Global Minnesota

Is using military force a viable foreign policy option for 2021 and beyond?

The Persian Gulf remains tense as the rivalry between the regional powers of Saudi Arabia and Iran continues. Tensions escalated in early 2020 as the United States began to intervene in the Gulf, launching an airstrike that killed two Iranian military commanders. What are the historical influences that have led to these tensions? What role, if any, should the United States play?

Global Conversations DIGITAL A Critical Discussion and Dialogue on US China Relations

The world is changing, and so is NATO, the transatlantic alliance. The NATO 2030 initiative is intended to ensure the alliance of nations remains ready to face tomorrow’s challenges. The next Summit of the allied leaders will take place on June 14 at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. At this meeting NATO leaders will make decisions on the substantive and forward-looking NATO 2030 agenda to deal with the expected challenges of Russia’s aggressive actions, the threat of terrorism, cyber attacks, emerging and disruptive technologies, the security impact of climate challenges, and the rise of China.

A few weeks ahead of the summit NATO speakers are virtually “touring” to  listen to America’s heartbeat and engage with citizens about climate change, security, and the prospects of a environmentally green defense. The program presented in cooperation with Global Minnesota will focus on climate and security.

Presented in partnership with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA).

The inauguration of Joe Biden as the next U.S. president will usher in a new era in foreign policy that will break dramatically from the priorities, tone, and style of the Trump Administration, with implications for trade, national security, alliances, and multilateral cooperation on global issues such as climate change, migration and COVID-19. Join us on January 13 – just one week before Inauguration Day – for a timely and thought-provoking presentation by Tom Hanson, former U.S. Foreign Service Officer and current Diplomat-in-Residence at the University of Minnesota Duluth. The program will be presented virtually and will include a Q&A session with Tom, moderated by Molly Hayes Baril, advisor for global engagement at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. About Tom Hanson Tom Hanson currently serves as Diplomat in Residence at the Alworth Institute for International Affairs at the University of Minnesota – Duluth. His U.S. Foreign Service postings included East Germany, France, Norway, the Soviet Union, Sweden, and the former Soviet Republic of Georgia. He also participated in the opening of new U.S. embassies in Mongolia and Estonia, worked on the Foreign Relations Committees of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, and served as director for NATO and European Affairs at the Atlantic Council of the United States in Washington, D.C. A member of Global Minnesota’s Great Decisions advisory committee, Tom speaks frequently on international issues and contributes to local and international media. He is also a board member of the Oslo Center for Peace and Human Rights, the International Leadership Program at the University of St. Thomas, and the Cultural Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Minnesota – Duluth. Tom holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota and graduate degrees from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy; the Institute of Advanced International Studies in Switzerland; and the National School of Administration in France.

• Claudia Romo Edelman, Founder/CEO, We Are All Human Foundation

• Phyllis Kurlander Costanza, Head, UBS in Society, CEO, UBS Optimus Foundation

• Leith Greenslade, Co-ordinator, Every Breath Counts Coalition

• Ali Diallo, Founder and General Partner, United Capital Group

• Geoff Martha, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Medtronic