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RECENT PUBLICATIONS

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US Sovereign Wealth Fund and Debt-Associated Risk
Policy Analysis by Henry Dirckx

On February 3, 2025, President Trump issued an Executive Order for the creation of a US Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF). The idea, popularized by nations such as Norway and Saudi Arabia, has seen bipartisan support. However, a US SWF would face unique challenges in relation to the US’s current budget deficit and $36 trillion USD in debt.

4/21/2025


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The State of US-China-Taiwan Relations: A Discussion with Dr. David Bachman
Interview by Nick Tselikov
4/21/2025
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A Conversation with Dr. Vlasta Zekulic on NATO's Strategy Development and Croatia's Military
​Interview by Tin Pak
2/14/2025

upcoming events

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A Discussion on Public Leadership with Bruce Harrell

​Join us on 
May 20, from 4:00 to 5:30 PM 
for a discussion with Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell on the challenges and responsibilities of public leadership. Drawing from his experience as Mayor and longtime City Councilmember, Mayor Harrell will reflect on his time in office as he approaches an election this year. The event will include a moderated discussion followed by audience Q&A. This event will take place at the University of Washington, Gowen Hall, room 201. 

If you would like to attend, it is required that you fill out this registration form: 
https://forms.gle/u5Ng8UEvsKU7j6WNA​
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A Discussion on Strategic Leadership with Lieutenant General Matthew McFarlane

​Join us on 
May 22, from 4:00 to 5:30 PM for a discussion with Lieutenant General Matthew McFarlane as he shares insights on leadership developed over three decades of military service, including his role as the current Commanding General of the U.S. Army’s I Corps and former Commander of the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq from 2022 to 2023. This conversation will explore the challenges of leading in high-stakes environments, decision-making under pressure, and lessons in strategic leadership relevant to both military and civilian careers. The event will include a moderated discussion followed by audience Q&A. This event will take place at the University of Washington, Bank of America Executive Education Center
, room 320. 

If you would like to attend, it is required that you fill out this registration form: 
https://forms.gle/pEaXQBfwPg46mGR9A

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Navigating U.S.-China Relations: A Panel with Congressman Adam Smith and Professor David Bachman
Join us on June 2, from 5 to 6 PM, for a special panel discussion on the future of U.S.-China relations, featuring Congressman Adam Smith and Professor David Bachman. The event will take place at the Electrical & Computer Engineering Building (ECE), room 045.

Special projects


on strategic leadership

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major general duke pirak

Maj. Gen. Pirak is the Acting Director of US Air National Guard. Leading 108,000 airmen in 90 wings with over 1000 aircraft.
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General David H. Petraeus

General David H. Petraeus is a retired four-star U.S. Army general and former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency​.
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lt. general david julazadeh

Lt. Gen. Dave Julazadeh is the Deputy Chief of Staff, Capability Development, at NATO's Headquarters Supreme Allied Command Transformation. ​He also served as Chief of Staff, Headquarters United States European Command.

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Dr. Vlasta Zekulic

Dr. Vlasta Zekulic is the Branch Head of Strategic Issues and Engagements at NATO. She is also a former Colonel of the Croatian Army with her latest posting being the Commander of the Croatian Defense Academy. 

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  • Home
  • RESEARCH
    • Economics & Business
    • Security & Diplomacy
    • Human Rights & Development
  • EVENTS
  • Reports
  • On Strategic Leadership
  • Leadership
  • About RI