Authoritarianism

Ask a North Korean: A Conversation with Defector Charles Ryu

March 30, 2026

April 16, 2026 | 12:30 – 2 PM | 223 Philosophy Hall

Join IIS for an open and honest conversation about life, escape, and starting again with Charles Ryu, a North Korean defector, speaker, and founder of Freedom Bridge Foundation. Charles Ryu is a North Korean defector who rebuilt his life in the United States after surviving multiple escape attempts. Today, he shares his story to help others better understand life inside North Korea and the challenges many face when starting over.

Through his work, Charles has reached a global audience, offering a rare, firsthand perspective on one...

Mexico's Democracy at Risk: Luis Ugalde in Conversation with Eduardo Garcia

March 19, 2026

April 23, 2026 | 3:30 - 5 PM | 223 Philosophy Hall
*Followed by reception*

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Mexico's democracy is experiencing profound changes following a constitutional amendment affecting the independence of the country's judicial branch. Concerns are rising about its autonomous institutions, including the electoral system, falling into the government's hands. Join IIS in examining these changes and the dangers facing Mexico's democracy and economic development.

Luis Carlos...

Rupture: The U.S. and the Fate of World Order Speaker Series - Rupture #1: Democracy & Human Rights

February 17, 2026

February 25, 2026 | 12:30 - 2 pm (lunch talk) | 223 Philosophy Hall

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IIS Spring 2026 Speaker Series: The U.S. and the Fate of World Order

Rupture #1: Democracy and Human Rights

For decades the US’s role in the world has been grounded in democratic values as well as often contradictory economic and security interests that have contributed to both global...

Announcing the Spring 2026 IIS Speaker Series - Rupture: The U.S. and the Fate of World Order

February 17, 2026

IIS Spring 2026 Speaker Series

Register for Rupture 1: Democracy & Human Rights
Register for Rupture 2: Security
...

Jessica Olney

IIS Executive Director

Jessica Olney joined the Institute of International Studies the Executive Director in January 2026.

Jess brings extensive international experience as a practitioner and researcher on conflict, peacebuilding, human rights, and humanitarian response. She has led studies for and advised various governments, embassies, international NGOs, UN agencies, universities, institutional and private donors, and the International Criminal Court. She is passionate about working with students, and has trained dozens of refugee youth to lead research, advocacy, and humanitarian...

February 26: Junta on the Defense - Making Sense of Myanmar in 2026

January 28, 2026

February 26, 2026 | 12:30 - 2:00 PM | 223 Philosophy Hall

Nearly 80 percent of Myanmar’s territory is now either contested or controlled by anti-junta resistance groups. Aung Kyaw Moe, Deputy Minister of Human Rights for Myanmar’s pro-democracy government-in-exile, will offer an analysis of Myanmar’s rapidly evolving conflict and political landscape, explaining the advance of resistance forces over the past year.

He will discuss the regime’s recent elections, widely considered a sham to entrench junta rule. What does the electoral process mean...

February 6 Film Screening of Thabyay: Creative Resistance in Myanmar

January 28, 2026
February 6, 2026 | 5:00 - 7:00 PM | 370 Dwinelle Hall Film Screening & Discussion What happens when non-violent leaders are pushed to support armed struggle against a brutal regime in a forgotten war?

IIS is pleased to partner with the UC Berkeley Institute of East Asian Studies (IEAS), Center for Southeast Asia Studies, and...

February 10: "Who's Flying This Thing?" Thoughts on U.S. military action in Venezuela, the “Donroe” Doctrine, and U.S. relations with Latin America

January 16, 2026

February 10, 2026 | 12:00 - 1:30 PM | 223 Philosophy Hall

After a career of federal service as a Marine Corps pilot and American diplomat, and with long experience in journalism and the not-for-profit sector, Ambassador Feeley possesses a unique view on both the tactics and strategic thinking of the Trump Administration. His critical observations stem from principle, experience and a firm belief that national security affairs and American interests should always incorporate technocratic expertise, independent of political leadership.

The...

February 12: Book talk with Professor Chipo Dendere

January 9, 2026

February 12, 2026 | 3:30 - 5:00 PM | 223 Philosophy Hall

Join the UC Berkeley Institute of International Studies, Center for African Studies, and The Charles & Louise Travers Department of Political Science for a book talk with author Chipo Dendere, Associate Professor of Political Science, Africana Studies Department, Wellesley College.

Death, Diversion, and Departure: Voter Exit and the Persistence of...