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Richard Haass
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Politics
Navigate the complex world of international relations and gain insights into global diplomacy with Dr. Richard Haass, speaker, diplomat, and international relations scholar.
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Author
Dr. Richard Haass is a highly experienced diplomat and renowned scholar of international relations. He currently serves as the president emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations and as a senior counselor with Centerview Partners. Throughout his career, he has held various prominent positions in the State Department, White House, and Pentagon, working under multiple presidents. He has also played key roles in diplomatic negotiations and coordination efforts, such as the Cyprus negotiations, the Northern Ireland peace process, and the future of Afghanistan after 9/11. Dr. Haass is a prolific author, having written or edited numerous books on American foreign policy, management, and democracy. His latest book, "The Bill of Obligations: The Ten Habits of Good Citizens," was published in January 2023 and became a New York Times bestseller. He also writes a weekly newsletter called "Home & Away." Dr. Haass holds a bachelor's degree from Oberlin College and master's and doctorate degrees from Oxford University. He has received several prestigious awards for his work, including the State Department's Superior Honor Award, the Presidential Citizens Medal, and the Tipperary International Peace Award. Dr. Haass resides in New York City with his wife.
Topics, sessions and talks
Visionary thinker Richard Haass delivers unparalleled insights that will help anyone, experts and non-experts alike, become more globally literate so they can better navigate our fast-changing world. Modeled on his book The World: A Brief Introduction, this presentation provides audiences with the essential background and building blocks needed to answer the critical questions generated by today’s headlines. With the tectonic plates of international relations constantly moving, this is a critical time for individuals, businesses, and organizations to understand what is taking place around the world, why it is taking place, and how it affects our lives and our work. In this talk, Haass will elucidate the essential history, point out what makes each region of the world (and the most important countries) tick, analyze the most challenges globalization presents, and explain the ideas most critical for understanding international developments and why they matter.
Richard Haass, New York Times bestselling author and president of the Council on Foreign Relations, argues in his forthcoming book, "The Bill of Obligations: The Ten Habits of Good Citizens," that the greatest threat to the United States comes from within. He believes American democracy can only survive and thrive if the concept of citizenship is revised to balance rights with obligations. Haass contends that addressing internal issues like apathy, anger, selfishness, division, disinformation, and violence is crucial. Attendees will learn how redefining citizenship can help preserve and strengthen American democracy.
We are living in the most dangerous decade since World War II, surpassing even the Cold War's most fraught period. A mix of geopolitics, global issues, and U.S. domestic challenges are creating a vicious cycle. Internationally, Russia's war against Ukraine, China's rise, North Korea's expanding arsenal, and Iran's nuclear development threaten global order. New challenges like climate change, pandemics, and terrorism have emerged, while international institutions struggle due to diplomatic fallout. Additionally, a divided and inward-looking United States hinders effective foreign policy. Attendees will learn about these complex dynamics and their implications from [Person's Name].
Richard Haass argues that America's greatest threat comes from within, not abroad. In his presentation based on his book "Foreign Policy Begins at Home: The Case for Putting America’s House in Order," Haass highlights issues like the national deficit, crumbling infrastructure, poor education, and outdated immigration policies. He proposes a "Restoration" foreign policy, focusing on strengthening the U.S. economy and avoiding military interventions in the Middle East. Instead, he advocates for maintaining power balance in Asia, economic integration in North America, and addressing global challenges. Attendees will learn how these strategies can secure America's future and global leadership.
Richard Haass covers where this pivotal conflict stands in all of its dimensions, including an account of why it came about when it did; an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the various US/Western policy responses, from military transfers and the strengthening of NATO to economic sanctions and energy shipments to Europe; a prediction of what is likely to come next on the ground given Ukrainian and Russian military strategies and capacities along with the consequences for diplomacy and Russia; a catalogue of the projected winners and losers and those in between; and, most importantly, an explanation of how this conflict will and will not change the 21st century world.
Richard brings unparalleled insights from his extensive experience in diplomacy and international relations, offering unique perspectives on global affairs that can enrich your team's understanding and strategic thinking. His ability to distill complex issues into actionable wisdom can inspire innovation and leadership, making him an invaluable asset for any business looking to navigate the challenges of the modern world. Booking Richard as a speaker will not only elevate your event but also empower your team with the knowledge and skills to excel in an increasingly interconnected global landscape.
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frequently asked questions
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Richard Haass structures his presentations around a book-based framework, using his published works — such as The World: A Brief Introduction and The Bill of Obligations — as the organisational spine for delivering geopolitical and civic analysis to general and specialist audiences alike.
Richard Haass speaks on global literacy and international relations, the threats facing American democracy, and the geopolitical dynamics defining the current decade. He served as president of the Council on Foreign Relations and is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Bill of Obligations: The Ten Habits of Good Citizens.
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