Indiana – The Indiana University (IU) Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies (HLS) is gearing up to host the 10th annual America’s Role in the World (ARW) conference on April 10-11, 2025. This prestigious, nonpartisan event will bring together diplomats, journalists, politicians, and scholars to discuss critical global issues. In the wake of rapid and sweeping changes in international relations, this year’s conference promises to be especially relevant, with expert panels offering insights into some of the most pressing topics of our time.
“This signature event highlights our school’s ability to integrate international affairs and area studies while modeling civil discourse,” said HLS Dean John Ciorciari. “As we help our students prepare for a broad range of careers, we are delighted to feature practitioners from a variety of careers who can share their insights and address students’ burning questions during these uniquely challenging times.” This year’s event is not only an opportunity for students to engage with global experts but also serves as a vital forum for fostering informed dialogue around complex international issues.
The conference will cover a broad range of topics, with a focus on the shifting dynamics of global engagement. Panels will dive into subjects such as U.S. global engagement strategies, the changing order in the Middle East, global journalism and the free press, and the evolving role of the U.S. in Asia under the new administration. One of the key events will be a fireside chat with Ambassador (ret.) Randall L. Tobias, who will share his invaluable experience in international diplomacy and foreign assistance.
Another notable guest is Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Carl Bernstein, best known for his groundbreaking investigative reporting on the Watergate scandal alongside Bob Woodward. Bernstein’s work helped shape the landscape of modern investigative journalism, and at the ARW conference, he will discuss the role of global journalism in preserving a free press in today’s world. His career, spanning over five decades, includes reporting that has uncovered the hidden stories of government workings and the lives of political leaders.
Ambassador (ret.) Randall L. Tobias, an Indiana native and IU graduate, will also be featured prominently at this year’s event. Tobias made significant contributions to global health as the first U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, where he launched the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). He was also the first director of foreign assistance and administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Tobias’s insights into the evolution of global assistance and foreign policy will provide a crucial perspective on recent changes in USAID’s operations and its impact around the world.
The conference this year will also include the inaugural James T. Morris Humanitarian Award, named in honor of the late James T. Morris, a longtime Indiana University trustee and humanitarian leader. Morris, who passed away in July 2024, was known for his philanthropic work and dedication to global humanitarian causes. His legacy will be recognized at the conference, celebrating his commitment to improving the world and advancing human rights.
The ARW conference is open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to register in advance through the ARW website for the latest updates and event details. This annual gathering provides an essential space for students, faculty, and the broader community to engage with influential voices in global affairs and deepen their understanding of America’s role in the world.
As the world continues to experience significant shifts in geopolitics and global power structures, the ARW conference stands as a critical platform for discussing how the U.S. can effectively navigate these changes. With a rich lineup of speakers and experts, the conference will undoubtedly provide valuable insights into the future of international diplomacy and the global political landscape.
For more information about the conference, including the full schedule of events and registration details, visit the ARW website.
