CISAC Events

CISAC Seminars showcase Stanford faculty and researchers, as well as policy makers and visiting scholars from all over the country. Speakers typically cover general topics on international security and present the policy implications of their research or their years of experience in government. CISAC Seminars are free and usually open to the public. At speaker’s request, some events may be by invitation only.

The CISAC Research Seminar Series features speakers that present on topics related to international security and their policy implications. The purpose is to encourage interchange between the scientific and non-scientific communities at CISAC and within Stanford, to further CISAC’s goals of educating students and the public, conducting good scholarly research and influencing policy.

The Middle East Initiative (MEI) series brings academics and practitioners together to examine new patterns of geopolitical competition, conflict, and cooperation across the Middle East, with a particular emphasis on how regional states and external powers are deploying news strategies, instruments, and technologies to influence events.

The CISAC European Security Initiative (ESI) features speakers addressing the challenges that a more assertive Russia presents to the European security order; Europe's ability to meet and defend against these challenges; and the security policies that the West should pursue to respond to Russia. The talks are free and usually open to the public.

The Project on Russian Power and Purpose convenes faculty seminars and open events in which speakers and experts discuss the context and drivers of Kremlin strategy.

The Drell Lecture is an annual public event sponsored by CISAC. By tradition, the Drell lecturer addresses a current and critical national or international security issue that has important scientific or technical dimensions. The Drell Lecture is named for Sidney Drell, CISAC's founding science co-director. Albert and Cicely Wheelon generously endowed the lectureship.