SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR NEXT SPECIAL DINNER EVENT – Thursday, September 11 from 6PM-8PM

Hello Everyone,

After a longer-than-expected break, we’re thrilled to finally be back and happy to announce that our regular events programming is officially a go! We’ve missed connecting with all of you and are so excited to kick things off again with an event that promises to inspire and energize.

Mark your calendars for September 11, 2025, when we’ll be welcoming a truly remarkable speaker and guest, Dr. Richard J. Harknett. As we gather on this very significant date – one that forever changed our understanding of security and resilience – we confront a new frontier of threats that transcend borders and challenge the very foundations of global stability. His insights and expertise are sure to make this gathering one to remember, whether you’re a familiar face or joining us for the first time.

Stay tuned for all the details below. We can’t wait to see you there!


Cyber Persistence and Int’l Security: Insights from the Russo-Ukraine Conflict and Kettering Health

In today’s hyperconnected world, cyberspace is both our greatest asset and our greatest Achilles’ heel. Every transaction, every communication, every critical system we depend on is part of a vast, invisible network that never sleeps. Yet with this connectivity comes unprecedented risk. Nations are racing to strengthen their cyber defenses, deploying bold new strategies to protect critical infrastructure, prevent espionage, and neutralize threats before they strike.

Our special dinner event presentation takes you inside the evolving playbook of national cybersecurity, where cutting-edge technology, intelligence operations, and strategic planning converge. You’ll discover how the same principles that protect a country in times of war can be applied to stopping cybercrime in your own backyard, shielding businesses from catastrophic breaches, and safeguarding your personal digital footprint.

Cybersecurity is no longer a distant government concern, it’s the modern battlefield, and we are all part of this confrontation.   

The question is: Can we and WILL we be ready?

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The event will be held at The Literary Club, 500 East Fourth Street (across from Lytle Park), America’s oldest continuously operating literary club. Doors open at 5:30PM, dinner at 6PM, event program from 6:30PM-7:15PM, Q&A session and networking  from 7:15PM-8PM.

Seats are Limited – Registration and Reservations are Required!

OUR EVENT SPEAKER

Richard J. Harknett, PhDRichard J. Harknett, PhD is Professor and Director of the Center for Cyber Strategy and Policy at the University of Cincinnati, where he also co-directs the Ohio Cyber Range Institute, a state-wide organization supporting cyber education, workforce, economic, and research development. He is Board Member and Faculty Liaison for the Portman Center for Policy Solutions.

He served as Scholar-in-Residence at US Cyber Command and continues in a support role. He has presented both policy briefings and academic research in 15 countries, on Capitol Hill, and to various US Federal and State government agencies. Professor Harknett has held two Fulbright Scholar appointments: in Cyber Studies at Oxford University in the UK, and in International Relations at the Diplomatic Academy in Vienna, Austria, where he continues to hold a non-resident professor appointment.

He has authored over 60 publications including the co-authored book Cyber Persistence Theory: Redefining National Security in Cyberspace (Oxford Univ. Press, 2022) and has contributed to raising over $60 million in institutional and research grant and philanthropic financial support.


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09-11

 

Conflict Resolution and Peace-Building: A Focus on Africa

Join us on May 28th for dinner and an in-depth conversation with Mr. Tom Perriello, former US Special Envoy to Africa, the region of Sudan, and global affairs expert, as he unpacks the complex dynamics shaping Africa today, from shifting political landscapes to economic challenges and opportunities. Perriello will also offer a behind-the-scenes look at the critical work of Special Envoys in conflict resolution, diplomacy, and peace-building efforts around the world. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to gain insight from someone who has been on the front lines of international diplomacy.

The dinner and presentation event will be held once again at The Literary Club, 500 East Fourth Street, Cincinnati, America’s oldest continuously operating literary club. Doors will open at 5:30PM, dinner at 6PM, and event program from 7-8PM.  NOTE: Seats are Limited – Prior Registrations are Required!

OUR EVENT SPEAKER

Tom PerrielloThrough diplomacy, advocacy, politics, and philanthropy, Tom Perriello has devoted three decades to advancing justice, peace and inclusive democracy in the United States and around the world. Most recently, Tom served as the U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan, appointed by President Biden on February 26, 2024, having supported previous peace processes in 2004-2005 and 2011 and co-founded darfurgenocide.org. During previous diplomatic tours, Tom served as President Obama’s Special Envoy for the African Great Lakes Region and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and ran the second Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review for Sec. John Kerry. He has supported transitional justice and peace processes in a dozen countries and served as the Special Advisor to the Prosecutor of the Special Court for Sierra Leone.

In 2008, Tom Perriello was elected to the US Congress, representing the people of Virginia’s Fifth District, serving on the Veterans Affairs Committee, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the National Security Working Group. Tom has co-founded advocacy and faith-based organizations and served as CEO of Center for American Progress Action and Executive Director of the Open Society for the United States. Mr. Perriello is a graduate of Yale College and Law School and has taught at the University of Sierra Leone and University of Virginia School of Law.

April 10 Event

A Night to Remember: Our April 10th Event at The Literary Club

On April 10, 2025, the Foreign Policy Leadership Council (FPLC) hosted our first in-person event in a very long time, an exciting and unforgettable evening at the historic Literary Club of Cincinnati. Nestled right downtown, across from Lytle Park, this venerable institution – America’s oldest continuously operating literary club – provided a setting rich in history and character, perfectly complementing the evening’s profound discussions.

The event commenced with a wonderful, delicious dinner, courtesy of one of Northern Kentucky’s premier catering houses. Guests were treated to a culinary experience that matched the evening’s intellectual fare, setting the stage for the engaging discourse to follow.

The highlight of the evening was a compelling conversation featuring esteemed University of Cincinnati Professors Willard Sunderland and Ivan Ivanov. Professor Sunderland, an expert in Russian history, and Professor Ivanov, specializing in European and Russian politics, offered deep insights into the complexities of current geopolitical tensions involving Russia, Ukraine, NATO, and the evolving dynamics of long-standing alliances.

Skillfully guided by a very gracious host and gentle yet firm moderator, our own FPLC Board member Mr. Joe Dehner – who shared personal anecdotes from his 1969 journey through the Soviet Union – the discussion delved beneath the headlines to explore the historical underpinnings and future implications of these current and very important global developments.

The event drew a full house, with attendees actively participating in the dialogue, posing thoughtful questions, and engaging in meaningful exchanges. The atmosphere was one of camaraderie and shared purpose, reflecting the FPLC’s commitment to fostering informed discussions on pressing international issues.

Once again, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to The Literary Club of Cincinnati for graciously opening their doors to us. The club’s storied past and intellectual ambiance added immeasurable value to the evening, reminding us of the enduring power of thoughtful discourse in shaping our understanding of the world.

We look forward to welcoming you to our future events, where dialogue and collaboration continue to unite minds and meals in pursuit of global wisdom, camaraderie, and understanding.


Take the Next Step, Where Insight Meets Influence:
Join the FPLC Community

Whether this was your first event with the Foreign Policy Leadership Council or you’ve been part of our extended family of supporters in the past, we warmly invite you to deepen your connection by becoming an active member. For just $50 a year, FPLC membership offers more than access – it opens the door to a dynamic community of globally engaged leaders, thought-provoking events, and rare insights shared by our esteemed guest speakers.

As a member, you’ll receive exclusive insider access, priority registration, and special discounts for the majority of our programs and premier networking gatherings.

Join Us – and be a part of the dialogue that shapes our world and brings global insight right to our doorstep.

The Place of Africa in the 21st Century and Beyond

Timely, insightful and instructional discussion and presentation on social justice, governance, youth empowerment, women leadership, culture and identity, and other issues pertinent to all Africa related matters.

Tuesday, July 20 @ 12PM (Noon) EST

Patrick Loch Otieno (PLO) Lumumba is a Kenyan born, renowned international public speaker, a high-profile civil servant, an eloquent lawyer and a staunch Pan-Africanist. PLO has delivered several powerful speeches alluding to or about African solutions to African problems.

Professor Lumumba is the Founder of the PLO Lumumba Foundation and a consultant with Lumumba and Lumumba Advocates, a member of the Africa Justice Group (AJG). He is an Advocate of the High Courts of Kenya and Tanganyika and a certified mediator. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Certified Public Secretaries of Kenya FCPS (K), a Fellow of the Kenya Institute of Management (FKIM) and Honorary Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences (FAAS). He is the Chairman of Farafina Investment Group in Monrovia, Liberia and Economic Strategic Growth and Development Initiative for Africa based in Nigeria.

He has authored several books on diverse subjects. With several speeches on diverse subjects delivered in and outside Africa, Lumumba is recognized as one of the leading public speakers in Africa and the African in Diaspora. He is the founder of several organizations including the PLO Lumumba Foundation, a charitable organization that has been in operation since 1990. He has also been twice recognized as one of the 100 most influential Africans.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE EVENT VIDEO RECORDING