Transnational Issues Field Seminar

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Program Description


More than three decades after the end of the Cold War the world is in extraordinary flux. The rise of powerful autocracies China and Russia challenge the liberal international order painstakingly built by the U.S. and its allies after World War Two. Democratic backsliding in Latin America, South Asia and Eastern Europe raises questions about the future of liberal democracy.

Growing skepticism about free trade in the developed world threatens to put the brakes on global economic integration. Africa remains mired in poverty even as its population grows rapidly. Mass immigration threatens to upend European politics. New, or newly empowered, political ideologies dominate large portions of the planet, including China, Russia, Iran and India.

Even though the world remains organized by nation-states, many of the most pressing issues—from trade to terrorism, climate to human trafficking, pandemics to street protests—cross national boundaries, often in unprecedented ways. For militaries around the world it is increasingly important to understand these developments.

By drawing upon the knowledge and experience of a diverse group of prominent experts on transnational issues, this seminar will offer attendees the opportunity to deepen their understanding of this critical and fast changing region in an informal, off-the-record setting.

Seminar Topics


  • Understanding the Middle Kingdom: How China’s Leaders See the World
  • The Return of Terrorism: What Israel’s Experience Teaches the World
  • Does Populism Work: Lessons from Hungary and the Netherlands
  • A Post-National Europe: Pipe Dream or Reality?
  • An Overview of Transnational Trends Shaping Our Future
  • Criminal States in Latin America, Transnational Crime and the Crime-Terror Nexus
  • Punching Above Their Weight: Gulf Arab States and Transnational Power Projection
  • Northeast Asia Challenges in the Shadow of North Korea
  • Transnational Terrorism Trends and U.S. National Security
  • Reflections on 20th Century Strategic Technologies—and Their Unanticipated Consequences
  • The Immigration Challenge and Border Security
  • China and Transnational Supply Chains in an Era of Conflict and Deglobalization
  • Russian Political and Economic Propaganda and the Reality of War
  • Transnational Clash of Ideas and the Intellectual Foundations of the Western World
  • Globalism vs Sovereignty: The Vital Issue of the 21st Century
  • Global Warring: Will Environmental Crises Redraw the World Map
  • Nuclear Weapons, Proliferation, and U.S. National Security from Tripoli to Tehran and Beyond
  • The New Great Game in Space: From Geopolitics and Astro-politics

The above topics may change to address current events and interests of the participants at the time of the seminar.

Available Formats/Delivery Options


The one-day, in-person Transnational Issues Field Seminar will be delivered on base or at a nearby hotel. The seminar will feature approximately five separate presentations followed by an afternoon panel discussion.

A one-day live broadcast/virtual Transnational Issues Field Seminar is also available. It features five separate presentations followed by an afternoon panel discussion. Questions or comments are transmitted live via “chat”.

Please call 703-684-8807 for further information and pricing.

Great speakers with decades of experience. Really appreciate the experience and perspectives.

Attendee, Joint Enabling Capabilities Command • Professional Development Course February 2017

The experience and breadth of knowledge of all the speakers was spectacular. Their chosen topics for discussion were absolutely relevant to this audience and we were provided several themes that help to guide our planning assumptions.

J.C., Joint Enabling Capabilities Command • Professional Development Course February 2017

Great opportunity for immersion in current events with experts with viewpoints based on deep academic study, history, etc., which informs a deeper understanding of the public policy debates.

K.K., Air Force • Enterprise Perspective Seminar April 2014

Balanced program with multiple views on complex subjects—well worth my time!

W.B., Pentagon • Enterprise Perspective Seminar April 2015

Felt like “Neo” in the Matrix—mass influx of expert information in a concise and rapid-fire format. Awesome!

J.P., Air Force • National and International Secuirty Leadership Seminar May 2015