The Program for the Study of Realist Foreign Policy, directed by Mershon Center Senior Faculty Fellow Randall Schweller, held its annual conference October 9-10. This year’s theme focused on the uncertainty created by the upcoming presidential election as it relates to the future of American grand strategy.

The two-day conference, cosponsored by the Mershon Center for International Security Studies and the Charles Koch Foundation, brought together scholars from across the country and the world  to share thoughts, ideas, and perspectives about: (1) why Donald J. Trump was elected president, (2) the future of American grand strategy, and (3) public opinion and foreign-policy attitudes regarding the normative foundations, perceptions of costs and fairness, and elite rhetoric that either buttress or undermine American grand strategy and associated foreign policies.

While this was not the conference’s first time convening, it was the first time being held virtually. The new format allowed for a greater reach of audience beyond that of the Ohio State and Columbus communities, providing an opportunity for attendees across the country to pose questions to speakers and engage in discussions.

Missed the conference? A recording of each session’s presentation, discussion and associated paper can be found below.