America and the Muddle East
1/9/13
Speaker: Mark Rosenblum

The Arab Spring Awakening is in the beginning of its third year. Between a raging civil war in Syria, Egypt in a showdown between the Muslim Brotherhood and Egyptian armed forces, the Saudi Arabian royal family facing a potential succession crisis, and Israel threatening a preemptive military strike against Iran, the Middle East is in historic flux. Professor Mark Rosenblum, Middle East expert, will explore America’s role in this emerging “Muddle East”.

Comparing Asian Economic Powerhouses: India, China and Japan
1/16/13
Speaker: Amb. Stapleton Roy

Amb. Stapleton Roy will compare the dramatic economic performances of China and India, and include the implications of their enhanced military prominence for all of Asia, noting the presence of Japan, the world’s third largest economy, and the psychological and policy adjustments that will be necessary for the United States.

Cyber - The Last Fontier
1/23/13
Speaker: Harvey Rishikof

Twenty-first century technology is straining our 20th century legal structure. Armed drones, the return of piracy and the capacity for 24/7/365 surveillance are redefining the concept of privacy. National security legal expert Harvey Rishikof will address the challenge these cutting edge technologies pose for our traditional legal system.

The Dangers of Demonization
1/30/13
Speaker: Amb. Donald Gregg

What do Ho Chi Minh, Saddam Hussein and Kim Jong Un have in common? They have all been demonized by U.S. foreign policy experts, who neither liked nor understood them, and filled their gaps of ignorance with prejudice. Amb. Donald Gregg will discuss the dangers of applying this unfortunate pattern thinking to North Korea.

Islam and Islamism in the 21st Century: Global Case Studies
2/6/13
Speaker: Hassan Mneimneh

Hassan Mneimneh addresses: What is the Muslim Brotherhood? Where did they come from and where will they take Egypt? He will focus on these issues and also the current status of other Islamist movements around the world.

Putin’s Worldview
2/13/13
Speaker: Dr. Robert Barylski

Dr. Robert Barylski explores if Russia can ever become a reliable Western ally. He will analyze what Russians are saying about their country’s place in world affairs, European and American problems, China’s power, and instability in the Muslim world.

Europe: Still Relevant?
2/20/13
Speaker: Dr. Daniel Hamilton

Dr. Daniel Hamilton addresses the question: How well is Europe positioned to deal with the competitive and highly connected G20 world? Dr. Daniel Hamilton explores whether Germany, Britain, France and their partners in the European Union are primed to be world-class players, or whether they have become complacent, fading powers, and what this may mean for Americans

The Role of Congress, the Executive and the Private Sector in Formulating National Policy
2/27/13
Speaker: Dr. Lawrence Korb

Dr. Lawrence Korb explains that while the President and his staff take the lead in developing national strategy, his policies are often influenced and modified by the Congress and the private sector. This session will analyze the role the President, the other executive officers, the Congress, and the private sector played in formulating national policy over the past four years.

Turkish/U.S. Relations after the Arab Spring
3/6/13
Speaker: Dr. Soner Cagaptay

Dr. Soner Cagaptay explains that Turkey’s relationship with the U.S. deteriorated after the Iraq war. However, the Arab Spring has improved the countries’ ties as Turkey’s interests once again became aligned with those of the U.S. Turkey’s policy toward Syria mirrored that of the U.S. and the increasing threat of Iran has also pushed Turkey more in line with U.S. policies.

The Power to Regulate: States vs. Federal Roles in Immigration Policy
3/13/13
Speaker: Muzaffar Chishti

Muzaffar Chishti explains that The Supreme Court struck down three of the four provisions in the Arizona immigration law but upheld the "show me your papers" provision. What are the wider implications of this ruling on other states' immigration policies? How do state and federal laws coexist today and what are the prospects for the future?

Nuclear Energy and the Future
3/20/13
Speaker: Dr. Steven Miller

Dr. Steven Miller discusses the Fukushima earthy quake that crippled one of Japan's key nuclear plants and the political aftershock that provoked a new debate about the future of nuclear power across the world. Despite Fukushima, it appears that nuclear power will spread more widely in the years to come. What are the implications of living in such a world?

Afghanistan and Pakistan: Two Sides of a Similar Conundrum
3/27/13
Speaker: Dr. Tom Gouttierre

Dr. Tom Gouttierre explains that Afghanistan and Pakistan are depicted as countries where an “iron veil” has descended upon women as a result of alleged Islamic policies. There is unending destruction and conflict that have prevented any real effort for reconstruction. The U.S. and other nations may be tempted to give up on them as hopeless causes. But we have learned much. The window for improvement is open.