John B. Hurford Memorial Lecture | Council on Foreign Relations

John B. Hurford Memorial Lecture With Timothy Snyder

Historian Timothy Snyder explores the concept of freedom, including what it is, how it has been misunderstood, and why it is worth fighting for both in the United States and globally. The John B. Hurford Memorial Lecture was inaugurated in 2002 in memory of CFR member John B. Hurford, and features individuals who represent critical new thinking in international affairs and foreign policy. This meeting is also part of the Diamonstein-Spielvogel Meeting Series on Democracy.

Virtual Event with Timothy Snyder, Gillian Tett and Michael Froman September 17, 2024 John B. Hurford Memorial Lecture

Middle East and North Africa

CFR Fellows’ Book Launch Series: The End of Ambition: America’s Past, Present, and Future in the Middle East by Steven Cook

In The End of Ambition, Steven A. Cook boldly claims that despite setbacks and moral costs, the United States has had a record of success in the Middle East. Yet, beginning in the 1990s, those achievements bred ambitious policies to remake the region that ended in failure and regional instability. While making the case that retrenchment is not the answer to America’s problems in the Middle East, Cook highlights how America’s interests in the region have begun to change and examines alternative approaches to U.S.-Middle East policy. The John B. Hurford Memorial Lecture was inaugurated in 2002 in memory of CFR member John B. Hurford, and features individuals who represent critical new thinking in international affairs and foreign policy.

Virtual Event with Steven A. Cook and James M. Lindsay June 12, 2024 John B. Hurford Memorial Lecture

China

Advancing Cyber Diplomacy

This symposium will convene senior government officials and experts from academia and the private sector to address the U.S. Department of State’s newly created Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, the goals of American cyber diplomacy, and how major public and private international stakeholders can advance global cyber cooperation amidst threats from authoritarian states like Russia and China. The John B. Hurford Memorial Lecture was inaugurated in 2002 in memory of CFR member John B. Hurford, and features individuals who represent critical new thinking in international affairs and foreign policy. Click here to download the full agenda for the symposium. Please register for all sessions you plan to attend.

Virtual Event with Nathaniel Fick, Selena Larson, Heli Tiirmaa-Klaar, Juliette Wilcox, Niloofar Razi Howe and Amna Nawaz March 14, 2023 John B. Hurford Memorial Lecture

Economics

John B. Hurford Memorial Lecture With Ray Dalio

Investor and author Ray Dalio discusses the changing world order, including the international economic environment’s trajectory, the economic and security implications of the current global geopolitical tensions, and lessons from analogous historical periods. The John B. Hurford Memorial Lecture was inaugurated in 2002 in memory of CFR member John B. Hurford, and features individuals who represent critical new thinking in international affairs and foreign policy.

Virtual Event with Ray Dalio and Fareed Zakaria March 1, 2022 John B. Hurford Memorial Lecture

Wars and Conflict

John B. Hurford Memorial Lecture With Margaret MacMillan

Historian and author Margaret MacMillan discusses her new book War: How Conflict Shaped Us, including the evolution and intricacies of warfare as well as how war has influenced humanity and society over the course of history. The John B. Hurford Memorial Lecture was inaugurated in 2002 in memory of CFR member John B. Hurford, and features individuals who represent critical new thinking in international affairs and foreign policy.

Virtual Event with Margaret MacMillan and Amy Davidson Sorkin October 22, 2020 John B. Hurford Memorial Lecture

United States

John B. Hurford Memorial Lecture With Samantha Power

Samantha Power discusses her career in government, including her time at the United Nations and the National Security Council, and how it influenced her perspective on U.S. foreign policy and human rights.

Event with Samantha Power and David E. Sanger December 10, 2019 John B. Hurford Memorial Lecture

United States

John B. Hurford Memorial Lecture With John Kerry

John Kerry discusses his American life as a Navy lieutenant, prosecutor, lieutenant governor, Democratic nominee for the presidency of the United States, five term senator, and U.S. Secretary of State, and how those experiences shaped his thinking on international affairs and foreign policy.

Event with John F. Kerry and David M. Rubenstein October 5, 2018 John B. Hurford Memorial Lecture

Russia

John B. Hurford Memorial Lecture With Michael McFaul

Michael McFaul provides an insider’s perspective on Russia during his time as U.S. ambassador, including his analysis of Russia’s foreign policy from the end of the cold war to the presidency of Vladimir Putin and the future of U.S.-Russia relations.

Event with Michael A. McFaul and David Remnick May 11, 2018 John B. Hurford Memorial Lecture

Asia

U.S. Strategy in Asia: Is the Pivot Working?

Experts discuss the Obama administration's "Pivot to Asia" strategy, its successes and failures, and the evolving dynamics of U.S. relations across Asia.

Event with Elizabeth C. Economy, Kurt M. Campbell, Thomas J. Christensen and Tim W. Ferguson October 6, 2016 John B. Hurford Memorial Lecture

Global

A Conversation With Francis Fukuyama

Francis Fukuyama delivers the John B. Hurford Memorial Lecture.

Event with Francis Fukuyama and Michael Mandelbaum September 15, 2015 John B. Hurford Memorial Lecture

United States

The Role of Financial Power in National Security

Experts discuss the recent history and evolution of the U.S. government's use of financial power and influence in national security.

Event with Lee S. Wolosky, Juan Carlos Zarate and Danny Glaser January 29, 2014 John B. Hurford Memorial Lecture

Emerging Markets

Lessons from Emerging Markets

Join Joyce Chang, Richard Clarida, and Peter Henry for a discussion of how emerging markets have responded to the global recession of 2008-2009 and potential lessons for developed countries. Inaugurated in 2002 in memory of Council member John B. Hurford, this annual lecture features individuals who represent critical new thinking in foreign policy and international affairs.

Event with Tim Ferguson April 22, 2013 John B. Hurford Memorial Lecture