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 presenters for 2009 include: - David Ignatius, Columnist for the Washington Post
- Senator Carl Levin, D-Mich.), Chairman, Senate Armed Services Committee
- Strobe Talbott, President, Brookings Institution; former Deputy Secretary of State; former Special Ambassador for the Soviet Union and Russia
Additional confirmed presenters include:
- Ambassador Maen Rashid Areikat, PLO Representative to the United States
- David Cohen, Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorist Financing
- Erica Downs, China Energy Fellow, John L. Thornton China Center, Brookings Institution
- Harry Harding, Inaugural Dean, Frank Batten Sr. School of Leadership and Public Policy, University of Virginia; author of "Organizing China," "A Fragile Relationship: the United States and China Since 1972," and "China’s Second Revolution: Reform After Mao"
- Fiona Hill, Director and Senior Scholar, Center on US and Europe, Brookings Institution; former National Intelligence Officer for Russia
- Michael O'Hanlon; Senior Fellow and Director of Research, Foreign Policy Studies, Brookings Institution
- James Lewis, Director and Senior Fellow, Technology and Public Policy Program, Center for Strategic and International Studies
- Michael Nacht, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Global Strategic Affairs, Department of Defense
- 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
- Qubad Jalal Talabany, Representative of the Kurdistan Regional Government to the U.S
- Alex Thier, Director for Afghanistan and Pakistan, US Institute of Peace; author of "The Future of Afghanistan"
Invited speakers for 2009 include:
- 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)
- Meera Shankar, Indian Ambassador to the United States
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