This March 28, 2013 conference was organized by the Jackson School of International Studies at the University of Washington in partnership with the Henry M. Jackson Foundation, The Herbert J. Ellison Center for Russian, East European and Central Asian Studies, and The Kennan Institute. Four panels of academic, industry and government experts examined current developments in Russia’s strategic and economic relationships in honor of Dr. Herbert J. Ellison.

Two experts step back from all the talk about surveys, polling, and favorites to discuss broader issues of credibility and institutions, among other topics, in Pakistan's upcoming elections.

Rami Khouri and Robin Wright assess the past three years of political and economic flux in the Arab world, providing their insights on what they believe will be the challenges to political development moving forward.

As the United States rebalances its diplomatic and military focus toward Asia, some analysts have voiced concern about what a greater U.S. presence in the region might mean for cross-Strait relations. While ties between China and Taiwan have improved in recent years, will the U.S. pivot toward Asia shape the further evolution of cross-Strait relations? Will other Taiwanese interests be impacted by the rebalance? Could Chinese uneasiness about the rebalance work to Taiwan’s detriment? From Washington’s perspective, how does Taiwan fit into the pivot?