Weiser Diplomacy Center

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 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.

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. 

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.

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 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"

Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former president of Poland visits the University of Michigan to speak on the global impact of Russia's war on Ukraine.

Center for Strategic Leadership at the U.S. Army War College will host a policy simulation at the Ford School this fall. In this exercise, students will learn about the competition in the Arctic region and be tasked with using diplomacy to address a variety of urgent issues.

Representative Elissa Slotkin of Michigan's 8th district joins the Ford School for a special event, in partnership with Lieberthal-Rogel Center for Chinese Studies (LRCCS).

Join us for a special pair of discussions on foreign policy priorities and global challenges with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Senator Chris Coons (D-DE), facilitated by Ford School Dean Michael Barr.   

The 2022 North American Colloquium—on nationalism and extremism in North America—is a collaborative venture between the Autonomous National University of Mexico, University of Toronto, and University of Michigan. 

An epic account of the Navy SEALs of Alpha platoon, the startling accusations against their chief, Eddie Gallagher, and the courtroom battle that exposed the dark underbelly of America’s special forces–from a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter.

Gay McDougall and Jamil Dakwar will join Professor John Ciorciari in conversation as part of a virtual series on the historical roots and impact of race shaping public policy in the global context.

Two Parents Circle-Families Forum members—an Israeli and a Palestinian—will join us to tell their personal stories of bereavement and explain their choice to engage in dialogue instead of revenge.

Dr. Kelebogile Zvobgo will join Professor John Ciorciari in conversation as part of a virtual series on the historical roots and impact of race shaping public policy in the global context.

The fourth webinar of the North American colloquium will discuss new approaches to countering nationalist extremism in North America.

Dr. Bama Athreya is an expert on international labor issues, gender and social inclusion, business and human rights and will run a student workshop style discussion on using trade to address forced labor worldwide.

Defense Intelligence Senior Executive Service (Retired) Colonel James T. (Tom) Faust will reflect on his career in the military and civilian service.

The heyday of the human rights movement—the 1990s—is well behind us. At its peak, the human rights movement was the most captivating ideology of its time. 

National Museum of American Diplomacy and the Weiser Diplomacy Center will host a virtual simulation for all Ford School students focused on an international migration crisis.

This session will discuss the current landscape of threats posed by extreme forms of nationalism in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

This panel discusses how nationalism and extremism pose mounting challenges around the world, including in North America.

An expert panel will explore elements of U.S.-China relationship in 2021. Ambassador Gerald Feierstein will moderate conversation with Ambassadors Sylvia Stanfield, Craig Allen, and David Shear. 

Amid continuing uncertainties around the U.S. retreat from Afghanistan, journalists Robin Wright and Jawad Sukhanyar will give their perspectives on the evolving situation, in conversation with Lynette Clemetson, Director of Wallace House.