The Global Stakes of America's Midterms

Virtual

Panel

Armida van Rij, Evan Medeiros, Ariane Tabatabai, and Leslie Vinjamuri discuss what is at stake for US foreign policy and the world in the upcoming midterm elections.

"Vote Here" signs lining a sidewalk outside a voting location.

Oct

Ellen Schmidt / AP

Speakers

Armida van Rij
Evan Medeiros
Ariane Tabatabai
Leslie Vinjamuri

Date and Time

Oct 19: 10:30 - 11:15 am CDT

Doors Open: 10:30 AM

Location

YouTube

Who Can Attend

For All

REGISTRATION

This event is open to the public.

About This Event

The 2026 midterm elections will be a consequential moment for American politics, with potential implications far beyond the country's borders. As voters prepare to elect members of Congress, the results could alter the political landscape in Washington, DC, and influence the direction and priorities of US foreign policy. In this virtual program, Council President and CEO Leslie Vinjamuri leads a candid discussion with Council Senior Nonresident Fellow for European Security and Politics Armida van Rij, Council Distinguished Nonresident Fellow for China Evan Medeiros, and Council Vice President of Research for Security and Defense Ariane Tabatabai.

About the Speakers

Armida van Rij

Senior Nonresident Fellow, European Security and Politics, Chicago Council on Global Affairs

Armida van Rij is a senior research fellow at the Centre for European Reform, specializing in European security, politics, and foreign policy; and the implications of populism and politics on security policy. She has a decade of experience in supporting government policy-making, convening dialogues, and analyzing policy.

Evan Medeiros

Penner Family Chair in Asia Studies, Georgetown University; Former Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Asia, National Security Council; Distinguished Nonresident Fellow, China, Chicago Council on Global Affairs

Evan S. Medeiros is Distinguished Nonresident Fellow on China at the Council and also a professor and director of Asian Studies at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service. He served for six years on the staff of the National Security Council from 2009-2015, working on Asian affairs.

Ariane Tabatabai

Vice President of Research, Security and Defense; Senior Fellow, Middle East, Chicago Council on Global Affairs

Dr. Ariane Tabatabai joined the Council in 2026 as the vice president of research, security and defense. She also serves as senior fellow for the Middle East, focusing on nuclear security and regional security dynamics in the Middle East.

Leslie Vinjamuri

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.

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