"Obama in Office" is a frank and objective assessment of Obama’s first two years as President as seen through the eyes of 18 of the country’s most astute scholars, journalists and practitioners. This book discussion, held on November 29, featured five of the chapter authors, including James Thurber, the book’s editor.

Increasing numbers of Chinese travel to the US for business, tourism, or education, while others study American history and culture in local schools and universities. The Wilson Center was joined by experts from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences to discuss Chinese views of American society, politics, and culture.

Congress does not pay close attention to foreign affairs; its oversight of the foreign policy establishment is sporadic and haphazard; and, when it does get involved, its decisions are usually driven more by politics than careful deliberation. That was the consensus of a panel convened at the Wilson Center Oct. 17 on the topic, “Congress’ Influence on Foreign Policy: For Better or Worse?”