Global Minnesota

The Future of US-European RelationsTom Hanson, Diplomat in Residence, Alworth Institute, University of Minnesota-DuluthTom Hanson will explain the social, economic, and political forces driving the dramatic changestaking place in Europe and how these changes will affect the future of U.S.-European relations.

PROSPECTS FOR AFGHANISTAN AND PAKISTAN Major internal conflict has plagued Afghanistan for four decades. The U.S., for its part, has conducted military operations in the country nearly continuously since 9/11. Today, war with the Taliban persists, and tensions between the U.S. and Pakistan have gradually deteriorated. As his time in office drew to a close, President Obama limited further withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan. The incoming administration has a choice: will it maintain the status quo, completely reverse the Obama administration drawdown or withdraw completely? Does the U.S. face a no win situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan?

Dr. Manju Parikh is Professor Emerita of Political Science at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University.

Policies to ensure the security of energy supply and access have long been domestic and foreign policy priorities for the United States and will remain so, including for the health of our economy.  Looking ahead, however, two developments will increasingly affect how energy and foreign policy come together.  The first is climate change and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in concert with others.   A second is rapid change in global markets driven by new, large-scale consumers in China, India, and elsewhere and the rise of wind, solar, and other, increasingly cheap renewables.   How do these factors come together, and what will be the main areas of focus of US foreign energy policy in the years to come?

Hear Inter-American Dialogue President Michael Shifter speak about the challenges facing Latin America – including trade and economic development, security and drug policy, and international migration – and discuss the ways governments, organizations, and individuals throughout the region are working together to meet these pressing issues.

Moderator: John Rash, Star Tribune Editorial Writer and Columnist

Join us for the ever-popular annual U.S. Foreign Policy Update with Diplomat in Residence and former career Foreign Service Officer, Tom Hanson. In this podcast, Tom explores and explains the latest foreign policy developments, trends, and challenges facing the U.S. and next president in the upcoming year, including nuclear security, international trade, and U.S. relations with China and Latin America. This timely and thought-provoking presentation is recommended for anyone interested in international relations.

Tom Hanson’s U.S. Foreign Service postings included East Germany, France, Norway, the Soviet Union, Sweden, and the former Soviet Republic of Georgia. Currently, Tom serves as Diplomat in Residence at the University of Minnesota – Duluth and is a frequent Global Minnesota speaker. He is also a board member of the Oslo Center for Peace and Human Rights, U.S. Foundation.