Lessons From History | Council on Foreign Relations

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 and Meghan L. O'Sullivan 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 and Philip D. Zelikow 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 and David Pozorski 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 and Klaus H. Jacob 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 and Benn Steil 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 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 and Timothy Naftali 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 and Micah Zenko 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 and Itamar Rabinovich 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 and Ray Takeyh 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 and Samuel F. Wells Jr. June 29, 2020 Lessons From History

Learning From Past Pandemics

Please join our panelists for a discussion on the lessons medical professionals and policymakers have learned in combating past pandemics and how such lessons can be applied in the fight against COVID-19 and future crises.

Virtual Event with Laurie Garrett, Julie L. Gerberding and Jeremy Greene June 11, 2020 Lessons From History

United States

An Inside Look at the Middle East Peace Process: Screening and Discussion of "The Human Factor"

Panelists discuss The Human Factor and the history of the Middle East peace process. This documentary examines the decades-long pursuit of peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict chronicled by the American diplomats and negotiators working behind the scenes.

Event with Gamal Helal, Martin S. Indyk and Dror Moreh February 3, 2020 Lessons From History

South Africa

The End of Apartheid in South Africa: The U.S. and UK Policy Perspective

Panelists present firsthand accounts of the end of apartheid in South Africa, specifically the involvement of the United States and Great Britain, and the repercussions of their policies for South Africa twenty-five years later. This meeting is held in memory of Ambassador Princeton Lyman, who passed away in August 2018. Ambassador Lyman was the first holder of the Ralph Bunche endowed chair in Africa Policy Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations.

Event with Chester Crocker and Robin Renwick April 30, 2019 Lessons From History

Iran

The 1979 Iranian Revolution

Panelists reflect on the events that unfolded during the Iranian Revolution in 1979, how the United States responded, and the consequences for today.

Event with Ervand Abrahamian, Gary G. Sick and John D. Stempel February 27, 2019 Lessons From History

United States

The Legacy of the Jimmy Carter Administration

Panelists discuss the policies and priorities of the Jimmy Carter administration and the lessons to be learned for U.S. foreign policy today.

Event with Ann Compton, Stuart E. Eizenstat and Robert Strong October 23, 2018 Lessons From History

United States

Presidential Leadership

Doris Kearns Goodwin and Jay Winik discuss presidential leadership and the definitive qualities that presidents throughout history have exemplified to overcome adversity.

Event with Doris Kearns Goodwin and Jay Winik October 17, 2018 Lessons From History

Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Twenty-Five Years After the Oslo Accords

Panelists discuss the HBO documentary film The Oslo Diaries as well as the years of Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, the legacy of the agreements, and the future of the peace process.

Event with Ghaith Al-Omari, Martin S. Indyk and Joel Singer October 2, 2018 Lessons From History

United States

The Foreign Policy Legacy of the Founding Fathers

Speakers discuss the founding of the United States, the priorities and goals debated during the framing of the U.S. Constitution, and what eighteenth century politics can teach us about modern U.S. foreign policy.

Event with John Avlon, Carol Berkin and Noah Feldman February 27, 2018 Lessons From History

Vietnam War

Fifty Years After the Tet Offensive: Lessons From the Vietnam War

Panelists discuss the fiftieth anniversary of the Tet Offensive, launched in late January 1968, and the lessons learned or forgotten from the Vietnam War for the United States today.

Event with Frances FitzGerald, Fredrik Logevall and Lien-Hang Nguyen February 8, 2018 Lessons From History

Ireland

A Discussion on the Northern Ireland Peace Process

Panelists discuss the relative success of the Northern Ireland peace process almost twenty years since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.

Event with George J. Mitchell and Maurice Fitzpatrick October 12, 2017 Lessons From History

Middle East and North Africa

U.S. Policy in the Middle East: Fifty Years After the Six Day War

Experts discuss the legacy of the 1967 Six Day War, its influence on U.S. policy in the Middle East for the last fifty years, and the prospects of negotiating a lasting Arab-Israeli peace deal.

Event with Shibley Telhami, Martin S. Indyk and Kenneth W. Stein May 30, 2017 Lessons From History

Political History and Theory

U.S. Entry Into World War I: Lessons One Hundred Years Later

One hundred years ago this month, the United States declared war on Germany and thereby entered World War I. Experts discuss why the United States entered "the Great War," the consequences it had for American society and foreign policy, and what lessons it holds for Americans going forward.

Event with John Milton Cooper and Jennifer Keene April 26, 2017 Lessons From History

Iraq

Iraq Reconsidered: Ten Years After the Surge

Experts discuss the successes and failures of the 2007 U.S. military surge in Iraq, its implications for U.S. strategy in the region over the past ten years, and lessons moving forward.

Event with Meghan L. O'Sullivan, Christopher A. Kojm and Raymond T. Odierno February 1, 2017 Lessons From History