Harvard Kennedy School
Cambridge
Machines at the Brink: “Synthetic Deterrence” and “Synthetic Foresight”
James Johnson of the University of Aberdeen discusses his forthcoming book on how generative AI could reshape nuclear crisis decision-making, introducing the concepts of Synthetic Deterrence and Synthetic Foresight and their…
The Art of Diplomacy in Uncertain Times with Ambassador Ángeles Moreno Bau
Spain's ambassador to the U.S., Ángeles Moreno Bau, discusses the future of diplomacy with former U.S. Ambassador to Croatia Nathalie Rayes, covering multilateralism, transatlantic ties, NATO, and global security.
The Everywhere Millionaire: Who the Rich Are & What It Means for Economic Policy
Princeton's Owen Zidar and Chicago Booth's Eric Zwick discuss their book on how private business ownership drives top incomes, with M-RCBG Director Jason Furman moderating.
How Should Democracies Govern Scarce, Life-Saving Resources?
A fall study group at the Ash Center examining organ transplantation as a governance and democracy problem, exploring how institutions allocate scarce life-saving resources and what makes allocation legitimate and fair.
Ambassador Kelly Craft: War by Design: Mapping Conflict & Strategic Forecasting
Kim Kagan of the Institute for the Study of War and Fred Kagan of AEI discuss how conflict mapping and war games help strategists visualize battlefields, test scenarios, and anticipate how wars end.
Why AI Initiatives Stall: Escaping Pilot Purgatory and Reaching Scale
Interactive M-RCBG study group led by Senior Fellow David Barnes exploring why AI initiatives stall after the pilot stage, diagnosing real cases and asking whether scaling depends on AI-specific or broader organizational…
Study Group with Governor Doug Ducey: Leading & Governing with Daniel Scarpinato
An off-the-record study group conversation with Daniel Scarpinato, former chief of staff to Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, on the inner workings of political leadership. Open to Harvard community members with RSVP.
State & Local PIC, Rappaport Institute & Taubman Center Student-Alumni Social
Join the HKS State + Local Professional Interest Council, State & Local Government Alumni Shared Interest Group, Rappaport Institute for Greater Boston, Taubman Center, and local alums working in state and local government for an evening of fun and connection at Painted Burro.
More Than Entertainment: Art, Activism, and LGBTQI+ Human Rights
Acclaimed actors and LGBTQI+ activists discuss how storytelling, popular culture, and entertainment can challenge prejudice and advance human rights, with Uzo Aduba, Joe Locke, Luis Adrián Ruiz Duarte, and María José…
From Social Movements to Institutions: How Social Change Happens in Chile
Chilean historian and Fundación Iguales director María José Cumplido discusses how social movements shape public debate and institutions, focusing on women's and LGBTQI+ activism in Chile; includes student Q&A in Spanish.
HKS on the Road: Los Angeles
Connect with fellow alumni, expand your network, and engage in meaningful conversations about the Kennedy School's mission, values, and priorities in today's world.
The Economic Engine
A discussion on how modernizing U.S. immigration policy can sustain workforce vitality and national economic security, featuring Eva Millona and Juliette Kayyem, hosted by the Homeland Security Project and Belfer Center.
Crisis Communications & Social Media: NY State's Digital Strategy During COVID
When the pandemic hit New York, a small team had days to build a social media and digital communications operation for the global epicenter of a public health crisis. This session examines what they built, how, and what every future government communicator needs to know before the next crisis…
Level Up: Why hierarchies are broken and how to fix them
Stanford's Nir Halevy discusses his book arguing that hierarchies can benefit everyone when done right, with Harvard Business School's Julian Zlatev moderating this interactive BISG book talk on diagnosing and fixing broken…
When Organizations Join Forces: Terrorist Umbrella Alliances Dataset
Makayla Wendland presents the Terrorist Umbrella Alliances Dataset, which offers new data on the formation, structure, membership, and activities of terrorist umbrella alliances, both domestic and transnational, active between 1970 and 2020.
How AI Will Move Markets
Seminar with investment professional and author Dr. Sandy Nairn on his book about AI's decades-long development and its coming impact on financial markets, investors, and likely winners and losers.
Decision-Making Under Duress: A Framework for Founders and Leaders
An interactive session from SICI and Harvard Innovation Labs on making high-stakes decisions with depleted resources, featuring former Navy SEAL Joseph Choi and Winko CEO Akonkwa Mubagwa, plus a short simulation.
Amb Kelly Craft: Case for Disagreement: Beyond Identity & Ideological Conformity
An off-the-record Institute of Politics study group with Ambassador Kelly Craft and guest Thomas Chatterton Williams on disagreeing honestly amid polarization, identity politics, and ideological conformity.
Capital in the Age of Machines
M-RCBG research fellows Paulo Carvão and Ludovic Subran lead a study group on how AI is reshaping growth, labor, capital allocation, productivity, inflation, competitive advantage, and investment strategy.
Director's Seminar with Catherine Russell
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell discusses her work supporting women and children worldwide through foreign policy and multilateralism, in conversation moderated by Belfer Center Director Meghan O'Sullivan.…
Study Group with Hon Alejandro Mayorkas: Terrorism & the Evolution of the Threat
Off-the-record study group led by former Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with ex-FBI Director Christopher Wray on how the terrorist threat has evolved since 2003 and the policy challenges it poses.
2026 Stone Lecture in Economic Inequality
Economist Cecilia Rouse, president of the Brookings Institution and former chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, delivers the Stone Lecture on using economic data to understand the affordability crisis, moderated by…
Covering Conflict: A Conversation on Gaza, Diplomacy, and Journalism
Institute of Politics Food for Thought conversation with diplomatic correspondent Akbar Shahid Ahmed, discussing his book on the Biden administration's Gaza policy, US foreign policy, and the challenges of conflict reporting.
Data + Donuts: How Can We Measure Housing Affordability?
Whitney Airgood-Obrycki of the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies discusses current approaches to measuring housing affordability, exploring what different data sources tell us, the limitations of each, and the complexities of tracking housing stock and production in this hybrid Data + Donuts session.
American Politics Speaker Series: Social Preferences and the Filibuster
You’re invited to join Christian Fong, Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins School of Government and Policy, for an American Politics Speaker Series discussion sponsored by the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation and the Center for American Political Studies. Registration is…
Indonesian Language Class - October 23
A not-for-credit Bahasa Indonesia and culture course open to Harvard students, faculty, fellows, staff, and scholars from the greater Boston area, taught by Fulbright FLTA Ricardus Williams Djee Wau.
Amb. Chris Lu Study Group: Faith and Public Service: Leading Across Differences
Off-the-record IOP study group with Ambassador Chris Lu and Melissa Rogers on building trust with religious communities, balancing religious freedom with public duties, and leading across deep differences in belief.
Meeting the China Challenge
Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd discusses U.S.-China relations and the path forward, with Graham Allison moderating. Hosted by the Institute of Politics and co-sponsored by the Belfer Center.
Stone Inequality & Social Policy Seminar: Trevon Logan
The Stone Program in Wealth Distribution, Inequality, and Social Policy welcomes Professor Trevon Logan (Ohio State) to speak in the Stone Inequality & Social Policy Seminar.
Clean, Cheap and Reliable: A Manifesto for the Modern Power System
In this Energy Policy Seminar, former Texas and U.S. energy de-regulator Pat Wood will share lessons from a quarter century of industry restructuring and discuss how his team at the Hunt Energy Network is preparing for the looming "Energy Intelligence Era." Professor Joe Aldy will moderate, with…
The Role of Blockchain-based Stablecoins in Strenthening Dollar Hegemony
Study group led by M-RCBG Senior Fellow Ijeoma Okoli exploring how blockchain-based stablecoins may reinforce US dollar dominance, drive dollarization abroad, and fund the US government rather than challenge the dollar.
Israel and the UN: A History of Scrutiny
A discussion weighing whether UN scrutiny of Israel is legitimate accountability or a double standard, featuring UN Watch's Hillel Neuer and human rights scholar Kathryn Sikkink, moderated by Patrick Vinck.
Policing, Public Safety and Community
Jessica Tisch, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department, joins Harvard Kennedy School for a discussion on the evolving dynamics of policing in a major American city, including strategies for addressing crime and working with community stakeholders. Juliette Kayyem moderates.
The Diplomat: On Screen and in the World
Creator Debora Cahn and star Keri Russell discuss Netflix's "The Diplomat" with former UN Ambassador Samantha Power, exploring how the series portrays real diplomacy amid geopolitical change. Nancy Gibbs moderates.
Speaking Under Pressure: A Public Speaking Workshop
A hands-on workshop on handling hostile questions, criticism, and uncomfortable challenges, using discussion and live practice to help speakers stay in control and respond professionally. Led by HKS adjunct lecturer Lawrence…
Believability in the Age of AI: Two Session Study Group - Apply Today
A two-session Harvard Kennedy School study group led by Adjunct Lecturer Allison Shapira exploring what makes leaders believable in the age of AI, and how to build trust, credibility, and influence.
Patriotism and Principles
Former Congresswoman Liz Cheney discusses leadership, civic responsibility, and the principles sustaining American democracy, in conversation moderated by Anthony Foxx of the Center for Public Leadership.
Book Talk with David Holloway - Nuclear Weapons: An International History
David Holloway discusses his international history of nuclear weapons, from 1938 fission research through Gorbachev's 1988 UN speech, drawing on newly opened Russian archives to examine the Soviet Union as an independent…
WAPPP Changemakers with Megha Goel
Megha Goel, Chief Human Resources Officer at Godrej Properties, discusses how leaders turn bold ideas into lasting change and advance gender equity through evidence-based policy and organizational practice.
Mega-Events and Cities: Opportunities, Risks, and Lasting Impact
Join Juliette Kayyem for a conversation with city leaders who have planned and hosted major international events, exploring how cities prepare for complex, high-stakes gatherings, manage public safety and operational risk, and balance immediate demands with long-term civic goals.
US-China Relations in Xi’s Fourth Term: A Seminar with Jonathan Czin
Jonathan Czin, former senior CIA China analyst and NSC director for China, discusses China's likely foreign policy after 2027 and prospects for a more assertive turn toward Taiwan and the US. Hosted by HKS's Intelligence…
How Should Democracies Govern Scarce, Life-Saving Resources?
A fall study group session using organ transplantation as a case study in how democracies allocate scarce life-saving resources, weighing organ markets, compensation, emerging technologies, equity and oversight. Hosted by…
The Legacy of Reykjavik and the Future of U.S.–Russia Nuclear Relations
A panel marking 40 years since the 1986 Reagan–Gorbachev Reykjavik summit examines its lessons for arms control, disarmament, and great power relations, hosted by Harvard's Project on Managing the Atom.
Culture in the Age of AI: Identity, Ownership & Human Creativity
Session 3 of the Fall 2026 Cultural Diplomacy Initiative Study Group, exploring the implications of artificial intelligence for creativity and cultural ownership.
Gender Apartheid: Power and Oppression in Afghanistan
A panel examining women's and girls' rights under Taliban rule in Afghanistan — restrictions on education, work, movement and public life — and the resilience of Afghan women defending their rights. Metra Mehran and Sima…
America at 250 and Beyond: Constitutionalism and the Rule of Law
A panel discussion on the origins, evolution, and future of American constitutionalism and the rule of law, moderated by historian Jill Lepore with legal scholars Jamal Greene and Aziz Z. Huq and Judge Kevin C. Newsom.
How to Win A Trade War
Soumaya Keynes and Chad Bown discuss their book on how the global trading system is changing, moderated by Harvard's Gordon Hanson and Robert Lawrence, hosted by the Center for International Development.
Linda Hill on Genius at Scale: Leadership for an Era of Change
Join the Bloomberg Center for Cities for a conversation with Linda Hill, renowned leadership scholar, Harvard Business School professor, and author of Genius at Scale, exploring how leaders can unlock collective intelligence and build cultures where innovation can flourish.
Likely Impact of Midterms on Education Policy: A “Pre-Mortem”
PEPG welcomes Rick Hess of the American Enterprise Institute and Andy Rotherham of Bellwether Education Partners to discuss what can be expected in federal education policy after the 120th Congress is sworn in next January, as well as at the state and municipal level. The conversation will be…
The Kosovo Specialist Chambers: A Wrong Turn for Transitional Justice?
Anna Di Lellio and Kathryn Sikkink discuss the Kosovo Specialist Chambers' conviction of Hashim Thaçi, weighing legitimacy, local ownership, and whether the court advances or sets back accountability and transitional justice.
How China and Poland took on the Soviet Union, 1956-1960
Wiktor Babinski, a research fellow in the International Security Program, presents archival research linking Poland's 1956 anti-Stalinist upheaval with the Sino-Soviet split, reframing late-1950s communist bloc history as…
Indonesian Language Class - October 30
The Rajawali Foundation Institute for Asia invites you to join a not-for-credit Bahasa Indonesia and culture course, open to Harvard students, faculty, fellows, staff, and students and scholars from the greater Boston area, taught by Fulbright FLTA Ricardus Williams Djee Wau.
The Transformation of Warfare: Ten Propositions
Ariel Levite of the Project on Managing the Atom reviews ten transformations reshaping modern warfare — drones, AI, satellites and precision weapons — and their combined strategic consequences, drawing on lessons from…
The Present and Future of the Care Economy
The care economy is one of the fastest-growing — and most troubled — sectors in the United States. This panel brings together voices from research, policy, and practice to examine where the care economy stands today and how good jobs in care can be designed.
Stone Inequality & Social Policy Seminar: Seth Zimmerman
The Stone Program in Wealth Distribution, Inequality, and Social Policy welcomes Professor Seth Zimmerman (Yale School of Management) to speak in the Stone Inequality & Social Policy Seminar.
Gender Equality: Barriers Faced by Those Enacting Change with Michelle Ryan
In this seminar, Michelle Ryan shifts the focus to three barriers faced by those enacting workplace gender equality change: complacency, misdiagnosis of the problem, and backlash and resistance.
Calling Gilgamesh: A Reading and Conversation on Humanity, Cities and the Future
A scenic reading of Gloria Benedikt's new play Calling Gilgamesh, followed by a discussion on humanity, cities and the future, hosted by the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University.
Cultural Heritage Impacts Economic Development: Case of Georgia
A CID Speaker Series discussion on how Georgia turned its cultural and natural heritage and strategic location into economic competitiveness, featuring Mamuka Tsereteli and Shota Bagaturia, moderated by Natia Chankvetadze.
Reconciling Credibility and Radicalism in an Age of Populism
Rachel Reeves, former UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, discusses lessons from government and economic policymaking in a populist era, in conversation with Harvard Kennedy School economist Gita Gopinath, who moderates. Hosted…
Case Studies from the White House Speechwriting Shop: A Communications Workshop
A window into the life cycle and strategies behind two speeches written with President Obama, presented as a communications workshop.
Stone Inequality Book Talk: The Everywhere Millionaire
In this Stone Inequality Book Talk, economist Owen Zidar (Princeton University) will discuss his new book, The Everywhere Millionaire: Who Is Really Rich in America and How They Got There, co-authored with economist Eric Zwick (University of Chicago Booth School of Business).
A Conversation with Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster (Ret.)
Fireside chat with former National Security Advisor Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster (Ret.) and Ambassador Nicholas Burns on America's national security challenges, hosted by the Program on Diplomacy and Statecraft.
Election Night in the Forum
Election night gathering at the JFK Jr. Forum, where Eugene Scott moderates a conversation with guests and student leaders before live returns are shown on the big screen, with food and drinks.
How Should Democracies Govern Scarce, Life-Saving Resources?
A fall study group from the Ash Center examining organ transplantation as a governance and democracy problem — how institutions allocate scarce life-saving resources, who has a voice, and what makes allocation legitimate.
The Breakdown with Erica Chenoweth and Steve Levitsky - November 4, 2026
Join Erica Chenoweth and Steven Levitsky for the ninth session of The Breakdown, a webinar series on the ongoing struggle for American democracy.
HKSSF Alumni Happy Hour in the East Bay: AI Safety Edition
Join the HKS San Francisco Alumni Network on Wednesday, November 4, 6:00–7:30 pm PT, at Cornerstone in Berkeley for a happy hour and discussion on AI safety with Dhairya Dalal!
Statewide School Improvement Strategies and High-Impact Tutoring
PEPG welcomes Kevin Huffman, former Tennessee commissioner of education, to discuss how high-impact tutoring can inform school improvement reforms at the state level, followed by a Q&A moderated by James Peyser, former Massachusetts Secretary of Education.
Friendly Fire: Rethinking Israel’s Security
Admiral (Ret.) Ami Ayalon, former Shin Bet director and Israeli Navy commander, discusses his book on Israel's security and democracy, drawing on decades inside the country's security establishment. Mathias Risse moderates.
Indonesian Language Class - November 6
A not-for-credit Bahasa Indonesia and culture course open to Harvard students, faculty, fellows, staff, and the greater Boston community, taught by Fulbright FLTA Ricardus Williams Djee Wau.
Stone Inequality & Social Policy Seminar: Jackelyn Hwang
The Stone Program in Wealth Distribution, Inequality, and Social Policy welcomes Professor Jackelyn Hwang (Stanford University) to speak in the Stone Inequality & Social Policy Seminar.
Healthcare in Gaza: Medicine, Human Rights, and Access to Care
Physicians Thaer Ahmad, Rasha Khoury, and Feroze Sidhwa discuss Gaza's healthcare system, medical access, and the human rights implications of the conflict, drawing on humanitarian and emergency medicine experience; Eman…
How to Ask Great Questions - The Art of the Interview
Journalist and author Ryan Prior leads a Communications Program session on interview technique: researching strategically, drawing out vivid details and anecdotes, crafting compelling stories, and handling unexpected…
Case Studies from the White House Speechwriting Shop: A Communications Workshop
A window into the life cycle and strategies behind two speeches written with President Obama, presented by Stephen Krupin of SKDK Communications.
The Causes of Great-Power War
Reimagining Infrastructure Underpinning International Development | David McNair
David McNair of ONE Data presents a vision for using AI to unify fragmented data on development finance—aid, debt, private investment, and domestic budgets—and introduces the new Development Finance Observatory platform.
American Politics Speaker Series: The Electoral Power of Public Employees
Vladimir Kogan of Ohio State University presents research using administrative data and voter files showing that public school employees become more likely to vote in school board elections, with spillover effects on their…
Indonesian Language Class - November 13
A not-for-credit Bahasa Indonesia and culture course open to Harvard students, faculty, fellows, staff, and the greater Boston community, taught by Fulbright FLTA Ricardus Williams Djee Wau.
50th Anniversary Symposium: Leadership for a New Era
A full-day symposium marking 50 years of HKS Executive Education, featuring research and presentations from Kennedy School faculty including Nicholas Burns, Anthony Foxx, Sharad Goel, Nathalie Laidler-Kylander, and Julia…
Stone Inequality & Social Policy Seminar: Daniel Hopkins
The Stone Program in Wealth Distribution, Inequality, and Social Policy welcomes Professor Daniel Hopkins (University of Pennsylvania) to speak in the Stone Inequality & Social Policy Seminar.
WAPPP Seminar with Zoe Marks
A WAPPP Fall 2026 seminar series talk exploring how gender intersects with systems of power and how individuals and movements work to reshape these systems to advance social change.
Fixing a Broken NPT Review Process
Dr. Mark Goodman of the Center for Nonproliferation Studies examines why recent NPT Review Conferences have fallen short and how the review process could be redesigned to strengthen the nonproliferation regime.
Impact of High School Quality on Long-Term Student Outcomes
PEPG welcomes John Papay, Walter and Leonore Annenberg Professor of Education Policy and director of Annenberg Institute, to discuss the extent to which students' outcomes are prescribed by the quality of their secondary education. Papay's presentation will be followed by a Q&A moderated by James…
Why Israel Matters: American Jewish Identity After October 7
Sociologist and Sephardic leader Mijal Bitton joins Mathias Risse to explore why American Jews feel connected to Israel and estranged from former allies, reflecting on identity, belonging, and solidarity after October 7.
Indonesian Language Class - November 20
A not-for-credit Bahasa Indonesia and culture course open to Harvard students, faculty, fellows, staff, and scholars from the greater Boston area, taught by Fulbright FLTA Ricardus Williams Djee Wau.
BOOK TALK: 'Side Effects' with Alice Miranda Ollstein and MaryRose Mazzola
Join the Women and Public Policy Program for a book talk with reporter and author Alice Miranda Ollstein and HKS faculty MaryRose Mazzola on how the fall of Roe changed American health care far beyond reproductive rights.
Stone Inequality & Social Policy Seminar: Nev Jones
The Stone Program in Wealth Distribution, Inequality, and Social Policy welcomes Professor Nev Jones (University of Pittsburgh) to speak in the Stone Inequality & Social Policy Seminar.
Energy Security Sustainability Delivered
Energy Policy Seminar talk by Mark Brownstein of the Environmental Defense Fund on delivering energy security and sustainability, moderated by Joe Aldy, with Q&A and lunch.
Gender Harassment: A Technology of Oppression in Organizations w/ Lilia Cortina
Professor Lilia Cortina discusses gender harassment — conduct that disparages employees based on gender but implies no sexual advance — and how it pressures employees to conform to narrow standards of gender "appropriate" behavior, maintaining gender oppression in society and on the job.
Fair Share: Dismantling Outdated Work Norms to Advance Gender Equity for All
David Smith presents research from his new book Fair Share, revealing how outdated workplace norms undermine careers, caregiving, and gender equity—and what leaders can do to fix the system.
AI & Cities: What Boston's BidBot Can Teach Us About AI in Government
Launch event for the AI & Cities Lab featuring Mitch Weiss, Jeff Liebman, and leaders from the City of Boston discussing lessons from Bidbot, an AI tool for municipal procurement, and what it reveals about integrating AI into city government.
AI & Cities: What Boston's BidBot Can Teach Us About AI in Government
This event marks the launch of the AI & Cities Lab, a new collaboration between the Bloomberg Center for Cities, the Government Performance Lab at Harvard Kennedy School, and the Harvard Business School Digital Data Design Institute. It features Mitch Weiss, Jeff Liebman, and leaders from the City…
The Breakdown with Erica Chenoweth and Steve Levitsky - December 2, 2026
What Do We Save? Protecting Cultural Heritage in an Age of Conflict
Indonesian Language Class - December 4
A not-for-credit Bahasa Indonesia and culture course hosted by the Rajawali Foundation Institute for Asia, open to Harvard students, faculty, fellows, staff, and the greater Boston community.