This fall, the Watson School will host a diverse lineup of signature events exploring global politics, democracy, human rights, security and the forces shaping our world. Below are some highlights of what’s to come.
September 10: What Has Happened to Indian Democracy?
Yogendra Yadav, Ashutosh Varshney and Yamini Aiyar will discuss the current state of Indian democracy, its challenges and its future in a panel moderated by Patrick Heller.
September 14: Wilmot James — Nelson Mandela, the Gold Standard
Wilmot James will explore the difficulties and challenges Nelson Mandela faced in setting the norm for adherence to and compliance with international law in the context of a negotiated settlement with the last apartheid government.
October 1: John Hazen White Sr. Lecture: David French
New York Times columnist David French will deliver the John Hazen White Sr. Lecture, exploring how religious fundamentalism can shape and distort American politics and its implications for democracy and justice.
October 6: The State of the 2026 Midterm Elections
The Taubman Center will host Edward-Isaac Dovere, Xochitl Hinojosa and Matt Gorman for a conversation on the 2026 midterms and what the results could mean for the balance of power in Washington.
October 8: Dean’s Fireside Chat — A New Era in the Persian Gulf: Understanding Rapid Changes to Societies, Economies, and Geopolitics
Princeton professor Bernard Haykel will join Dean John N. Friedman for a fireside chat on the rapid changes across the Gulf, including social and economic reforms, shifting regional alliances and the future of the region and the world.
October 14: Civilian Protection amidst Armed Conflict
Speakers from three humanitarian and human rights organizations will discuss protecting civilians from armed-conflict violence, including attacks on energy infrastructure in Ukraine, health care and civilians, conflict-related sexual violence, and the use of drones in conflict.
October 14: Owning the Green Grid: The Political Economy of Renewable Energy Design
The Climate Solutions Lab hosts Joshua A. Basseches for a book talk on "Owning the Green Grid," his study of how electricity system ownership shapes state-level climate policy.
October 27: The Anton-Lippitt Public Policy Series: On the Housing Crisis with Jerusalem Demsas
The Taubman Center hosts Atlantic staff writer Jerusalem Demsas for a talk on her book "On the Housing Crisis" and how local democracies have fueled the housing shortage.