
How to Balance Clashing Scholars' Academic Freedoms?
December 7 | 10:00-11:30 AM | 223 Philosophy Hall
The “I have academic freedom” claim may be problematic when it is adopted by two or more opposing scholars. Administrators, senior faculty, and judges may face the problem of handling such clashing scholars’ rights. In the talk, a three-tier process of assessing contradicting claims will be explored. Three weighting mechanisms will be introduced in order to assist in handling such cases. The theory will be put to the test with reference to real-life experiences.

Peter Feaver
November 30| 4:00-5:45PM| 223 Philosophy Hall
Please join the Alexander Hamilton Society in hosting Dr. Peter Feaver of Duke University and Dr. Ken Goldberg, William S. Floyd Jr. Distinguished Chair in Engineering at UC Berkeley, for a conversation on civil-military relations and Dr. Feaver's new book Thanks for Your Service: The Causes and Consequences of Public Confidence in the US Military.

We, the Data: Human Rights in the Digital Age
November 14|11:45AM-1:00PM| 223 Philosophy Hall
Wendy H. Wong studies global governance. She is particularly attentive to how non-state actors (e.g. nongovernmental organizations, civil society actors, social movements, corporations) govern at the global and domestic levels. Her areas of interest are emerging technologies like AI, Big Data, human rights, and humanitarian assistance.

Ahead of Biden-Xi's Talk: A Conversation With Hong Kong Advocate Anna Kwok
November 13|5:00-6:30PM|223 Philosophy Hall
In partnership with the Hong Kong Affairs Association of Berkeley (HKAAB) and the Hong Kong Democracy Council (HKDC), the Institute of International Studies (IIS) is co-sponsoring this event that delves into the core issues of U.S.-China relations, foreign policy, and human rights advocacy. Anna will shed light on how Hong Kongers can shape the decision-making process in Washington D.C., advocating for human rights and navigating the prevailing policy challenges and opportunities.

Resumes and Cover Letters Workshop
November 9 | 5:00-6:30PM | 223 Philosophy Hall
Trying to secure a job or internship? Trying to game AI resume-screeners? Hate writing cover letters? Our workshop will be led by an experienced peer advisors who will share their expertise and provide practical advice to help you create a standout resume and cover letter. Whether you're a freshman exploring career opportunities, a sophomore seeking internships, or a senior preparing for post-graduation job searches, this workshop is designed to cater to students at all stages of their academic journey.

Defending Democracy: In Conversation with Dr. Amy Gutmann
October 26 | 4:15-5:15PM| Banatao Auditorium
Amy Gutmann is an American academic and diplomat who has served as the United States Ambassador to Germany since 2022. Prior to this, she was the eighth President of the University of Pennsylvania, and her tenure as a President was the longest in the school’s history. Her leadership has been called transformational. She was committed to making Penn a global leader in teaching, research, and professional practice, and a force for social, economic, and civic progress.

Life as a Diplomat: A Career Talk with William Humnicky
October 26 | 5:00-6:00PM| 223 Philosophy Hall
Have you ever wondered what it means to be a diplomat? Join this IIS Career Talk with William Humnicky who served as a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State at the U.S. embassies in Nepal, Ukraine, Zimbabwe, and Sri Lanka. As a diplomat, he provided economic, environmental, human rights, and political analysis that was essential to policy making, built alliances that served as a multiplier to achieve strategic goals, and advised C-suite management, ambassadors, Members of Congress and the secretary of state on global strategic issues.

George W. Bush and the Invasion of Iraq
October 24|4:00-5:30PM|223 Philosophy Hall
This talk reassesses Bush’s role and motives for invading Iraq in March 2003. Using evidence from a unique set of interviews and from US, British, and Iraqi documents, Melvyn Leffler will discuss the role of fear, power, hubris, and dysfunction in US decision-making and will highlight the importance of Saddam Hussein’s agency and defiance. While stressing that Bush did not rush to war, he will illuminate why Bush’s coercive diplomacy failed and why his military occupation turned to tragedy.

Networking & Informational Interviews Workshop
October 19 | 5:00-6:00PM|223 Philosophy Hall
Interested in a career in international relations and diplomacy, but don't know where to start? IIS brings you a curated workshop covering not just the importance of networking, but how to go about it and reach out to industry professionals for more insight. Learn the strategies and techniques to build meaningful professional connections and expand your network. Discover the power of online and offline networking. Gain insights into the world of informational interviews and how they can help you explore career paths, gather industry knowledge, and secure job opportunities. Food will be provided for students during the workshop.

Never Forgotten: Sacred Promise to Bring Them Home
October 18 |4:00-5:30PM| 223 Philosophy Hall
Ever wonder what America is doing to bring home MIAs from past conflicts? Come learn how history, science and diplomacy intersect as the Defense Department works to bring thousands of heroes back to their families even decades later and fulfill our nation's promise to never leave an American behind.

Academic Freedom: Merit-Based Science is Effective & Fair' How Such a Banal Idea has Become Controversial
October 12 | 4:00-5:30PM| 223 Philosophy Hall
Anna Krylov is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Southern California. Her research group, the Krylov group, develops theoretical methods and state-of-the-art computer codes for treating electronically excited and open-shell species.

Academic Freedom: Current Challenges to Academic Freedom
September 19 | 4:00-5:30PM| 223 Philosophy Hall
Speaker Dr. Keith E. Whittington is William Nelson Cromwell Professor of Politics in the Department of Politics, Princeton University.