The Ford School is pleased to present U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink for the 6th annual Arthur Vandenberg Lecture. Ambassador Brink will give brief remarks on the situation in Ukraine as it enters its third year of war with Russia, followed by a conversation with Weiser Diplomacy Center Director Susan D. Page.
Democracy around the world is both robust -- two billion people will be able to cast a ballot in 2924 -- and fragile, as threats to the voting process, to the structures of democratic society, and to the voters themselves afflict many nations.
Betty Ford Classroom (Room 1110)
Joan & Sanford Weill Hall
Join us for a fireside chat with Charles Luftig, Deputy Director for National Intelligence Policy and Capabilities, as we commemorate the 20-year anniversary of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (IRTPA). Moderated by Javed Ali, this conversation will explore current intelligence and envision a future shaped by advances in technology like open source intelligence, social media, artificial intelligence, and language learning models.
Meet Charles Luftig, a UM alumnus, and explore his background in policy and law, including his career roles at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, Office of Management and Budget, U.S. Department of Justice, and National Security Council.
The Weiser Diplomacy Center is thrilled to welcome Dr. Vera Songwe. With a wealth of experience spanning prestigious institutions such as the World Bank, International Finance Corporation, United Nations, Federal Reserve Bank of Minnesota, and the Brookings Institution, Dr. Songwe brings unparalleled expertise to the Ford School. Her accolades include being honored as the African Icon of the Year in 2022 by the African Bankers Association, recognition among the '100 Most Influential Africans' by Jeune Afrique in 2021, and inclusion in Forbes Magazine's list of the top 50 most influential African Women in 2019. Additionally, she was recognized by the Financial Times as one of the 25 Africans to watch.
Former United Nations Under-Secretary General and the Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), will join us to discuss the intricate relationship between health equity and economic resilience in Africa. Dr. Songwe's insights will highlight Africa's role in global power dynamics and strategies for asserting its agency amid evolving economic landscapes.
Come meet Marc Sommers, a University of Michigan alum and an award-winning writer with extensive field experience in 22 countries!With over three decades of field experience in 22 war-affected nations, Marc brings a wealth of insight to the table. His efforts span a range of critical issues including youth, conflict, education, gender, systemic exclusion, and violent extremism. Join us for a breakfast and conversation Open House where Marc will share his remarkable journey with Ford students!
Exploring the heart of conflict: Join our discussion with Ambassador Susan Page and Professor Yazier Henry to uncover the underlying reasons driving discord. Gain valuable insights to deepen your understanding, approach conflicts more effectively and explore strategies for promoting peace and resolution.
Meet Mark Jacobson, a seasoned veteran who has made significant contributions to NATO, the Senate Committee on Armed Services, and held key roles at the Department of Defense. Mark's journey spans academia and military service.
Discover the captivating journey of President Zelensky's former press secretary and a globally acclaimed journalist. Uncover the behind-the-scenes stories of her impactful work in Ukraine and the dynamic world of journalism!
The International Policy Center (IPC) is hosting this workshop as part of its Aid & Development series. At Aid & Development events, students build practical skills for future international development careers.
POSTPONED: the hosts are working to reschedule this event.
Please join the Nam Center for Korean Studies and the Weiser Diplomacy Center as we welcome distinguished diplomats from two countries to the University of Michigan.
Join for a joint discussion hosted by the Weiser Diplomacy Center at the University of Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy and the American Academy of Diplomacy with four former senior diplomats on the opportunities and challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The Weiser Diplomacy Center will host a policy simulation at the Ford School this fall. In this exercise, students will learn about the crisis in Cyprus and be tasked with using diplomacy to address a variety of urgent issues in this scenario.
The Weiser Diplomacy Center will host a policy simulation at the Ford School this fall. In this exercise, students will learn about the crisis in Cyprus and be tasked with using diplomacy to address a variety of urgent issues in this scenario.
Learn more about PubPol 480, an advanced undergraduate seminar that challenges public policy majors to consider how policy issues are framed and addressed in a non-U.S. context.
Join the Weiser Diplomacy Center for an information session with Lou Fintor, the Ford School’s Diplomat in Residence, a U.S. State Department Foreign Service Officer offering State Department career, internship, and fellowship information.
Join Brent McIntosh, UM alumna and former Under Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs for a discussion of the power, limits, and risks of economic sanctions as a tool of U.S. statecraft and the evolution of institutions of global financial coordination.
Policy Talks @ the Ford School,
Vandenberg Lecture
The Ford School is pleased to present Ambassador Julianne Smith, U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO, for the 5th annnual Arthur Vandenberg Lecture: "NATO today: Confronting the crisis in Ukraine and adapting to meet global challenges"
This panel will analyze historical and contemporary instances of sexual violence by state and non-state actors amid armed conflict in South Asia, and discuss some policy and diplomacy tools for violence prevention.
This is the third workshop of IPC’s "Aid & Development" series. At "Aid & Development" events, students build practical skills for future international development careers.
Drawing on unprecedented access to all six surviving members of Team Alpha - the first Americans behind enemy lines in Afghanistan after the 9/11 terrorist attacks of 2001 - Harnden tells the story of how the CIA and Green Berets infiltrated into the mountains of northern Afghanistan in a mission reminiscent of the OSS in World War II.
Join the Weiser Center for Europe and Eurasia for a conversation with Ukrainian-born retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, former Director for European Affairs for the United States National Security Council. We'll examine the current state of the war and its impacts on the Ukrainian people; the implications for global security; and prospects for peace and rebuilding.
