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Council on Foreign Relations Workshop Report

By Dr. Drissa Kone, Associate Professor of Conflict Resolution and Ministry

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) hosted a workshop for college and university educators from April 10 to 11 at its Manhattan headquarters. The program opened on Thursday evening with a keynote session centered on the theme: “The United States: At Home and Abroad.” Three major topics were addressed, focusing on how the United States and its allies are responding to current global challenges:

  • The war in Ukraine
  • Tariff policies initiated by the Trump administration
  • International and domestic terrorism

Friday featured a full day of panel discussions covering a wide range of topics related to foreign affairs, including group breakout sessions and Q&A opportunities. Some key areas of focus included:

  • The new era of technology and the future of global governance
  • Strategies for global literacy in the classroom
  • Migration trends and policy in the Americas
  • Navigating tariffs and trade wars
  • Preventing escalation in the Taiwan Strait
  • Lasting peace strategies in Africa
  • The evolving role of NATO

More than 120 educators from 46 states participated, representing colleges and universities across the country. I had the privilege of representing HJI, contributing to meaningful discussions on U.S. foreign policy in Africa and the role of USAID. The workshop was rich in content and featured outstanding panelists. CFR concluded the event by inviting participants’ feedback and encouraging the use of CFR educational resources in the classroom. The workshop also offered a valuable opportunity to promote HJI and build connections with faculty from other institutions. The event wrapped up with a networking dinner, fostering further dialogue and collaboration.

Founded in 1921, CFR is a nonpartisan, independent national membership organization, think tank, educator, and publisher, including of Foreign Affairs. It generates policy-relevant ideas and analysis, convenes experts and policymakers, and promotes informed public discussion—all to have an impact on the most consequential issues facing the United States and the world.

The mission of the Council on Foreign Relations is to inform U.S. engagement with the world.