Leslie H. Gelb Memorial Event: Common Sense and Strategy in Foreign Policy

Margaret MacMillan discusses how history helps us to understand the present, how the past affects the decisions nations make about their interests and strategies, and why alliances matter in a changing world order. The Leslie H. Gelb Memorial Event honors the memory of Leslie H. Gelb, CFR’s president from 1993 to 2003 and a dedicated member for forty-six years. Gelb modernized the institution to reflect the changing realities of the post-Cold War era, and was a passionate advocate of common sense and strategy in U.S. foreign policy. For those attending virtually, log-in information and instructions on how to participate during the question and answer portion will be provided the evening before the event to those who register. Please note the audio, video, and transcript of this hybrid meeting will be posted on the CFR website.

Virtual Event with Margaret MacMillan, Max Boot and Michael Froman March 4, 2025 Leslie H. Gelb Memorial Event: Common Sense and Strategy in Foreign Policy

Russia

David E. Sanger discusses U.S. rivalry with the other two great nuclear powers—Xi Jinping’s China and Vladimir Putin’s Russia—the choices that lie ahead, and what is at stake for the United States and the world. This special event is being held to honor the memory of Leslie H. Gelb, CFR’s president from 1993 to 2003 and a dedicated member for forty-six years. Gelb modernized the institution to reflect the changing realities of the post-Cold War era, and was a passionate advocate of common sense and strategy in U.S. foreign policy.

Virtual Event with David E. Sanger and Michael Froman June 5, 2024 Leslie H. Gelb Memorial Event: Common Sense and Strategy in Foreign Policy

United States

Leslie H. Gelb Memorial Event: Common Sense and Strategy in Foreign Policy

This special event is being held to honor the memory of Leslie H. Gelb, CFR’s president from 1993 to 2003 and a dedicated member for forty-six years, who died on August 31, 2019. Gelb modernized the institution to reflect the changing realities of the post-Cold War era, and was a passionate advocate of common sense and strategy in U.S. foreign policy.

Virtual Event with Jake Sullivan, George Packer, Richard Haass and Winston Lord November 7, 2022 Leslie H. Gelb Memorial Event: Common Sense and Strategy in Foreign Policy