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In a world struggling with social polarization and conflict, strengthening social cohesion, and building peace, requires learning lessons and carefully crafted approaches. What works to renew trust and foster peace in the wake of polarization and conflict? This timely lunchtime panel features the experiences and insights of leading practitioners who have mediated social differences through community-based approaches in Northern Ireland and in a myriad of other settings around the world.
The conversation will be moderated by Korbel professor Tim Sisk. Following the discussion, we will have an open audience Q&A. This event is open to students, faculty, staff, and DU community members. We hope to see you there!
We invite you to join us for the Anschutz National Security Lecture Series, where we'll host a timely conversation with Michael O'Hanlon of the Brookings Institution. Drawing on insights from his latest book, To Dare Mighty Things: U.S. Defense Strategy Since the Revolution, O’Hanlon will explore the evolution of U.S. defense strategy — from its historical foundations to today’s complex global landscape — and assess what lies ahead for American national security. With a regional lens, the discussion will also highlight Colorado’s contributions to national defense.
Korbel Professor Rachel Epstein will moderate the conversation, which will be followed by audience Q&A. Doors open at 5:15, and programming begins at 5:30.
Dr. O'Hanlon's book is available here: https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300279931/to-dare-mighty-things/
About Michael O'Hanlon
Dr. Michael O’Hanlon is the Philip H. Knight Chair in Defense and Strategy and director of research in the Foreign Policy program at the Brookings Institution, where he specializes in U.S. defense strategy and budgets, the use of military force, and American national security policy. He is a senior fellow and directs the Strobe Talbott Center on Security, Strategy, and Technology. He co-directs the Africa Security Initiative as well. He is an adjunct professor at Georgetown University and Columbia University and was a member of the Pentagon’s Defense Policy Board from 2021 to 2025; he was also a member of the external advisory board at the Central Intelligence Agency from 2011-12. His newest book, timed to coincide with the nation’s 250th birthday, is “To Dare Mighty Things: U.S. Defense Strategy Since the Revolution” (Yale Press, 2026). In 2023, O’Hanlon published a book titled “Military History for the Modern Strategist: America’s Major Wars since 1861.” His articles have appeared in Foreign Affairs, The National Interest, Survival, Washington Quarterly, Joint Forces Quarterly, and International Security, among other publications; he has also written hundreds of op-eds in major newspapers. Recent articles include a detailed analysis of the U.S. defense budget, a military assessment of a possible Chinese blockade of Taiwan, and a proposal with Georgetown Professor Lise Howard for a new security architecture for eastern Europe. O’Hanlon has appeared on television or spoken on the radio more than 4,000 times since September 11, 2001.
The Colorado Sun’s politics team will sit down with some of the state lawmakers and discuss the 2026 Legislative Session, what were some of the challenges, what were the successes, and we’ll ask the speakers your questions.
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for attendees
Colorado Sun elections editor Jesse Paul will lead the conversations.
Speakers include:
More speakers to be announced!
This event is presented by AARP Colorado, and sponsored by Aponte & Busam Public Affairs Consultants, Advanced Energy United and Western Resource Advocates.
Join us for a fascinating fireside chat with Dr. A. Dirk Moses, Anne and Bernard Spitzer Professor of International Relations, City College of New York, and editor of the Journal of Genocide Studies. Following his remarks, Korbel Prof. Marie Berry will moderate a conversation with Dr. Moses and Dr. Simon Maghakyan, University of Oxford Associate and Colorado College Visiting Professor.
Refreshments will be provided.
This event is presented by the Sié Chéou-Kang Center for International Security and Diplomacy in partnership with Armenians of Colorado.
Please join us as we recap an international meeting of experts reflecting on the ethical dilemmas surrounding the scramble for critical minerals to meet the clean energy transition. Building on our own research as well as those of our participants studying China, the US, and European investment in mining in Southeast Asia, Latin America and Africa, we will discuss 1) geopolitical dynamics, material requirements, and different visions of a sustainable future; 2) communities, strategies, and democracy around extractive industry expansion; and 3) opportunities and challenges moving forward.
Speakers: Deborah Avant, Devin Finn, Linda Mendez-Barrientos, and Tricia Olsen. Read their bios here.
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Colorado SunFest 2026, hosted by The Colorado Sun at the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs will be a daylong event bringing Coloradans together to discuss what makes A Better Colorado on Friday, May 1.
Whether the conversation is centered on politics, outdoors, environment or education, all Coloradans have a say in how to make this great state even better.
Students are eligible for discounted tickets!
Colorado SunFest 2026
Join us for Colorado SunFest 2026, a full-day event bringing together journalists, community leaders, and engaged Coloradans for compelling conversations and meaningful connections. General admission includes access to all sessions — including a featured Keynote conversation — plus breakfast, lunch, all-day coffee and tea, a sponsor tote bag, and access to the Networking Lounge.
Registration is through The Colorado Sun. Discounted tickets are available for students and Colorado Sun members.
Member & Group Discounts:
Colorado Sun members save $40 - email [email protected] to confirm your membership, or [email protected] to receive your discount code.
Groups of 6 or more save 20% with promo code SF2026Group.
Nonprofits receive 15% off with promo code SF2026Nonprofit (use your organization's email at checkout).
[Register now through The Colorado Sun → https://coloradosun.com/colorado-sunfest/]
The Sustainable Development in Africa Conference convenes academics and cultural leaders to address pressing African challenges and opportunities. This year's theme is Reimagining Africa's Future Through Democracy, Economic Growth, and Youth Innovation.
This conference is presented by the Africa Center and Students for Africa group at the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs.
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We invite you to join the Center for Middle East Studies (CMES) at the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs for an evening of discussion, featuring Faysal Itani, senior fellow at the New Lines Institute. The discussion will examine Lebanon’s ongoing political and economic crisis alongside broader post-war regional dynamics, including rising U.S.-Iran tensions and their implications for Lebanon and the wider Middle East.
The Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs invites you to a special screening of Lithium Rising: The Race for Critical Minerals, a Bertelsmann Foundation documentary.
Lithium Rising is a cinematic journey through the global race for critical minerals—the metals powering our green transition. Filmed across five continents, the documentary explores how the drive to decarbonize has sparked fierce geopolitical competition while imposing steep costs on vulnerable communities at the frontlines of extraction.
From the salt flats of the Andean highlands to the cobalt pits of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the film meets miners, Indigenous leaders, industry executives, and policymakers navigating the promises and perils of this new resource boom. Whether it is water scarcity threatening communities in the Atacama desert or tribal sovereignty and land-use disputes in Nevada, the film reveals how the quest for a greener future risks repeating the extractive injustices of the past.
With intimate access and sweeping visuals, the film asks: Who benefits from the green boom—and who gets left behind?
Join us on February 25 for the screening, followed by a discussion with director Samuel George and special guests.
We're looking forward to welcoming you for a screening of the 1-hour film, followed by discussion and Q&A. Light refreshments will be served--RSVP today!
Doors will open at 5:45pm with introductions and the film beginning at 6:15pm.
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