2024 Center-Wide Activities

The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs had an extraordinary year in 2024, marked by groundbreaking initiatives, new programs, significant collaborations, and a state-of-the-art digital transformation. Here, we highlight some of the key accomplishments that exemplify the Center’s mission to advance policy-relevant knowledge and leadership at the intersection of science, technology, and international affairs.

Launch of Two New Programs

This year, we proudly introduced two new programs:

Middle Powers Initiative: This program, in partnership with the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, examines the growing influence of middle powers in global governance and international relations. By fostering research and dialogue on the strategic aspirations and influence of nations ranging from Brazil and Nigeria to Saudi Arabia and Turkey to India and Indonesia. This initiative seeks to bridge gaps in understanding and policy development amid a changing international order. The project will use case studies and other outputs to highlight the role of middle powers in shaping great power competition and international efforts to tackle energy, trade, technology, and other consequential issues.

Emerging Technology, Scientific Advancement, and Global Policy Program: This innovative program focuses on the challenges and opportunities presented by rapid technological change in areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum computing, and energy systems. Under the direction of Michael McQuade, the program explores the implications of these advancements for policy and geopolitics—and vice versa. With an emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, the program is designed to help policymakers understand and respond to the current challenges and train the next generation of leaders for fluency in both policy and technology.

Fostering Candid and Timely Conversations

A highlight of 2024 was the launch of Middle East Dialogues, a series led by the Middle East Initiative and its faculty chair, Tarek Masoud, that brought policymakers, academics, and thought leaders together for candid and timely conversations on the current conflicts in the region. Emphasizing inclusive, multi-perspective dialogue, the series explored governance, economic reform, and regional cooperation.

Building on the momentum of these dialogues, the Belfer Center hosted two significant events on October 7, 2024, addressing the complex and evolving dynamics in the Middle East. These events offered distinct yet complementary perspectives on the region’s challenges. The first event shifted the focus to the present trajectory of the Middle East, analyzing heightened tensions following Israel’s operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Experts assessed the potential for further escalation, opportunities for de-escalation, and the risks of a broader regional conflict. The second event, held later that day, reflected on the Hamas attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent war in Gaza. This discussion examined how these events marked an unprecedented new stage in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and explored the global and regional repercussions.

Complementing these efforts, the Belfer Center also hosted a debate series for students hosted by Senior Fellow Karen Donfried on the future of U.S. and European aid to Ukraine. This initiative encouraged students to engage deeply with real-world policy dilemmas, energizing discussions on global leadership and U.S. foreign policy. Additionally, the Center hosted an event series titled Russia's Past, Present, and Future, a collaboration with Senior Fellow Paula Dobriansky and Russia Matters, offering critical insights into Russia’s evolving role on the global stage.

These programs collectively reflect the Center’s mission to convene impactful and informed conversations on the world’s most urgent international issues, bridging diverse perspectives to inspire thoughtful dialogue and actionable solutions.

Belfer on the World Stage

The Belfer Center made its presence felt globally in 2024 through high-profile engagements that showcased its expertise and leadership in addressing critical international challenges:

Side Event at the Munich Security Conference: The Center hosted a private breakfast entitled “How to Integrate Ukraine into the European Security Order” at the world’s leading geopolitical conference. This gathering brought together European leaders, including prime ministers and foreign ministers, to discuss the future of Ukraine and European security in an evolving geopolitical landscape.

Harvard Project on Climate Agreements at COP-29: The Harvard Project co-hosted a landmark side event, New Horizons for Methane, in collaboration with international climate leaders. The discussion explored innovative strategies to mitigate methane emissions, emphasizing the importance of addressing this critical component of global climate policy.
Arctic Initiative at Arctic Circle Assembly 2024: The Arctic Initiative took center stage at this premier forum for issues in the High North, presenting research and policy proposals on sustainable development, climate resilience, and international cooperation in the Arctic. The assembly brought together experts, policymakers, and Indigenous leaders, furthering the Center’s commitment to actionable solutions in one of the world’s most rapidly changing regions.

Impactful Partnerships

The Belfer Center continued to forge and strengthen impactful partnerships in 2024, underscoring its commitment to addressing complex global challenges through collaboration and interdisciplinary research. By building coalitions and amplifying expert input, these initiatives showcase the Center’s dedication to driving innovative solutions.

Research Network on Rethinking Nuclear Deterrence: In partnership with the MacArthur Foundation, the Project on Managing the Atom convened a network of 15 research centers and over 80 scholars over two years to critically examine the evolving complexities of nuclear deterrence in the 21st century. In 2024, researchers in this collaboration presented preliminary findings on rethinking nuclear deterrence, exploring new scholarship on nuclear risks and ethical dilemmas.

Task Force on the European Pillar in Transatlantic Relations: Working with leaders from the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, the Bertelsmann Foundation, and the European Council on Foreign Relations, as well as a high-level group of European and American scholars and practitioners, the Belfer Center launched this task force to examine the evolving security landscape in Europe and propose actionable solutions to strengthen European security and transatlantic ties.
Collaborative Research with Tsinghua University: The Environment and Natural Resources Program (ENRP) and Science, Technology, and Public Policy Program (STPP) leveraged longstanding relationships senior Chinese leaders through collaboration with Tsinghua University's Institute of Climate Change and Sustainable Development, maintaining a vital channel into China's climate policy development. Joint workshops with Tsinghua and Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) colleagues, including a June visit to Beijing, focused on decarbonization pathways for the U.S. and China.
Task Force on Nuclear Proliferation and U.S. National Security: Collaborating with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and the Nuclear Threat Initiative, the Belfer Center co-launched this task force, co-chaired by Ernest Moniz, and Meghan L. O’Sullivan. The initiative unites senior national security figures and nuclear experts to address contemporary challenges in nuclear nonproliferation.

Advancing Policy-Driven Research

Belfer Center initiatives produced research and content that informed policy and engaged decision-makers. These projects bridged the gap between academic research and practical solutions, fostering dialogue with policymakers and stakeholders. In doing so, the Center’s work contributed to public discourse and helped shape strategies and decisions on critical issues at national and international levels.

Avoiding Great Power War Project: This project tackled challenges related to U.S.-China and U.S.-Russia relations with an emphasis on preventing catastrophic conflict. Graham Allison published influential op-eds, including “The National Insecurity of AI,” and convened discussions on Thucydides' Trap, focusing on how the United States and China can navigate their competition without escalating into war. The project also hosted a Russia Discussion Group to analyze elite decision-making within Russia and the progression of the Ukraine conflict.
Defense, Emerging Technology, and Strategy Program (DETS): The DETS Program published high-level research on defense policy and emerging technologies at the nexus of national security. DETS publications included six fellow publications and eight student publications on space, autonomous weapons systems, and security strategy.
The ENRP and STPP Programs advanced research on technologies critical to achieving net zero in the U.S. and China, focusing on overcoming barriers to their full emission-reduction potential. Efforts included frameworks for prioritizing building retrofits to maximize investment impact and attract private financing, studies on cost-effective pathways for residential decarbonization through heat pump adoption, and evaluations of renewable hydrogen’s role in the energy transition. Research highlighted challenges such as storage and distribution costs, emphasizing the need for solutions to scale clean energy adoption across industrial sectors.
Homeland Security project: A documentary by Juliette Kayyem and PBS Science Correspondent Miles O’Brien examines the devastating impact of Oklahoma's record-breaking 2024 tornado season. Combining expert analysis and on-the-ground reporting, the film explores the intersection of science, resilience, and community recovery in the face of natural disasters. This compelling narrative offers insights into the evolving challenges of extreme weather and the importance of preparedness in a changing climate.
International Security Program (ISP): ISP supported a new cohort of research fellows working on diverse topics such as China’s strategies for global influence, the role of satellite-based sensors in monitoring violence in inaccessible regions, and the geopolitical importance of the Black Sea. These fellows have already contributed to the Center’s academic life through publications and seminar presentations, offering insights on healthcare delivery in conflict zones like Gaza and Ukraine, as well as innovations in data collection technologies.
Russia Matters: This initiative continued to deliver in-depth analyses on Russia's influence on U.S. national interests, achieving over half a million pageviews and growing its social media presence to over 24,000 followers. Key publications included a research brief by Masha Hedberg on paths to peace in Ukraine, Simon Saradzhyan’s analysis of changes to Russia's nuclear doctrine, and a series examining the perspectives on Russia and Ukraine held by members of the incoming Trump administration. Weekly Russia-Ukraine War Report Cards provided actionable metrics for policymakers and academics, while interviews with figures like Fiona Hill and former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba—a Belfer Center Senior Fellow— offered invaluable insights. The project also hosted events with experts like Thomas Graham and Anatol Lieven, and its content was cited in Congressional reports, international news outlets, and university syllabi.

Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders

The Belfer Center remains committed to equipping future policymakers and leaders with the tools and experiences needed to address global challenges, in 2024:

Applied History Project: Led by co-chairs Graham Allison and Niall Ferguson, alongside Assistant Director Calder Walton, this project emphasized the importance of applying historical insights to policymaking. The Applied History Network Newsletter reached over 400 subscribers across 60 institutions, reflecting its growing influence. The project hosted world-renowned experts, including General David Petraeus and Stephen Kotkin, in its Working Group discussions and refined its executive education program on historical reasoning for policymakers. Additionally, it supported Harvard students in forming a student-led Applied History Study Group, providing funding and resources for events focused on integrating historical analysis into contemporary policy debates

The Belfer Young Leaders (BYL) Student Fellowship supported 36 MPP and MPA students with research opportunities, faculty mentorship, and over $600,000 in tuition funding, while doubling financial support to ensure greater accessibility for new and returning students. Fellows engaged with faculty, policymakers, and global experts through dynamic programming that deepened their understanding of critical issues.

National Security Fellows (NSFs), through the DETS Program, developed and led the "For the Common Defense" seminar, exploring national security topics and drawing over 100 Kennedy School students and fellows. Additionally, the DETS Program hosted senior military and policy leaders, including Admiral Grady, General Saltzman, Mircea Geoană, Richard Verma, and Admiral Paparo, for engagements with the Belfer Center community.

The Intelligence Project continued to engage students through its highly successful Intelligence Study Group, which explored topics ranging from intelligence ethics to comparative systems in democracies and dictatorships. The Intelligence Seminar Series brought together former government officials, private-sector leaders, and scholars for discussions on intelligence and geopolitics. Additionally, the Project led annual fellowship trips to Silicon Valley and Washington, DC, where students connected with experts at the intersection of technology, national security, and policymaking.

MEI’s “Classroom-in-the-Field: Leadership and Social Transformation in the Arab World,” took 18 Harvard students to the UAE and Saudi Arabia to explore the region’s rapid economic and social developments. Visits to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al-Khaimah, and Riyadh included closed meetings with decisionmakers, experts, and visits to institutions, offering students a comparative perspective and a nuanced understanding of the region’s leadership, dynamism, challenges, and future.

Welcoming New Fellows and Visiting Scholars

The Belfer Center welcomed its 2024-2025 cohort of Senior Fellows, Research Fellows, and Visiting Scholars. These distinguished individuals include accomplished scholars and former high-level executives from the public and private sectors, each contributing invaluable insights from their leadership roles.

Senior Fellows include:

Carme Artigas: Former Secretary of State for Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence, Spain
Robert Blackwill: Former United States Ambassador to India
Fan Dai: Director, California-China Climate Institute
Ziad Daoud: Former Chief Emerging Markets Economist at Bloomberg
Fred Hu: Founder and Chairman of Primavera Capital Group
Dmytro Kuleba: Former Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs
Ariel Levite: Former Principal Deputy Director General for Policy, Israeli Atomic Energy Commission
General (Ret.) James C. McConville: Former Chief of Staff of the United States Army
David Nusbaum: Former Israeli Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the IAEA and CTBTO Preparatory Commission
Daniel Poneman: Former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy
Barham A. Salih: Former President of Iraq
Daniela Schwarzer: Former Special Advisor to the High Representative and Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell
Wendy Sherman: Former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State
Rochelle Walensky: Former Director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Gita Wirjawan: Former Minister of Trade of Indonesia (Fisher Family Fellowship)
Moeed Yusuf: Former National Security Adviser to the Prime Minister of Pakistan
Ezinne Uzo-Okoro: Former Assistant Director for Space Policy at the White House

Visiting Scholars include:

Rabia Akhtar: Dean Faculty of the Social Sciences at Lahore University
Senem Aydin-Düzgit: Professor of International Relations at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Sabanci University, Istanbul (Pierre Keller Visiting Professor of Public Policy, HKS)
Nadya Hajj: Associate Professor and Director of Peace and Justice Studies, Wellesley College
Jiyoung Ko: Associate Professor of Political Science and International Relations, Korea University
Reid Pauly: Assistant Professor of Political Science, Brown University
Mary Sarotte: Professor of Historical Studies, Johns Hopkins University
Oliver Stuenkel: Professor of International Relations, Fundação Getúlio Vargas

New International Council Members

The Belfer Center expanded its International Council in 2024, welcoming members who bring diverse expertise and global perspectives. The newest members include:

Stephanie Carter: Business and media leader
Adam Falkoff: Strategic advisor in technology and government relations
Rory Gates: Philanthropist focused on sustainability and technology
Michael Greenwald: Former U.S. Treasury attaché and expert in global finance
Pierre Keller: Swiss diplomat and financial expert

High-Profile Visits

The Belfer Center hosted numerous eminent leaders and practitioners in 2024, providing opportunities for faculty, research staff, fellows, and students to engage with key figures shaping global policies. Notable visitors included:

Doug Beck, Director of Defense Innovation Unit
Bill Burns, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency
Nick Burns, U.S. Ambassador to China
Kurt Campbell, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State
Tarun Chhabra, Senior Director for Technology and National Security at the National Security Council
General Christopher Cavoli, Supreme Allied Commander Europe and Commander of U.S. European Command
Nikos Dendias, Greek Minister of National Defence
Stuart Eizenstat, Former U.S. Ambassador to the European Union
Jen Easterly, Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
Fiona Hill, Former Deputy Assistant to the President of the United States
Amos Hochstein, Senior Advisor to the President for Energy and Investment
Lee Hsien Loong, Senior Minister of Singapore
Matthew Kroenig, Vice President and Senior Director of the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security
James Manyika, Senior Vice President of Research, Technology and Society at Google
Craig Mundie, President of Mundie and Associates LLC
Eric Schmidt, Former CEO and Chairman of Google
Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor
Lingling Wei, Chief China Correspondent at The Wall Street Journal
Amos Yadlin, Former Head of Israel’s Military Intelligence Directorate

Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence

The Belfer Center marked its 50th anniversary on May 9 and 10, 2024, with a landmark event that celebrated its legacy and impact. The two-day celebration began with a reunion dinner, bringing together members of the Center’s extended community, including International Council members, faculty, and nearly 300 alumni of the Center’s fellowship programs, students, and staff. CNN’s Fareed Zakaria, former International Security Fellow, headlined the event with a fireside chat conversation with Belfer Director Meghan O’Sullivan. The evening set the tone for the following day of robust intellectual exchange.

The anniversary conference featured panels and discussions covering topics such as the policy challenges posed by China, shifting global power dynamics, emerging technologies, dynamics in the Middle East and gender and security, with contributions from a diverse group of alumni experts and practitioners. The event concluded with reflections on the Center’s achievements and its vision for the future, highlighting its ongoing commitment to fostering innovative solutions to critical global issues.

New Website Redesign: A Two-Year Transformation

This year marked the debut of the Belfer Center’s redesigned website, belfercenter.org, a significant milestone in our commitment to accessibility, functionality, and impact. Spearheaded by the Belfer Communications team, the two-year redesign process was underpinned by a comprehensive audience and content audit. This deep dive into user needs and content presentation informed a new strategy designed to better serve our diverse stakeholders.

The new site features a sleek editorial layout, intuitive navigation, and dynamic categorization of resources, all tailored to enhance the user experience. The site now offers content in the six official United Nations languages, expanding accessibility to a broader global audience. It is also better optimized for search engine traffic, ensuring that the Center’s cutting-edge research and insights are easier for users to discover.

New Podcasts: Expanding Digital Engagement

This year, the Belfer Center broadened its digital footprint with the relaunch of the International Security Podcast and the debut of Face-Off: The US vs. China.

The International Security Podcast offers in-depth analyses of pressing policy issues, interviewing contributors to International Security, the leading peer-reviewed journal edited at the Belfer Center and published by MIT Press.

Face-Off: The US vs. China, co-hosted by Jane Perlez and Rana Mitter is produced by Airwave Media and funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York. The series examines the stakes of the U.S.-China competition for global leadership. Season 1 of the podcast has garnered attention from outlets such as The New York Times and Sinica, and Season 2 will launch in early 2025.

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The Belfer Center’s accomplishments in 2024 exemplify its steadfast dedication to addressing global challenges through innovative research, impactful programs, dynamic collaboration, and world-class teaching and training. As the Belfer Center looks toward the future, it will continue to lead at the intersection of science, technology, and international affairs, inspiring solutions and training the next generation of leaders for a more secure and sustainable world.