Lessons From History | Council on Foreign Relations

The Middle East, Cold War, and Emerging Technologies: The Contributions of Henry Kissinger

This symposium explores the trajectory of three critical foreign policy domains that Henry Kissinger, a longtime member of the Council on Foreign Relations, engaged with throughout his career in and out of government, and the lessons learned for U.S. foreign policy today.

Virtual Event with Graham Allison, Robert Danin, Michael S. Doran, Carolyn Eisenberg, Niall Ferguson, Winston Lord, Suzanne Maloney, Samm Sacks, Jeremi Suri, Lisa Anderson, Timothy Naftali and Joan Rohlfing March 19, 2024 Lessons From History

United States

Lessons From History Series Meeting: The Foreign Policy Legacy of the George W. Bush Administration

Panelists discuss the foreign policy legacy of the George W. Bush presidency, its successes and failures, and the lasting effects that were passed on to subsequent U.S. presidents. The Lessons From History Series uses historical analysis as a critical tool for understanding modern foreign policy challenges by hearing from practitioners who played an important role in a consequential historical event or from experts and historians. This series is made possible through the generous support of David M. Rubenstein.

Virtual Event with Meena Bose, Stephen J. Hadley, Meghan L. O'Sullivan and Ann Compton April 18, 2023 Lessons From History

Iraq War

Lessons From History Series: The U.S. Invasion of Iraq—Twenty Years Later

Panelists discuss lessons learned from the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, including the circumstances that led to Operation Iraqi Freedom and whether it was a necessary war, as well as the ramifications of the resulting war for U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. The Lessons From History Series uses historical analysis as a critical tool for understanding modern foreign policy challenges by hearing from practitioners who played an important role in a consequential historical event or from experts and historians. This series is made possible through the generous support of David M. Rubenstein.

Virtual Event with Lisa Anderson, Melvyn P. Leffler, Philip D. Zelikow and Lara Setrakian March 27, 2023 Lessons From History

Ireland

Lessons From History Series: The Good Friday Agreement: Twenty-Five Years Later

Former officials involved in the negotiations discuss the landmark 1998 Good Friday Agreement (or Belfast Agreement), lessons for the ongoing peace process, enduring sectarian tensions, and the future of Northern Ireland. The Lessons From History Series uses historical analysis as a critical tool for understanding modern foreign policy challenges by hearing from practitioners who played an important role in a consequential historical event or from experts and historians. This series is made possible through the generous support of David M. Rubenstein.

Virtual Event with Bertie Ahern, Jonathan Powell, David Pozorski and Richard Haass March 27, 2023 Lessons From History

Energy and Environment

Superstorm Sandy: Lessons for Climate Resiliency Ten Years Later

In October 2012, Superstorm Sandy made landfall as one of the most destructive hurricanes to ever hit the United States, causing tens of billions of dollars in damage and dozens of casualties. A decade later, climate change has continued to intensify the impacts of hurricanes in the United States, as made evident by recent Hurricane Ian. Our panelists discuss lessons learned in climate resiliency over the past decade, and how the United States can better prepare for natural disasters moving forward. The Lessons From History Series uses historical analysis as a critical tool for understanding modern foreign policy challenges by hearing from practitioners who played an important role in a consequential historical event or from experts and historians. This series is made possible through the generous support of David M. Rubenstein.

Virtual Event with Jainey K. Bavishi, Craig Fugate, Klaus H. Jacob and Terry Moran October 24, 2022 Renewing America

Foreign Policy

Lessons From History Series: The Legacy of the Truman Doctrine and Marshall Plan

In early 1947, Harry Truman announced that the United States would give assistance to countries under threat from authoritarian forces. Later that year, George C. Marshall addressed Harvard University on the urgent need to help European recovery. In the year that followed the Marshall plan was enacted. Please join our panelists as they discuss the legacy of the Marshall Plan and Truman Doctrine seventy-five years later and the lessons to be learned for U.S. foreign policy today. The Lessons From History Series uses historical analysis as a critical tool for understanding modern foreign policy challenges by hearing from practitioners who played an important role in a consequential historical event or from experts and historians. This series is made possible through the generous support of David M. Rubenstein.

Virtual Event with Timothy Garton Ash, Mary Elise Sarotte, Benn Steil and Jonathan Tepperman October 3, 2022 Lessons From History

Foreign Policy

Lessons From History Series: A Conversation With Henry Kissinger

Former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger discusses leadership in the twentieth century and lessons for contemporary foreign policy. The Lessons From History Series uses historical analysis as a critical tool for understanding modern foreign policy challenges by hearing from practitioners who played an important role in a consequential historical event or from experts and historians. This series is made possible through the generous support of David M. Rubenstein.

Virtual Event with Henry A. Kissinger and Richard Haass September 30, 2022 Lessons From History

Asia

President Nixon's Trip to China: Fifty Years Later

On the anniversary of President Nixon's February 1972 trip to China, our panelists examine the significance of the trip and its influence on U.S. foreign policy, how U.S.-China relations have fared in the fifty years since the visit, and the challenges ahead for the two countries. The Lessons From History Series uses historical analysis as a critical tool for understanding modern foreign policy challenges by hearing from practitioners who played an important role in a consequential historical event or from experts and historians. This series is made possible through the generous support of David M. Rubenstein.

Virtual Event with Winston Lord, Oriana Skylar Mastro, Timothy Naftali and Douglas G. Brinkley February 25, 2022 Lessons From History

Diplomacy and International Institutions

Reading Between the Red Lines: Deterrence and U.S. Foreign Policy

Panelists discuss the history of setting “red lines” in U.S. foreign policy, whether they have helped to achieve diplomatic goals, and how these statements affect current policy priorities. The Lessons From History Series uses historical analysis as a critical tool for understanding modern foreign policy challenges by hearing from practitioners who played an important role in a consequential historical event or from experts and historians. This series is made possible through the generous support of David M. Rubenstein.

Virtual Event with David A. Andelman, Janine Davidson, Micah Zenko and Kimberly Dozier May 10, 2021 Lessons From History

Israel

The Life and Legacy of Yitzhak Rabin: 25 Years Later

Former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated on November 4, 1995, only two years after he shook hands with Yasser Arafat on the White House South Lawn following the signing of the Oslo Accords. Panelists discuss his legacy, achievements, and the ramifications of his assassination on the Middle East peace process twenty-five years later. The Lessons From History Series uses historical analysis as a critical tool for understanding modern foreign policy challenges by hearing from practitioners who played an important role in a consequential historical event or from experts and historians. This series is made possible through the generous support of David M. Rubenstein.

Virtual Event with Martin S. Indyk, Marwan J. Muasher, Itamar Rabinovich and Deborah Amos October 29, 2020 Lessons From History

The Iranian Hostage Crisis

PLEASE NOTE: CFR members are encouraged to watch the documentary Desert One prior to the virtual discussion. A link to view the film will be sent to registrants on Friday, August 21. Please join our panelists for a discussion of the Iranian hostage crisis and the implications of the failed rescue attempt for U.S.-Iran relations for the next forty years. From two-time Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Barbara Kopple, Desert One tells the story of America’s secret mission to free the hostages of the 1979 Iranian revolution.

Virtual Event with James Q. Roberts, Gary G. Sick, Ray Takeyh, Deborah Amos and Barbara Kopple August 25, 2020 Lessons From History

The Legacy of the Korean War

Following the 70th anniversary of the start of the Korean War on June 25, please join our panelists as they discuss the how the war altered U.S. foreign policy, divided Korea, and had long lasting effects in the region.

Virtual Event with Bruce Cumings, Sue Mi Terry, Samuel F. Wells Jr. and Louise Mirrer June 29, 2020 Lessons From History