Young Professionals Briefing Series | Council on Foreign Relations

Young Professionals Briefing: Artificial Intelligence and the Economy—How Cities are Embracing New Technologies

Panelists reflect on how the digital transformation is reshaping the economy and how cities like New York can embrace new technologies, like artificial intelligence, to foster economic growth. Please note that speakers are appearing in their personal capacities.

Virtual Event with Jiahao Chen, Joni Kletter and Kat Duffy March 20, 2024 Digital and Cyberspace Policy Program

Terrorism and Counterterrorism

Young Professionals Briefing: What to Worry About in 2024

Panelists discuss potential and ongoing crises that may erupt or escalate in 2024, as well as their global political implications. This event will explore the results of CFR’s 2024 Preventive Priorities Survey.

Virtual Event with Courtney Cooper, Elizabeth M. Hoffman, Paul B. Stares and Ali Wyne January 16, 2024 Center for Preventive Action

Intelligence

Young Professionals Briefing: Pathways to Service in the Intelligence Community

Panelists discuss their distinguished careers in intelligence and offer advice to young professionals interested in or already pursuing a career in the intelligence space, as well as the challenges confronting the field on federal and local levels.

Virtual Event with Yael Eisenstat, Rebecca U. Weiner and Jacob Ware November 28, 2023 National Security and Defense Program

Saudi Arabia

Young Professionals Briefing Series: Investing in the Game: Is it Sportswashing?

Panelists discuss the unprecedented investment in international sports by Gulf nations, the phenomenon of “sportswashing” in the region, and the political, economic, and human rights implications of those campaigns.

Virtual Event with Sarah Yager, Karen E. Young and Elise Labott September 6, 2023

Iran

Young Professionals Briefing: After the Protests: Human Rights in Iran

Panelists discuss the implications of the recent human rights protests in Iran for the nation’s domestic political regime, U.S.-Iran relations, and the wider Middle East geopolitical landscape. The CFR Young Professionals Briefing Series provides an opportunity for those early in their careers to engage with CFR. The briefings feature remarks by experts on critical global issues and lessons learned in their careers. These events are intended for individuals who have completed their undergraduate studies and have not yet reached the age of thirty to be eligible for CFR term membership.

Virtual Event with Nazanin Boniadi, Suzanne Kianpour, Alex Vatanka and Henry Rome April 10, 2023

Americas

Young Professionals Briefing Series: Corporate Social Responsibility and Development Around the World

Panelists discuss the role of the private sector in promoting social responsibility, development, and change at scale around the world. The CFR Young Professionals Briefing Series provides an opportunity for those early in their careers to engage with CFR. The briefings feature remarks by experts on critical global issues and lessons learned in their careers. These events are intended for individuals who have completed their undergraduate studies and have not yet reached the age of thirty to be eligible for CFR term membership.

Virtual Event with Boris Bulayev, Ella R. Gudwin, Bhakti V. Mirchandani and Jove R. Oliver February 21, 2023

United States

Young Professionals Briefing: The State of the U.S. Armed Forces in 2023

CFR’s Military Fellows discuss the state of the U.S. armed forces, including defense priorities for 2023, U.S. deterrence in the face of escalating geopolitical tensions, military recruitment and retention efforts, and other non-combat operations. The CFR Young Professionals Briefing Series provides an opportunity for those early in their careers to engage with CFR. The briefings feature remarks by experts on critical global issues and lessons learned in their careers. These events are intended for individuals who have completed their undergraduate studies and have not yet reached the age of thirty to be eligible for CFR term membership.

Virtual Event with Christa N. Almonte, Timothy J. MacDonald, Jeffrey K. Randall, Erin M. Staine-Pyne, Alison J. Thompson and Jennifer E. Kavanagh January 23, 2023

Southeast Asia

Walking Through the Middle Kingdom: A Journey Out of Eden with Paul Salopek

Join our panelists for a discussion on Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Paul Salopek’s decade-long journey on foot around the world—from the Horn of Africa through the Middle East and Southeast Asia and finally to China—and his experiences traveling to and reporting in the Middle Kingdom.

Virtual Event with David Pond, Paul Salopek and Maureen M. Trantham December 1, 2022

Middle East and North Africa

Young Professionals Briefing Series: The Threat of Terror at Home and Abroad

Our panelists discuss U.S. counterterrorism policy, including the current terror threat landscape in the Middle East and Africa, the growth of domestic terrorism, and the ability of the United States to address threats at home and abroad. The CFR Young Professionals Briefing Series provides an opportunity for those early in their careers to engage with CFR. The briefings feature remarks by experts on critical global issues and lessons learned in their careers. These events are intended for individuals who have completed their undergraduate studies and have not yet reached the age of thirty to be eligible for CFR term membership.

Virtual Event with Bruce Hoffman, Katherine Zimmerman and Mona Yacoubian September 6, 2022

United States

Young Professionals Briefing Series: Defense Innovation for the Twenty-First Century

Our panelists discuss the future of defense innovation, the efficacy of public-private partnerships in informing U.S. national security and technology policy, and the future of AI, quantum computing, and cyber in warfare. The CFR Young Professionals Briefing Series provides an opportunity for those early in their careers to engage with CFR. The briefings feature remarks by experts on critical global issues and lessons learned in their careers. These events are intended for individuals who have completed their undergraduate studies and have not yet reached the age of thirty to be eligible for CFR term membership.

Virtual Event with Lauren Kahn, Joshua Marcuse and Myles B. Caggins III June 29, 2022 Digital and Cyberspace Policy Program

Global Governance

Young Professionals Briefing Series: Securing Europe—NATO Then and Now

Our panelists discuss the history of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), its expansion from twelve to thirty countries, its evolving mission in the post-Cold War world, as well as the alliance’s role and influence in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The CFR Young Professionals Briefing Series provides an opportunity for those early in their careers to engage with CFR. The briefings feature remarks by experts on critical global issues and lessons learned in their careers. These events are intended for individuals who have completed their undergraduate studies and have not yet reached the age of thirty to be eligible for CFR term membership.

Virtual Event with Heidi Hardt, Seth A. Johnston, Claire P. Kaiser and Elmira Bayrasli March 29, 2022

Wars and Conflict

U.S.-Russia Relations—What's at Stake?

Panelists discuss the geopolitical implications of the crisis in Ukraine, its consequences for the region, and how it will affect the trajectory of the U.S.-Russia relationship.

Virtual Event with Emma M. Ashford, Alex T. Johnson, Chris Miller and David Salvo February 28, 2022

China

Young Professionals Briefing: Navigating Increasing Tensions Between China and Taiwan

Panelists discuss the state of China-Taiwan relations, U.S. interests in the Taiwan Strait, and the potential for increased tensions to escalate into open conflict. The CFR Young Professionals Briefing Series provides an opportunity for those early in their careers to engage with CFR. The briefings feature remarks by experts on critical global issues and lessons learned in their careers. These events are intended for individuals who have completed their undergraduate studies and have not yet reached the age of thirty to be eligible for CFR term membership.

Virtual Event with David Sacks, Yun Sun and Nancy Yao January 11, 2022 Asia Program

Democracy

Young Professionals Briefing: The Future of Democracy Around the World

Panelists discuss democratic backsliding, the rights of marginalized populations living under authoritarian regimes, and the prospects for and obstacles against democratic movements around the world. The CFR Young Professionals Briefing Series provides an opportunity for those early in their careers to engage with CFR. The briefings feature remarks by experts on critical global issues and lessons learned in their careers. These events are intended for individuals who have completed their undergraduate studies and have not yet reached the age of thirty to be eligible for CFR term membership. Please note only U.S. citizens are eligible for CFR membership.

Virtual Event with Yascha Mounk, Radhika Prabhu, Kehinde A. Togun and Delphine Schrank October 5, 2021

Afghanistan

Young Professionals Briefing: The Future of Afghanistan

Panelists discuss the Biden administration’s decision to withdraw all U.S. troops from Afghanistan by September and its implications for the future of the country. The CFR Young Professionals Briefing Series provides an opportunity for those early in their careers to engage with CFR. The briefings feature remarks by experts on critical global issues and lessons learned in their careers. These events are intended for individuals who have completed their undergraduate studies and have not yet reached the age of thirty to be eligible for CFR term membership. Please note only U.S. citizens are eligible for CFR membership.

Virtual Event with Max Boot, Gayle Tzemach Lemmon and Tammy S. Schultz June 2, 2021 National Security and Defense Program

Venezuela

Young Professionals Briefing: Venezuela in Crisis

Panelists discuss the situation in Venezuela, including the country’s domestic political, economic, and humanitarian situation, and the possible policy options for the United States. The CFR Young Professionals Briefing Series provides an opportunity for those early in their careers to engage with CFR. The briefings feature remarks by experts on critical global issues and lessons learned in their careers. These events are intended for individuals who have completed their undergraduate studies and have not yet reached the age of thirty to be eligible for CFR term membership. Please note only U.S. citizens are eligible for CFR membership.

Virtual Event with Paul J. Angelo, Benjamin N. Gedan, Fabiana S. Perera and Kendra L. Gaither October 12, 2020 Latin America Studies Program

Climate Change

Adapting to Climate Change

The effects of climate change, from higher temperatures, extreme rainfall, and stronger storms, have harmed communities across the globe, and will continue to cause significant damage if we fail to prepare for the consequences. In this meeting, panelists discuss climate change adaptation and the solutions being deployed to mitigate its effects.

Event with Carolyn Kissane, Evan S. Michelson and Damian M. Bednarz November 25, 2019

Climate Change

Adapting to Climate Change

The effects of climate change, such as higher temperatures, extreme rainfall, and stronger storms, have harmed communities across the globe and will continue to cause significant damage if we fail to prepare for the consequences. In this meeting, panelists discuss climate change adaptation and the solutions being deployed to mitigate its effects.

Event with Glenn T. Prickett, Kristin Rechberger and Genevieve E. Maricle November 7, 2019

Defense and Security

Combating Radicalization and Violent Extremism in Our Communities

Despite spending billions of dollars in the fight against terrorism, extremist groups are still able to wreak havoc on local communities. Panelist discuss how to utilize a diverse stakeholder group of diplomats, corporate leaders, mental health experts, social scientists, entrepreneurs, local communities, and, most of all, global youth themselves to combat violent extremism.

Event with Farah Pandith and Astri K. Van Dyke June 17, 2019

Politics and Government

War Reporting—Experiences From the Front Lines

Three of CFR’s Edward R. Murrow Press Fellows and veteran foreign correspondents discuss their experiences reporting from the front lines, including the dangers of working in conflict zones and the importance of investigative journalism.

Event with Anne E. Barnard, Ned Parker and Marcia Biggs February 4, 2019

Cybersecurity

Mitigating Cybercrime Threats: Global Efforts to Clean Up the Internet

Botnets are groups of computers infected with malicious software often used for crime. They can propagate spam, send phishing emails, impersonate users, among other things, and can cost the economy billions of dollars each year. In this meeting, panelists discuss how technology makers, internet service providers, cybersecurity companies, and law enforcement can work together across the globe to eliminate the existence of botnets.

Event with Jason Healey, Robert K. Knake and Iris Lan January 17, 2019