The University of Iowa’s debate team, The A. Craig Baird Debate Forum, will launch a new speaker series on campus. This series engages modern political controversies, encouraging public deliberation through open forums and campus partnerships. With the advent of “fake news” and with it, the need to promote civil discourse on any number of issues effecting the governance of our nation, this series dedicates itself to creating productive forums to hear opposing opinions. The series is entitled: “A. Craig Baird Forum on Contemporary Politics & Society.” 

In partnership with the UI Department of Political Science and the UI Public Policy Center, the A. Craig Baird Forum on Contemporary Politics & Society invites you to attend a forum discussing “U.S. Foreign Policy Moving Forward.” 

The series’ inaugural speaker, Dr. Colin Kahl, associate professor in the Security Studies Program at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service, served as the Deputy Assistant to the President and National Security Advisor to the Vice President from 2014 - 2017. In that position, he served as a senior advisor to President Obama and Vice President Biden on all matters related to U.S. foreign policy and national security affairs. 

The event is Monday, September 18 beginning at 7 p.m. in C20 Pomerantz Center. Dr. Brian Lai, associate professor in the UI Department of Political Science, will interview Dr. Kahl. Dr. David Hingstman, associate professor in the UI Department of Communication Studies, will moderate the event. The program encourages audience participation through a question and answer period.

Upcoming topics include: “US Energy Policy for the 21st Century,” “The Politics of Aging,” and “Title IX on University Campuses.”

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation in order to participate in this event, contact the A. Craig Baird Forum at paul-bellus@uiowa.edu or call (319) 335-1969.