Anne Applebaum

Anne Applebaum is a distinguished historian and journalist, renowned for her critical analysis of totalitarian regimes and the challenges to democracy in the modern world. With a career spanning decades, Anne has delved deep into the complexities of authoritarianism, communism, and the resilience of democratic institutions while working as a senior fellow at the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins SAIS and as a staff writer for The Atlantic.

Anne’s commitment to truth and accountability extends beyond her work, as she actively engages in public discourse and advocacy efforts to safeguard democratic norms and institutions. Her unwavering dedication to the freedom of speech and the rule of law serves as a beacon of inspiration for activists and intellectuals alike. In recognition of her profound impact on the discourse surrounding democracy and human rights, Anne Applebaum has received numerous accolades and honors, solidifying her legacy as a leading voice in the fight against authoritarianism and the preservation of democratic principles.

Please join us on Wednesday, February 28th when the Foreign Affairs Symposium hosts Anne Applebaum from 7-8 PM in Mason Hall.

Event Link: https://cglink.me/2dh/r1944495

Dr. ellen Ochoa

Dr. Ellen Ochoa is a trailblazing figure in science, engineering, and space exploration, renowned for her groundbreaking achievements and leadership in aerospace technology. As the first Hispanic woman to travel to space, Ellen Ochoa made history aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1993, launching a career that would redefine possibilities for women and minorities in the STEM fields.

Beyond her remarkable feats in space, Ellen has been an unwavering advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM education and workforce development. As the director of NASA's Johnson Space Center, she championed initiatives to foster diversity and cultivate the next generation of scientific pioneers. Through her inspiring leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence, she has become a role model for aspiring scientists and a beacon of hope for marginalized communities seeking opportunities in the STEM fields. She is honored to have seven schools named for her and has been inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame and the National Academy of Engineering.

Please join us on Thursday, March 14th when the Foreign Affairs Symposium–in partnership with the Center for Diversity & Inclusion, the Chloe Center for the Critical Study of Racism, Immigration, and Colonialism, and the Maryland Space Grant Consortium–will host Ellen Ochoa from 7-8 PM in Shriver Hall.

Event Link: https://cglink.me/2dh/r1944496

Sportswashing Debate

From the most recent World Cup in Qatar to the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, Sportswashing–or the use of sports by political entities to improve their sullied reputations–has helped prove there are crucial political, militaristic, and economic aspects to sports. Dave Zirin, Rob Koehler, and Doug Bandow each offer their unique perspectives on this issue from the vantage points of the players themselves to the industry as a whole.

Dave Zirin is a pioneer in sports journalism born out of his progressive views concerning the intersection of politics and sports. Although his critiques of the for-profit sports industry are not unique to him, his refreshingly blunt opinions and refusal to shy away from controversy make him one of the most prominent writers in athletics as sports editor for The Nation. Moreover, Zirin highlights untold stories and disentangles contentious topics, linking them to societal and political trends. Through this, he is actively transforming sports discourse with his intimate focus on Sportswashing.

As Director General of Global Athlete, Rob Koehler is a tireless advocate for stronger athlete rights and just compensation. Koehler began his work in sports at the community level by encouraging greater athlete involvement and teaching young individuals about the merits of sports in the 1996 Olympic Games. Today, the international athlete-driven organization he leads has dedicated itself to addressing the power dynamics between athletes and administrators–whether with the International Olympic Council or the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Being one of the prominent voices advocating for athletes’ rights, Rob Koehler actively creates space for debate and undeniable change in the sports industry.

Doug Bandow is a senior fellow at the Cato Institute, specializing in foreign policy and civil liberties. He worked as a special assistant to President Ronald Reagan and editor of the political magazine Inquiry. He writes regularly for leading publications such as Fortune magazine, National Interest, the Wall Street Journal, and the Washington Times. In his free time, Doug speaks frequently at academic conferences, on college campuses, and to business groups and he has also been a regular commentator on ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC.

Please join us on Wednesday, March 27th when the Foreign Affairs Symposium will host Dave Zirin and Rob Koehler in partnership with the SNF Agora Institute Debate Initiative from 7-8 PM at the Glass Pavilion.

Event Link: https://cglink.me/2dh/r1944497

Chris Wallace

Chris Wallace is a highly respected American journalist and television anchor, known for his insightful interviews, unbiased analysis, and unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity. With a career spanning over five decades, Wallace has established himself as one of the foremost figures in broadcast journalism, earning widespread recognition for his rigorous reporting and moderate approach to coverage as a part of ABC, Fox News, and CNN. Notably, he has moderated debates in the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections and has conducted interviews with Obama, Trump, and Putin among other notable figures.

Throughout his career, Chris Wallace has remained steadfast in his commitment to journalistic principles, earning the respect of his peers, politicians, and audiences alike. His dedication to fairness, accuracy, and accountability serves as a guiding light in an era of rapidly evolving media landscapes and partisan divisions.

Please join us on Wednesday, April 17th when the Foreign Affairs Symposium–in partnership with the Aronson Center for International Studies, the International Studies Leadership Council, Hopkins Votes, the Alexander Grass Humanities Institute, and the Political Science Department/Political Science Steering Council–hosts Chris Wallace from 7-8 PM in Hodson 110.

Event Link: https://cglink.me/2dh/r1944499

Sen. ben cardin

Senator Ben Cardin has had a remarkable career in Congress as Maryland’s senior Senator since 2007. His political career dates back to 1966 when he was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates and later became the youngest Speaker in Maryland state history. He then was elected to the House of Representatives and Senate where he served Maryland at the federal level for over 37 years–with his service finally coming to an end this year at the conclusion of his current term.

Senator Cardin has served on a variety of committees throughout his political career, including the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee and the Senate Judiciary Committee. As a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee and the Environment & Public Works Committee, Cardin fought for the health of the Chesapeake Bay and other great water bodies and is a leading proponent of investing in improvements to America’s aging water infrastructure system alongside climate change protections.

Beyond domestic affairs, Senator Cardin spreads his advocacy for human rights and gender equality internationally. As Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he has worked across party lines to further U.S. national security and to ensure that good governance, transparency, and respect for human rights are integrated into American foreign policy. Furthermore, he has been a Commissioner on the U.S. Helsinki Commission since 1993, working to enhance global security through the promotion of human rights, democracy, and economic, environmental, and military cooperation.

Please join us on Thursday, May 2nd when the Foreign Affairs Symposium hosts Senator Cardin from 7-8 PM in Shriver Hall.

Event Link: https://cglink.me/2dh/r1947606