Softening Sharp Divides: Foreign Policy in an Era of Domestic Division

Americans disagree on fundamental aspects of domestic and global affairs, but they are largely united behind the idea that America should play a leadership role in the world. What does this unity and division mean for making foreign policy decisions in a complex and interconnected world? A new major CSIS International Security Program report and public conference explore whether and how domestic political, geographic, racial, socio-economic, and other divisions impact U.S. national security and engagements abroad and identifies opportunities for cooperation.

The report argues that concerted U.S. international engagement is critical in a time of heightened geopolitical tension, increasingly assertive adversaries, and the lingering health and economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. The findings will help policymakers understand the scope of the divides and the opportunities for working together to bridge them, along with the need for leadership and outreach to a diverse set of domestic audiences.

Event Agenda:

2:00 pm: Welcome Remarks
Dr. Seth G. Jones, Senior Vice President, Harold Brown Chair, Director of the International Security Program, and Director of the Transnational Threats Project

2:15 pm: Report Findings
Presented by:
Mr. Erol Yayboke, Senior Fellow and Director, Project on Fragility and Mobility

2:30 pm: Panel Discussion
Moderated by:
Ms. Emily Harding, Senior Fellow and Deputy Director, International Security Program
With
Dr. Michael J. Green, Senior Vice President for Asia, Japan Chair, and Henry A. Kissinger Chair
Hon. William J. Lynn III, CEO of Leonardo/DRS
Ms. Nancy Youssef, National Security Correspondent, The Wall Street Journal

3:35 pm: Break

3:55 pm: Introductory Remarks
Dr. John J. Hamre, President and CEO of CSIS and Langone Chair in American Leadership

4:00 pm: Keynote Conversation
Moderated By:
Ms. Suzanne Spaulding, Senior Adviser for Homeland Security and Director of the Defending Democratic Institutions project.

With
Secretary William Cohen, former Secretary of Defense
Secretary Leon Panetta, former Secretary of Defense
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