America’s Place in the World: Global Volatility and Authoritarianism
Daniel Twining, Tamara Cofman Wittes, and Leslie Vinjamuri unpack how Republicans and Democrats see America's role in the world and how they want their country to engage in the world around them.
Oct
22
Mariam Zuhaib / AP
About This Event
Amidst increasing global volatility, Americans are spiritedly debating how they want their country to engage with the world around them. Historically, America’s closest allies are fellow democracies; and its greatest rivals are authoritarian dictatorships like China and Russia. Do democratic values advantage America and its allies in today’s geopolitical competition? Join Daniel Twining, president of the International Republican Institute, and Tamara Cofman Wittes, president of the National Democratic Institute, in conversation with Leslie Vinjamuri for a discussion of how the US can tackle the challenges posed by authoritarian rivals and maintain the support of the American people in doing so.
About the Speakers
President, International Republican Institute
Dr. Daniel Twining joined the International Republican Institute as president in 2017. He leads IRI’s team of global experts to link citizens and governments, motivate people to engage in the political process, and guide politicians and government officials to be responsive to citizens.
President, National Democratic Institute
Dr. Tamara Cofman Wittes became the fourth president of the National Democratic Institute in 2024. Before joining the Institute, she served as director of Foreign Assistance in the US Department of State. Previously, she led the Russia sanctions effort for the State Department's sanctions coordination office.
President & Chief Executive Officer, Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Dr. Leslie Vinjamuri joined the Council in 2025 as the president and chief executive officer, after previously serving as director of the US and the Americas program at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, known as Chatham House, in London. She is Professor of Practice in International Studies and Diplomacy at SOAS University of London.
Construction Alert
Please note that the Randolph Street lobby of the Prudential building, where guests enter for Council events, will be under construction from April through December.