The United States is at a critical juncture for its foreign policy. As U.S. policymakers confront long-term strategic competition with China, major wars in Europe and the Middle East are unfolding. How the next U.S. administration and Congress address these key challenges will define America’s global leadership role for decades to come. How should they navigate this complex landscape? Do existing foreign policy frameworks need reevaluation? Are the networks of alliances and partnerships delivering as intended? What military footprint best serves American interests in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East?

On Monday, October 14, the Brookings Foreign Policy program in partnership with the Baker School at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, will host a fireside chat with former U.S. Senator Bob Corker in conversation with Brookings Vice President and Director of the Foreign Policy program Suzanne Maloney and the Baker School’s Director of the Center for National Security and Foreign Affairs Krista Wiegand. The speakers will offer perspectives on America’s role in the world.

Following the fireside chat, an expert panel will continue the discussion on strategic relationships to execute U.S. foreign policy. Moderatred by Joel Christopher, Executive Editor of the Knoxville New Sentinel, USA Today Network.

Panelists include:

• Tara Varma, Visiting Fellow, Center on the United States and Europe, Foreign Policy, Brookings
• Michael O’Hanlon, Senior Fellow and Director of Research, Foreign Policy, Brookings
• Krista Wiegand, Director of the Center for National Security and Foreign Affairs, Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs