Shaped by overlapping histories and evolving geopolitical dynamics, the Kashmir conflict remains one of the most longstanding territorial disputes in the world. From the legacy of the 1947 partition to ongoing tensions along the Line of Control, Kashmir is an enduring point of regional and international concern.

Following flare-ups in April and May of 2025, the international community is called to consider the factors that perpetuate this significant divide. Dr. Arijit Mazumdar joined Global Minnesota from the Department of Political Science at the University of St. Thomas to discuss the history and ongoing expectations surrounding Kashmir.

This event was provided for university students preparing for a diplomacy simulation.

Global Minnesota’s Corporate Engagement program provides global access, information, and brand exposure for Minnesota companies of all sizes. We work to raise Minnesota’s global profile, helping companies expand economic partnerships, strengthen cross-border relationships, and prepare for the future of international commerce.

At the state government level, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) works to empower the growth of the Minnesota economy. In November, this agency will be organizing an official trade mission for Minnesota to Germany and Switzerland.

On this episode, hear from the Commissioner of DEED, Matt Varilek, who has served in this role since 2023, and current Global Minnesota Senior Corporate Advisor Steve Riedel. They shared insights into the upcoming trade mission and their experiences fostering the success of Minnesota’s exporters and promoting foreign direct investment in Minnesota.

Global Minnesota Corporate Engagement

Trade Mission to Germany and Switzerland

This interview was recorded on September 24, 2025.

Amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in Europe, Global Minnesota was honored to welcome Balázs Mártonffy, Consul General of Hungary in Chicago, for a public conversation at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. The event, moderated by Global Minnesota Program Director and former U.S. Foreign Service Officer Erin Hart, offered an in-depth exploration of Hungary’s evolving role in world affairs and its connections with Minnesota.

Earlier this month, Global Minnesota welcomed a delegation of emerging African leaders for a professional exchange focused on the economic impact of arts and culture. From exploring Lanesboro’s vibrant arts scene to engaging with cultural institutions in the Twin Cities, the group saw firsthand how creative industries can drive local revitalization.

In this episode, hear from two participants: Lesedi Job, an award-winning theater director and producer from South Africa, and Lution Mzwandile Nxumalo, director and sound engineer at XLR Media in Eswatini. They share insights from their experience and reflections on cultural exchange in action.

LINKS

Global Minnesota Professional Exchanges

Lanesboro News Post

International Visitor Leadership Program

Global Ties U.S. Action Center

Bio & Works from Lesedi Job

https://www.osmtalent.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Lesedi-Job-CV-Mar-2024-2.pdf

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=v9zsOwaL7d0

https://mikevangraan.co.za/plays/when-swallows-cry

https://barrymorisse.com/blog/bitter-winter

https://thecaperobyn.co.za/review-bitter-winter-beautiful-and-poignant-play-distinctly-south-african-and-universal/

https://weekendspecial.co.za/bitter-winter-review-at-the-baxter/

Diplomacy isn’t just a career path, it’s a skill we can use in everyday life. That’s what Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat emphasized during Global Minnesota’s wide-ranging webinar discussion around his new book “The Art of Diplomacy,” available at local bookseller Magers and Quinn. Tapping into decades of experience and dozens of high-level interviews with diplomats, Ambassador Eizenstat provided insights into historic diplomatic breakthroughs, as well as a roadmap for future success. Star Tribune columnist John Rash moderated a compelling discussion featuring audience questions on topics such as the negotiations in Ukraine, the importance of non-state actors in diplomacy, rising tension on the India-Pakistan border, and the universal values of diplomacy that span across centuries.

This episode is a recording of a public event held on Thursday, April 24 at the Hennepin County Library in downtown Minneapolis. For the first time since COVID, Global Minnesota hosted our Great Decisions foreign policy conference on the topic India's Rising Influence. The event offered critical context on an important region of the world just as tensions flared once again between India and its neighbor Pakistan. Thanks to the generous support of the Foreign Policy Association for making this event possible.

This episode concludes our series on the 2025 Great Decisions Conference with a lively presentation on India’s foreign policy, the Quad alliance, and nuclear nonproliferation by local expert and RAND analyst Raymond Kuo.