City and State Diplomacy: U.S. Subnational Actors in a Changing Global Order
Bloomberg Center for Cities, Taubman Third Floor, Harvard Kennedy School
About the Event
For enrolled Harvard graduate students.
This study group examines the growing role of U.S. mayors and governors as international actors engaging with foreign governments, multilateral institutions, and transnational networks, as well as the implications of subnational diplomacy for U.S. foreign policy, economic competitiveness, and global governance. The group will explore why this shift is occurring, how it is unfolding in practice, and what opportunities and risks it presents. Each session will consist of a fireside chat between an HKS professor and a practitioner with direct experience working on subnational diplomacy. Participants will engage in discussion with visiting experts and practitioners working at the intersection of local governance, international affairs, climate policy, and economic development.
Registration is required as space is limited. Register for one or multiple sessions using the links below.
Sessions
- Wednesday, February 25 | 10:30-11:30 a.m.
The Evolving Diplomatic Role of U.S. Cities and States | Professor Jake Sullivan and Ambassador Nina Hachigian, Former City & State Diplomacy Representative at the Department of State Subnational Diplomacy Unit
Register - Tuesday, March 10 | 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Managing U.S.-China Tensions at the City and State Level | Professor Rana Mitter and Dilpreet Sidhu, Deputy Mayor of International Affairs for the city of Los Angeles and former Deputy Chief of Staff at the National Security Council
Register - Thursday, April 2 | 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Mayors Leveraging Sports Diplomacy | Professor Juliette Kayyem and Mayor Quinton Lucas, mayor of Kansas City, Missouri
Register - Wednesday, April 8 | 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Mayors and Governors as Climate Diplomats | Professor Josephy Aldy and Gina McCarthy, Managing Co-Chair, America Is All In and former Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Register
We welcome individuals with accessibility needs to participate in our events. Contact us at events@cities.harvard.edu to request accommodations or if you have questions.
