Past events

University of Michigan’s African Studies Center (ASC) is holding a symposium titled “Sudan: In The Eye of the Storm” to encourage dialogues on the multifaceted challenges and opportunities facing the country of Sudan. The event is co-sponsored with the Weiser Diplomacy Center and the Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies

This roundtable is tailored to inspire and equip future policymakers with real-world insights into peacebuilding, resilience, and the practicalities of diplomatic work amidst conflict.

In the year since the Hamas attack on Israel, the deadly conflict has widened into crises beyond Gaza -- in the West Bank, Lebanon, and Yemen. Two experts with long experience in Middle East policymaking return to the Ford School for a substantive policy conversation about the conflict and the broader implications for the region, and the ways in which U.S. policy and policymakers are acting and reacting to the crises. This event is open to Ford School students, faculty, and staff, and will be streamed live and on-demand.

Join us for "International & Domestic Implications of Government Accountability: A Conversation with Inspector General Jay Lerner," where Lerner will discuss his career in government oversight and the vital role of Inspectors General in ensuring transparency and integrity in both domestic and international contexts. 

Join us for "Breakfast with Former Ambassadors," an event for policy students interested in diplomacy and international careers. Engage with experienced diplomats as they share insights from their ambassadorial roles and offer guidance for navigating a career in international affairs.

Join this year's Ambassadors' Forum for an in-depth look at the escalating crises in the Middle East and the critical questions surrounding the region’s stability and international involvement.

Join this year's Ambassadors' Forum for an in-depth look at the escalating crises in the Middle East and the critical questions surrounding the region’s stability and international involvement.

Dive into the key forces shaping the 2024 election and explore reforms that could strengthen democratic engagement for the future.

Dive into the key forces shaping the 2024 election and explore reforms that could strengthen democratic engagement for the future.

Sign up for a 15-minute individual session with E.J. Dionne Jr. from the Washington Post & the Brookings Institution!

Join the Weiser Diplomacy Center and Ford Career Services for an information session with Ken Roy, the Ford School’s Diplomat in Residence (DIR), a U.S. State Department Foreign Service Officer offering State Department career, internship, and fellowship information. 

Join us for an inside look at how the FBI is tackling the evolving threats to U.S. elections, from cyberattacks to terrorism. Deputy Director Abate will discuss the FBI's latest strategies and hard-earned lessons in defending democracy.

Unlock exclusive insights into the FBI's leadership with Deputy Director Paul Abbate! Discover his remarkable career in federal law enforcement, explore exciting career paths, and dive into the challenges and rewards of safeguarding national security.

This informal meet and greet will offer an insider's perspective on international diplomacy, career insights, and the evolving relationship between Sweden and the United States. Don't miss the chance to network and learn directly from a distinguished global leader.

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. 

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!

Meet representatives from our admissions team and learn more about the Ford School.

Meet current Ford BA students and learn more about their experiences in the Ford School.  

Meet representatives from our admissions team and learn more about the Ford School.

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.

Meet representatives from our admissions team and learn more about the Ford School.

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.