COVID-19 poses major geostrategic and economic challenges for the world. Disruptions to travel, border movements, and the ability of people to earn income threaten globalized economic and political relationships. Join the American Pakistan Foundation and the EastWest Institute for a discussion with experts on how the pandemic policies and decisions by major powers such as the United States, the European Union, and others will determine the outlook of the global economy and political stability around the world, in particular in South Asia and in conflict-prone regions. 

Speakers:

Dr. Alyssa Ayres is senior fellow for India, Pakistan, and South Asia at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). She is a foreign policy practitioner and award-winning author with senior experience in the government, nonprofits, and the private sectors.  

Dr. Vali Nasr is the Majid Khadduri Professor of International Affairs and Middle East Studies at the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies of Johns Hopkins University. Between 2012 and 2019 he served as the Dean of the School, and between 2009 and 2011 as Senior Advisor to the U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Ambassador Richard Holbrooke between 2009 and 2011.

Dr. William J. Parker III is the CEO and president of the East West Institute. He was formerly the Chief of War Plans at the Pentagon. In addition to multiple combat tours, he held the post of senior advisor and strategist with the U.S. Embassies in Iraq and Pakistan. His PhD work focused on planning for a pandemic,  combining the clinical area of epidemiology and the strategic planning skills needed when dealing with major events.