Please note: This course usually fills quickly-register as soon as possible to reserve your spot.
Speakers and topics reflect current issues and dilemmas. This year, topics for discussion include (among others):
- Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Taliban and Al Qaeda
- China
- Cyber Security
- Energy Security
- The Israeli-Palestinian Crisis
- The Middle East
- Treasury's Growing Role in U.S. National Security Policy
- U.S. Defense Policy
- U.S. National Security Grand Strategy
- U.S. Nuclear Non-Proliferation Strategy and Arms Control
- U.S.-Russia Relations
Confirmed speakers for 2009 include: - Senator Carl Levin, (D-MI), Chairman, Armed Services Committee, U.S. Senate
- David Ignatius, Columnist for the Washington Post
- Ambassador Maen Rashid Areikat, PLO Representative to the United States
- Michael O'Hanlon; Senior Fellow and Director of Research, Foreign Policy Studies, Brookings Institution
- Bruce Riedel, Senior Fellow, Saban Center for Middle East Policy and Foreign Policy Studies, Brookings Institution; former Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Near East and South Asian Affairs; author of The Search for Al Qaeda
- Major General Robert Scales, former Commandant, Army War College
- Alex Thier, Director for Afghanistan and Pakistan, US Institute of Peace; author of The Future of Afghanistan
Invited speakers for 2009 include:
- Husain Haqqani, Pakistani Ambassador to the United States
- Ambassador Martin Indyk, Director and Vice President, Foreign Policy Studies, Brookings Institution; former U.S. Ambassador to Israel and Assistant Secretary of State for Near East and North African Affairs
- Stuart Levey, Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence
- Kenneth Lieberthal, Director, John Thornton program on China, Brookings Institution; former Special Assistant to President Clinton for National Security Affairs and Senior Director, National Security Council
- Deputy Secretary Jane Holl Lute, Department of Homeland Security; former Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations for Mission Support, Department of Peacekeeping Operations, United Nations (possible)
- Michael Nacht, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Global Strategic Affairs, Department of Defense (likely)
- Strobe Talbott, President, Brookings Institution; former Deputy Secretary of State; former Special Ambassador for Soviet Union and Russia
Program Benefits
- A behind the scenes view of U.S. national security issues
- Ability to forecast threats and likely policy options
- Networking opportunities with key decision-makers
Related Courses
The Middle East: Political, Economic and Social Challenges
The United States and Europe: Issues and Challenges
OPM Competencies
- External awareness
- Political savvy
- Strategic awareness
Praise for this Program
"This seminar was a remarkable collection of articulate experts on critical subjects related to national security. Providing insights on redefining national security in light of new international reality, and the challenges the U.S. faces in addressing relatively new developments that threaten the U.S. and its world leadership."
-Earle Scarlett, Senior Advisor, International Affairs to the Air University Commander, Air War College
"U.S. National Security Policy Issues presented credible speakers with thought-provoking ideas and succinct recommendations. The concepts presented and materials provided will directly contribute to my ability to confidently engage in the strategic planning and decision-making of my organization."
-Christina Adams, Corporate Communications Officer, Joint Warfare Analysis Center