Events

Meets from March 26 – April 23, 4:30 pm – 5:45 pm ET (5 sessions)

About the Study Group

Africa is at a pivotal moment. As the continent experiences dynamic change, a timely opportunity emerges for the United States to recalibrate relations with the diverse nations across the continent by embracing partnerships centered on African realities. With youthful populations, abundant resources, and growing economic and technological capacity, Africa holds solutions to global challenges from food security to climate change. Yet inclusive, sustainable development in Africa largely depends on international cooperation. By moving beyond outdated policies, the United States can craft a foreign policy agenda that more closely aligns with Africa’s profound transformation through trade, investments in clean energy and health, and youth empowerment initiatives grounded in mutual understanding. The future of U.S.-Africa ties will impact our interconnected world. By exploring the powerful shifts shaping Africa’s 

Students will be given the voluntary option to prepare one policy memo on a topic related to one of the five sessions. The teaching team will review these memos and provide comments, and students will be invited to brief their memos to our expert guest speakers during the relevant session. 

Students will be given the voluntary option to prepare one policy memo on a topic related to one of the five sessions. The teaching team will review these memos and provide comments, and students will be invited to brief their memos to our expert guest speakers during the relevant session. 

We invite all interested individuals to join us in these thought-provoking discussions. The goal is to deepen our understanding of the political and policy-related challenges and opportunities in Africa today.

The study group will be facilitated by Dr. Gloria Yayra A. Ayee, HKS Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy and Belfer Center faculty affiliate. 

Registration is required. Register HERE.

Join Dr. Syra Madad for an engaging two-part study group focused on the art and science of science communication. In this series, we delve into the importance of effectively communicating scientific concepts, especially in an era rife with misinformation and disinformation. The sessions will explore strategies for translating complex scientific information into accessible language, engaging diverse audiences, and combating misinformation in the public sphere. Part One will lay the foundational understanding of science communication principles, including audience analysis, message framing, and storytelling in science. Part Two will feature guest experts from the field, offering insights from their experiences and advanced techniques in science communication. These sessions are ideal for aspiring science communicators, educators, researchers, and anyone interested in bridging the gap between science and society. 

Session 1: March 20th 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM 

Session 2: March 27th 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM 

Light refreshments, coffee, and tea will be served during each session. 

Please register here. This is an IN-PERSON event. You must have a Harvard ID to attend.

Dr. Youssef Chahed, former Prime Minister of Tunisia (2016-2020) and MEI Senior Fellow, will offer a unique insider view of Tunisia’s struggle for democracy and economic growth since 2011. Participants will hear about concrete challenges leaders faced while seeking to advance democracy and economic growth in the Arab context. Together, participants will analyze what institutional and political drivers promoted and constrained Tunisia’s democratic development – what helped Tunisian democracy survive despite the absence of pre-conditions and what lessons might be learned for the future.

THIS STUDY GROUP IS FOR HUID HOLDERS ONLY. PARTICIPANT APPLICATIONS ARE REQUIRED. EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST HERE.

Harvard Kennedy School Study Group led by Dr. Karen Donfried, Belfer Center Senior Fellow

Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00pm

Over the course of six sessions, a study group, led by Dr. Karen Donfried, will examine key foreign policy debates flowing from Russia’s war against Ukraine. The objective is to provide a deeper understanding of the geopolitics of the war in Ukraine and the implications for U.S. interests.

Eligibility requirements: Harvard graduate and post-graduate students, who can attend all six sessions. We will seek to accommodate several undergraduates. Applicants with a strong interest in foreign affairs are encouraged to apply. No specific experience or first-hand knowledge of the issues is required. 

• Apply online through this link by 12:00 PM on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. Late applications will not be considered.

Meets: 4:45-6:00pm ET from February 14 to March 27 (excluding March 13)

In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, nearly all cooperation on Arctic science and conservation has ceased between the West and Russia, bringing to a halt thirty years of joint effort on fisheries and wildlife conservation, climate change research, protected areas management and other areas of environmental science.  

This six-session study group, led by Arctic Initiative Senior Fellow Margaret Williams, will explore the Arctic's unique environmental and cultural characteristics, as well as the key agreements and governance structures supporting environmental protection and sustainable development in the region. The group's objective is to evaluate the costs and benefits of renewing cooperation with Russia and develop recommendations that could be shared with key government agencies in the United States or other Western countries regarding future cooperation in the science and conservation arenas.

Classes will be a combination of presentations by the study group leader and guest speakers; student presentations; and at least one debate. Guest speakers will include scientists, Arctic experts from NGOs, and government representatives. Some minimal reading will be required before each session for all participants. 

Eligibility Requirements: Harvard graduate and post-graduate students, who can attend all sessions. Applicants with a strong interest in Arctic issues are encouraged to apply. No specific experience or first-hand knowledge of the issues is required.

The application deadline has passed.

Middle East Initiative Senior Fellow Dr. Omar Razzaz, former Prime Minister of Jordan, will lead a three-part study group on “Policy vs. Politics: Insights from the field in reforming social protection, education, taxation, and public sector accountability.”

THIS STUDY GROUP IS FOR HUID HOLDERS ONLY

MEI Senior Fellow Mohammed Alyahya will lead a study group on great power competition in the Arabian Gulf, taking place on select Tuesdays between September 26 and November 28.

APPLY HERE

Join the Belfer Center's Technology and Public Purpose Project for a study group on “Scaling Innovation for National Security.”

This three-part study group will be organized by TAPP fellow, HKS Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy, and Former U.S. Deputy CTO Nick Sinai, and explores the intersection of national security, technology, and innovation to solve national security challenges. Experts from across the defense innovation ecosystem will share their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities for scaling new technology to advance U.S. interests. 

This study group is open to anyone with an interest in learning about innovation and national security. No background in national security or technology is required! Our goal is to explore the intersection of these two fields and identify new opportunities to drive innovation and solve national security challenges. 

Sessions: 

• Session 1. Perspectives from the Pentagon, with the Honorable Michèle Flournoy
• Session 2. Scaling Innovation: An Entrepreneur's Perspective, with Josh Lospinoso
• Session 3. Innovating for the Warfighter, with General Joe Dunford, USMC (Ret.)

HARVARD STUDENTS ONLY

Drawing upon decades of diplomatic experience in the region, including as the former U.S. Ambassador to Israel and Syria and the former Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, MEI Senior Fellow Edward P. Djerejian will lead this five-session study group that explores the roots of the Israel/Palestine conflict, the human toll it has taken, and possible paths forward.

Applications for the Spring 2023 Intelligence Study Group are now live. The Intelligence Study Group is designed for Harvard students considering careers in government or the private sector as well as those interested in a broad introduction to intelligence. Participation is limited to 40 students determined by application. The study group is open to all Harvard students, faculty, fellows, and staff.  We will meet on Thursday afternoons from 4:30PM to 6:00PM beginning February 9 through April 27, 2023. The application will remain open until February 1 with initial decisions shortly thereafter. To apply, please fill out the application and we will contact you as space allows.