Events for the upcoming semester!
"Bending" Institutions to Meet the Moment: Reimagining Asia's Role in the G7
September 5 | 4:00PM | 223 Philosophy Hall
Unprecedented challenges from geopolitical rivalry, emerging technology, and autocratic bloc formation have rendered ineffective many of the traditional institutions of regional and global governance including the UN, WTO, and G20. The mandate is not to create new institutions but to “bend” existing ones to meet the moment. The G7 is the only viable institution of like-minded partners to support the rules-based international order. However, reforms are necessary for the grouping to take on this task, including an expanded role for industrialized Asian democracies.
IIS Student Reception
September 17 | 2:00PM | 223 Philosophy Hall
Please join us on September 17th from 2:00-3:00pm at 223 Philosophy Hall to learn more about the Institute of International Studies’ career talk series, affiliated student groups with an international focus, and ways for you to get involved. This is an excellent opportunity for you to connect with other student organizations and individuals who share a passion for international studies. Food provided!
When the Disaster Comes to Visit: The Chernobyl Children and the Transnational History of a Nuclear Catastrophe
September 22 | 5:00-7:00PM| 223 Philosophy Hall
In this talk, Melanie Arndt shows how the Chernobyl children became witnesses to and symbols of a vanishing political system, the dissolution of the bipolar world order, and life in the Anthropocene — an age where human impact on the planet has become increasingly borderless.
Academic Freedom and The Rise of China
September 27 | 4:00PM| 223 Philosophy Hall
Join us for an insightful discussion on how People’s Republic of China has exerted pressure on academic freedom in think tanks and universities around the world. This event will feature remarks from three distinguished speakers, each offering a unique perspective on the challenges posed by China’s influence on academic institutions.
Matrix on Point: War is Back
September 30| 12:00-1:30PM| Social Sciences Building
War is back. Open military operations in Europe and the Middle East have driven an escalation of geopolitical tensions in those regions. The conduct of warfare is changing, too, fueled by the deployment and sometimes live-testing of new technologies. Meanwhile, a new cold war seems to be settling in. The growth of China’s economic power and worldwide influence has triggered proliferating sovereignty disputes and defensive trade and security policies. In this Matrix on Point panel, UC Berkeley experts will discuss these and other transformations, and offer their views on what to expect in the short to medium term.
U.S. - China - Southeast Asia Relations: Challenges and Opportunities for Regional Cooperation
October 11 | 4:00PM | Heyns Room, UCB Faculty Club
In May 2024, The Asia Foundation, in collaboration with the Center for Security and Strategy (CISS) at Tsinghua University, and the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) held a workshop in Bangkok, bringing together 21 participants from the U.S., China, and Southeast Asia to explore the central question: “What are the top priorities and concerns of the United States, China l and Southeast Asia in the coming decades?” Around this central question, the workshop took a deeper dive into examining other questions, including, but not limited to, changes and alliances in China, the U.S, and ASEAN, ASEAN centrality, politicization of regional economic relations, and the expectations of Southeast Asia /ASEAN from its relations with the U.S. and Chin
Networking 101
October 15 | 2:00-3:00PM | 223 Philosophy Hall
Are you considering an internationally-focused career but unsure where to begin? IIS invites you to a tailored workshop that not only emphasizes the importance of networking but also provides practical guidance on how to connect with industry professionals and expand your career opportunities. In this session, you'll learn proven strategies for building meaningful professional relationships both online and offline. Discover the value of informational interviews and how they can help you explore career paths, gain industry insights, and unlock potential job opportunities. Plus, students can enjoy complimentary food during the workshop.
Walking Out: America’s New Trade Policy in the Asia-Pacific and Beyond
October 18 | 12:00PM | 223 Philosophy Hall
With keen insight as a former senior U.S. trade official, Beeman argues that America’s exceptionally deep political divisions are driving its policy reversals, giving rise to a new trade policy characterized by zero-sum beliefs about the kind of trade America wants with the world and about new rules for trade that it wants for itself. With enormous implications for the future of regional and global trade, this timely analysis unravels the implications of America’s seismic shift in approach for the future of the rules-based trading order and America’s role in it.
The Election & The Stakes for U.S Foreign Policy
October 22 | 4:00-6:00PM | 223 Philosophy Hall
As the U.S. election comes closer, the outcome will have profound implications for the nation’s strategic positioning on the global stage. Join us for a panel discussion that delves into the questions: What will the election mean for U.S. foreign policy? How will it shape America's orientation toward crises, international alliances, and the broader global order? The panel will explore best and worst-case scenarios, offering insights into the strategic challenges and opportunities the U.S. may face.
Career Talk with Susan W. Wong: A Diplomat's Journey
October 23 | 2:00-3:00PM |223 Philsophy Hall
Join us for an insightful conversation with Susan W. Wong, a seasoned Foreign Service Officer with over 21 years of experience at the U.S. Department of State. As the Diplomat in Residence for Northern and Central California, Susan recruits diverse talent for career and student programs with the U.S. Department of State.
Careers in Tech and International Law with Cindy Cohn
October 28 | 12:00-1:00PM | 223 Philosophy Hall
Join us for an insightful talk with Cindy Cohn, Executive Director of the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), as she shares her remarkable career journey at the intersection of technology and international law. Cindy will discuss her experiences advocating for digital rights, navigating legal challenges in the tech world, and her path to becoming a leader in one of the most influential organizations in internet law.
Global History Seminar: Kristin Obierano
October 7 | 4:00-5:30PM| 223 Philosophy Hall
the Global History Seminar showcases research that exemplifies the possibilities of a new global history. Global history, as this seminar's conveners define it, is history attuned to global interconnections and interdependencies of diverse kinds.
MIRTH: Lauren Peritz
October 7 | 3:00-4:00PM | 223 Philosphy Hall
IIS hosts a colloquium centered around contemporary research in International Relations. At the majority of MIRTH seminars, an external speaker presents and receives feedback on new research, bringing a steady stream of fresh ideas to campus and providing an opportunity for graduate students across cohorts, departments, and other nearby universities to engage with research-in-progress.
MIRTH: Susanna Campbell
October 14 | 3:00-4:00PM | 223 Philosophy Hall
IIS hosts a colloquium centered around contemporary research in International Relations. At the majority of MIRTH seminars, an external speaker presents and receives feedback on new research, bringing a steady stream of fresh ideas to campus and providing an opportunity for graduate students across cohorts, departments, and other nearby universities to engage with research-in-progress.
Networking 101
October 15| 2:00-3:00PM | 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.
MIRTH: Andrew Moravcsik
October 28 | 3:00-4:00PM | 223 Philosophy Hall
IIS hosts a colloquium centered around contemporary research in International Relations. At the majority of MIRTH seminars, an external speaker presents and receives feedback on new research, bringing a steady stream of fresh ideas to campus and providing an opportunity for graduate students across cohorts, departments, and other nearby universities to engage with research-in-progress.
GHS: Plains & Pampas - Indigenous Nations & Settler Colonialism in North & South America
November 6 | 4:00-6:00PM | 223 Philosophy Hall
The Berkeley Global History Seminar presents “Plains & Pampas: Indigenous Nations & Settler Colonialism in North & South America” with Professor Julio Esteban Vezub, Instituto Patagónico de Ciencias Sociales y Humanas, CENPAT-CONICET, Argentina. Professor Vezub will present a lecture, followed by Q&A.
FBI Perspectives: A Career Journey with Jeff Fields in National Security
November 7 | 2:00-3:00PM | 223 Philosophy Hall
With over 18 years of experience conducting global operations in support of U.S. national security, Jeff has had a remarkable career, including deployments with U.S. Special Operations in Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa. In this talk, Jeff will share insights from his career journey, offer practical advice for those interested in national security, and provide a glimpse into his day-to-day responsibilities managing counterintelligence efforts.
Resumes & Cover Letters Workshop
November 12 | 2:00-3:00PM | 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
MIRTH: Scott Sagan
November 18 | 3:00-4:30PM | 223 Philosophy Hall
IIS hosts a colloquium centered around contemporary research in International Relations. At the majority of MIRTH seminars, an external speaker presents and receives feedback on new research, bringing a steady stream of fresh ideas to campus and providing an opportunity for graduate students across cohorts, departments, and other nearby universities to engage with research-in-progress.