This event explored local and regional perspectives on the future of Afghanistan against the backdrop of the planned NATO withdrawal of military forces from the region. The first session focused on local politics and governance in Afghanistan, and the second session investigated the ways in which Afghanistan’s neighbors have been discussing and planning for the upcoming changes.

The illegal drug problem has posed challenges to the United States and Latin America for many decades. While efforts to disrupt the cultivation, processing, and trafficking of drugs to the United States have shown mixed results, the drug trade continues to pose serious threats to citizen security, economic prosperity, environmental conservation, human rights, and democratic governance throughout the hemisphere. In this National Conversation, panelists will address the question of how the U.S. is reforming its policies to address this problem and show sustainable results.

The Latin America Program presents two panels to examine the transnational nature of organized criminal groups and illicit trafficking, and how to combat this threat.

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano discussed her departments plans to protect America from multiple threats. This event was co-sponsored with the Aspen Institute's Homeland Security Group.