As debates over America’s role in the world evolve, students at the School of Public Policy engaged directly with practitioners working at the forefront of U.S. foreign policy during a recent panel, “America’s Role in the World–And How You Can Shape It.” The event brought together experts from government and think tanks to discuss how students can build careers in a rapidly changing field.
Featured panelists included Stephen Wertheim of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Katherine Thompson of the Cato Institute and Carolyn Chuhta MPP ’05 of the Senate Armed Services Committee, along with a guest from the U.S. intelligence community. Together, they offered candid perspectives on how U.S. foreign policy is adapting to shifting global dynamics, evolving alliance relationships and debates over the appropriate scope of American engagement abroad.
“Our goal was to pair a substantive discussion of how U.S. foreign policy is changing with practical advice for students interested in entering this competitive field,” said Associate Professor Joshua Shifrinson, program director of the new Foreign Policy, Strategy and Statecraft Program. “Events such as these allow students to engage directly with an esteemed group of practitioners, think creatively about policy solutions and translate their learning into careers.”
Speakers characterized the current moment as one of uncertainty and transition, creating both challenges and opportunities for students. While foreign policy debates have become more politicized, they noted greater space for new thinking, including calls for restraint and prioritization. Panelists highlighted the growing need to integrate foreign policy with domestic economic concerns such as trade and energy security, requiring practitioners to think across traditional policy boundaries.
In this environment, panelists emphasized the value of strong analytical foundations and transferable skills that can be applied to new and unexpected challenges. They encouraged students to embrace adaptability, pursue diverse early career experiences and remain open to multiple pathways in the field. Speakers also stressed the importance of strong interpersonal skills such as emotional intelligence, political awareness and effective communications in navigating increasingly complex and polarized foreign policy debates.
Reflecting on the discussion, Director of Career Services and Alumni Relations Bryan Kempton said, “I was pleased that we could bring together representatives from Capitol Hill, the executive branch and independent think tanks who could share with our students how they built their careers and what skills matter most to future employers.”
