Bloomington Leader

The Indiana University Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies will host its tenth annual America's Role in the World conference on April 10-11, 2025. This nonpartisan event gathers diplomats, journalists, politicians, and scholars to discuss critical global issues amid rapid changes in international relations.

HLS Dean John Ciorciari emphasized the event's significance: “This signature event highlight’s our school’s ability to integrate international affairs and area studies while modeling civil discourse.” He noted the opportunity for students to interact with practitioners from various careers during these challenging times.

The conference will cover topics such as U.S. global engagement strategies, a new order in the Middle East, global journalism and free press, development assistance amid U.S. retrenchment, and U.S. Asia strategy under the new administration.

Featured speakers include Uzra Zeya, Carl Bernstein, and Randall L. Tobias. Zeya previously served as Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights from 2021-25. Bernstein is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist known for his work on the Watergate scandal alongside Bob Woodward. Tobias is a former chairman emeritus of Eli Lilly and Co., who launched PEPFAR under President George W. Bush.

Rick Van Kooten, Executive Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at IU, highlighted the conference's role in engaging students with leading experts on foreign policy issues: “Further, it reflects both the power of and the College’s deep commitment to a liberal arts and sciences education.”

Additionally, this year's conference will introduce the James T. Morris Humanitarian Award in memory of the late Indiana University Trustee.

The public can attend with advanced registration recommended via the ARW website.