Global Minnesota

The Art of Diplomacy with Ambassador Eizenstat

Diplomacy isn’t just a career path, it’s a skill we can use in everyday life. That’s what Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat emphasized during Global Minnesota’s wide-ranging webinar discussion around his new book “The Art of Diplomacy,” available at local bookseller Magers and Quinn. Tapping into decades of experience and dozens of high-level interviews with diplomats, Ambassador Eizenstat provided insights into historic diplomatic breakthroughs, as well as a roadmap for future success. Star Tribune columnist John Rash moderated a compelling discussion featuring audience questions on topics such as the negotiations in Ukraine, the importance of non-state actors in diplomacy, rising tension on the India-Pakistan border, and the universal values of diplomacy that span across centuries.

2025 Great Decisions Conference - Closing Presentation

This episode is a recording of a public event held on Thursday, April 24 at the Hennepin County Library in downtown Minneapolis. For the first time since COVID, Global Minnesota hosted our Great Decisions foreign policy conference on the topic India's Rising Influence. The event offered critical context on an important region of the world just as tensions flared once again between India and its neighbor Pakistan. Thanks to the generous support of the Foreign Policy Association for making this event possible.

This episode concludes our series on the 2025 Great Decisions Conference with a lively presentation on India’s foreign policy, the Quad alliance, and nuclear nonproliferation by local expert and RAND analyst Raymond Kuo.

2025 Great Decisions Conference - Women's Workforce Panel

This episode is a recording of a public event held on Thursday, April 24 at the Hennepin County Library in downtown Minneapolis. For the first time since COVID, Global Minnesota hosted our Great Decisions foreign policy conference on the topic India's Rising Influence. The event offered critical context on an important region of the world just as tensions flared once again between India and its neighbor Pakistan. Thanks to the generous support of the Foreign Policy Association for making this event possible.

This episode continues the conversation with a panel discussion titled "India's Societal Landscapes: Women's Education and Workforce Participation.  The conversation featured Ajuli Cameron from SEWA-AIFW and Humphrey School of Public Affairs Fellow and Impact91 founder Aashraya Seth. Their deep dive into women’s health equity brought new light to an issue that can have similar salience for Minnesota. 

2025 Great Decisions Conference - Intro & Keynote

This episode is a recording of a public event held on Thursday, April 24 at the Hennepin County Library in downtown Minneapolis. For the first time since COVID, Global Minnesota hosted our Great Decisions foreign policy conference on the topic India's Rising Influence. The event offered critical context on an important region of the world just as tensions flared once again between India and its neighbor Pakistan. Thanks to the generous support of the Foreign Policy Association for making this event possible.

This episode includes an introductory presentation by local Great Decisions Speaker and Princeton University analyst Ned Downie as well as the keynote presentation "India's Rising Star" by Dr. Satu Limaye, Vice President of the East-West Center.  He painted a picture of India on the ascendancy, highlighting India’s key historical role in the global nonaligned movement and its current relationship with its neighbors China and Pakistan.

A Primer on AI

Global Minnesota’s Great Decisions foreign policy discussion groups make international topics accessible to people all across the state. Anyone can join or start a group to begin discussing important global topics in your community.

One of this year’s Great Decisions topics is AI and National Security. Artificial Intelligence has the potential to change large sections of the global economy, social interactions, and geopolitical dynamics. On May 19, Global Minnesota will be hosting an in-depth discussion all about the intersection of AI and National Security with one of our newest Great Decisions Speakers, Ren Bin Lee Dixon. This episode is primer on the upcoming conversation with Ren Bin to help bring you up to speed on all things AI.

She is an Artificial Intelligence policy researcher with a Master’s in Public Policy, specializing in AI governance, from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. As a Research Fellow at the Center for AI and Digital Policy, she provided policy recommendations to governments and multilateral organizations, shaping frameworks for responsible AI governance. Ren Bin also collaborates with the Center for Security and Emerging Technology on policy briefs addressing AI harm.

 

Links

Upcoming Event: AI & National Security

Great Decisions Discussion Groups

Podcast Episode: Great Decisions Discussion Groups

 

This interview was recorded on April 21, 2025.

2025 Foreign Policy Update Q&A with Tom Hanson

In January, Global Minnesota hosted our most popular event, the annual U.S. Foreign Policy Update. Over 600 people registered to attend this dynamic and insightful discussion providing a comprehensive overview of global developments and trends. The evening featured an in-depth presentation from University of Minnesota – Duluth Diplomat in Residence and career Foreign Service Officer Tom Hanson. His diplomatic postings included East Germany, France, Norway, the Soviet Union, Sweden, and the former Soviet Republic of Georgia. The full event recording is available as a special Global Minnesota member benefit now, and will be released to the public at a later date.

This episode is a follow-up conversation with Tom featuring questions that were submitted during the event. We’ve compiled a wide-ranging sample of the questions to hear more of Tom’s unique insights into the major trends impacting American foreign policy in the year ahead.

 

Links

Podcast Episode: Great Decisions Discussion Groups

Great Decisions Discussion Groups

2025 Briefing Books

Transcript: Secretary of State Rubio Interview

2024 Global Business Outlook

With elections wrapping up all over the world in 2024, what major changes can we expect in U.S. policy and international megatrends for 2025 and beyond? Listen to the recording of our 2024 Global Business Outlook, featuring a discussion on global megatrends by Dr. John Pournoor, CEO of Government Analytica. Additional speakers included:

• Madeleine Féquière, Consul General, Consulate General of Canada in Chicago
• Matt Varilek, Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
• Peter Frosch, CEO of GREATER MSP
• Christina Selander Bouzouina, President, Minnesota Consular Corps
• Ujvara Fetoshi, AI and Data Analytics Lead, New Boundary Technologies
• Sam Hsu, Executive Vice President - Strategic Planning, Ecolab

Hear what each of these thought leaders has to say about their vision for 2025 and what matters to business.

Global Business Outlook Q&A with John Pournoor

In December, Global Minnesota's sold out Global Business Outlook event highlighted key international megatrends shaping the global economy from local expert John Pournoor.

On the latest episode of The Global Minnesota Podcast, hear a follow-up conversation with John featuring questions that were submitted during the event. John provides even more unique insights into the major trends impacting international business in 2025 any beyond.

 

Links

Event Recording: Global Business Outlook

Government Analytica 2025 Megatrends Report

Exploring International Careers in the U.S. Government

Looking to take your career global? Perhaps you’re a recent grad or a mid-career professional seeking to develop meaningful international connections while living and working abroad. Navigating the numerous options for international careers in the U.S. government can be both exciting and overwhelming.

To help simplify the process, Global Minnesota assembled an expert panel of federal government professionals to provide insights and advice. Hear representatives from the U.S. State Department, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Commercial Service, and the U.S. Agency for International Development as they share exciting new opportunities and hiring tracks, including what skills might benefit you and how to get started.

Whether you’re a student, a career-switcher, or simply a curious individual, this webinar recording is the first stop on your journey to an international career of purpose.

SDG Roundtable: Strategies for a Climate-Resilient World

Climate-driven changes are impacting people, businesses, and landscapes--on a global scale. While attention has been placed on reducing the severity of climate change—impacts due to these changes are increasingly observed, increasingly costly, and well-documented. Aging built environments and infrastructure may not have been sized for the new realities and/or not easily adapted for future conditions. How must we respond? What actions can we take to better protect people and property to promote climate resilience? What can we learn from our international partners coping with similar changes and challenges?

Minnesota companies like Barr Engineering Co. regularly help clients understand their vulnerabilities to these risks and develop resilience strategies for their long-term success.

Hear this Sustainable Development Goals Roundtable: Strategies for a Climate-Resilient World. In addition to insights and case studies from Barr Engineering Co., you'll hear from other Minnesota companies learning to pivot in a changing world.

Corporate Member Resources: Open the link to see how Global Minnesota corporate members offer expertise, services, or technology that can help with your organization’s sustainability goals.