Recap: ARW #10, April 10-11, 2025

The tenth annual

America's Role in the World Conference

The nonpartisan event convened diplomats, journalists, politicians and scholars to offer expert insight on critical global affairs topics 

April 10-11, 2025
Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies (Shreve Auditorium)
Bloomington, Indiana

The tenth annual conference included discussions on U.S. Global Engagement Strategies, A New Order in the Middle East, Global Journalism and Free Press, and Development Assistance in an Age of U.S. Retrenchment. Featured guests this year include foreign policy expert and diplomat Uzra Zeya, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Carl Bernstein, and Amb. (ret) Randall L. Tobias. The year’s conference will also include the first James T. Morris Humanitarian Award. Charles E. Owubah, chief executive officer of Action Against Hunger USA, has been named as the inaugural James T. Morris Humanitarian Award recipient.

Uzra Zeya, former Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights

Recorded Video: Day 1, Session 1

Recorded Video: Day 2, Session 1

Schedule

Guests

Alternative U.S. Grand Strategies

This panel brings together prominent scholars and practitioners to discuss a range of perspectives on the history and future of U.S. Grand Strategy at this time of global challenge and churn. Co-sponsored by the Center for the Study of Global Change and the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies.

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The Strategic Imperative for Human Rights: A Conversation with Uzra Zeya

Against a backdrop of global democratic recession and rising authoritarianism, the value of U.S. foreign assistance and public diplomacy in defense of freedom have come into question. Zeya will make the case for renewed bipartisan support for U.S. human rights leadership that delivers greater security, prosperity, and well-being for everyday Americans for generations to come. Co-sponsored by the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies.

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A New Order in the Middle East?

The Israel-Hamas war, Syria’s potential regime transition, and Iran’s waning influence are reshaping the region. As alliances shift and global powers compete for influence, what policy options and toolkits are available to Washington? This panel will explore the changing geopolitical landscape in the Middle East – from security commitments to diplomatic engagement to shifting alliances – and its implications for US policy. Co-sponsored by the Center for the Study of the Middle East, Inner Asian and Uralic National Resource Center, and the Arabic Language Flagship Program.

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Global Journalism & Free Press

Global journalism today faces significant challenges. Misinformation is on the rise. Public trust is declining. Crackdowns on press freedom are increasing. Understanding and confronting these challenges is essential to the survival of democracy. Based on their broad experience across the globe, our panel of experts will debate the issues and the way forward. Co-sponsored by the Byrnes Institute (REEI), the Inner Asian and Uralic National Resource Center, Dhar India Studies Program, Center for the Study of Global Change, and the Center for Languages of the Central Asian Region.

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Fireside Chat with Amb. (ret.) Randall L. Tobias

Recent changes suggest a major turn in the U.S. approach to international development—a domain in which the United States has long played a central role. Why is innovation in development aid important, for the United States and for the world? What strategic priorities should U.S. policy pursue, and how do these align with global needs? What are the main risks and possible benefits of restructuring U.S. foreign aid? Ambassador Randall Tobias, former head of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), will address these and other timely topics in a fireside chat with John Ciorciari, dean of the Hamilton Lugar School.

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Development Assistance in an Age of U.S. Retrenchment?

The United States has traditionally been the largest development assistance donor globally, but has recently sharply and suddenly ended many of its foreign aid efforts. This panel will discuss the likely implications for global health and human development outcomes, U.S. power, and global stability. Sponsored by the Randall L. and Deborah F. Tobias Center for Innovation in International Development.

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U.S. East Asia Strategy in the New Administration

Prof. Adam Liff, director of the 21st Century Japan Politics and Society Initiative, will lead a discussion to examine the major foreign policy challenges confronting the new administration in Asia, from trade and technology to supply chain resilience and military affairs. Co-sponsored by the 21st Century Japan Politics & Society Initiative, the Department of East Asian Languages & Cultures, the East Asian Studies Center, and the Chinese Language Flagship Program.

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James T. Morris Humanitarian Award, America’s Role in Addressing Global Hunger

An estimated 900 million people faced acute food insecurity in 2024, according to the United Nations. Conflict, a changing climate, and economic disruption have all contributed to unprecedented levels of global hunger. What roles have the U.S. government, civil society groups, and concerned individuals in the United States played in addressing food insecurity worldwide, and how can they best contribute going forward? Charles Owubah, CEO of Action Against Hunger USA, will address this pressing topic in conversation with Hamilton Lugar School Professor Jessica Steinberg. Dr. Owubah is an exemplary leader in addressing food insecurity, following in the footsteps of the late IU trustee and former World Food Program director Jim Morris, and is the inaugural recipient of the James T. Morris Humanitarian Award.

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Conference conveners

Rep. Lee Hamilton

Distinguished Scholar and Namesake, Hamilton Lugar School

Headshot photo of Lee Feinstein

Lee Feinstein

Founding Dean and Professor of International Studies, Hamilton Lugar School; former U.S. Ambassador to Poland

Headshot photo of John Ciorciari

John Ciorciari

Dean, Hamilton Lugar School

For more information

Event Contact:  Email Heather Duemling, Director of Events & Outreach / Special Assistant to the Dean

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