A Night of Insight and Engagement

October 16 Event Draws Exceptional Participation

Cincinnati, OH – The Foreign Policy Leadership Council’s October 16 event and gathering proved to be one of the most dynamic and engaging evenings of the season. Held again at The Literary Club, the event brought together an impressive mix of members, guests, and many students from the University of Cincinnati’s Lindner College of Business for an evening filled with lively discussion, thought-provoking questions, and an outstanding dinner that set the perfect tone for meaningful exchange.

A Night of Insight and Engagement

October 16 Event Draws Exceptional Participation

Our featured speaker, Brigadier General Stephen N. Xenakis who came to visit us from Washington D.C., delivered a compelling and timely presentation examining the evolving role of the U.S. military in an increasingly complex global landscape. His insights sparked deep reflection and prompted an enthusiastic response from the audience, which included many U.S. Army Veterans. The event was skillfully moderated by FPLC Board Member, Mr. Joe Dehner, whose thoughtful guidance kept the discussion focused, engaging, and highly interactive throughout the evening.

Brigadier General Stephen N. XenakisThe atmosphere was both intellectually charged and very engaging, embodying the very spirit of the Council’s mission to foster thoughtful discussion on pressing international issues. The combination of seasoned perspectives from members and the fresh curiosity of university students made for a particularly dynamic exchange, one that many described as both enlightening and energizing.

The event was not only a testament to the strength of the FPLC community but also to the continued importance of dialogue across generations and disciplines in shaping a deeper understanding of global affairs.

The Council extends its gratitude to everyone who attended and contributed to such a successful night. Our next event is scheduled for Wednesday, November 12, and promises to deliver another engaging program focused on the topic of “Corporate Espionage.”

We look forward to welcoming both familiar faces and new participants for another memorable evening of insight and exchange.

SPECIAL EVENT – Thursday, October 16 from 6PM-8PM

THE U.S. MILITARY AND ITS ROLE TODAY: WHAT’S GOING ON?

Brigadier General (Ret.) Stephen N. Xenakis, M.D. will join us on Thursday, October 16 for an off-the-record conversation.

  • What’s the role of the U.S. military today, and how is it changing since January 20?
  • What ethical issues face personnel?
  • How do changes under way affect U.S. foreign policy and life in the United States and abroad?

Dinner and the program will be held at The Literary Club, 500 East Fourth Street, 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

Brigadier General (Ret.) Stephen N. Xenakis, M.D.

General Xenakis has advised the Joint Chief of Staff Chairman and Defense Department on care and support to service members and their families. A practicing psychiatrist, he writes, lectures, and appears regularly on national radio and television about military and security matters.

An Adjunct Professor at the Uniformed Services of Health Sciences of the Military Medical Department at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, he is actively engaged with Physicians for Human Rights and Human Rights First. He is the only retired military general and physician to speak out publicly against torture and the involvement of healthcare practitioners in torture.

A graduate of Princeton University and the University of Maryland School of Medicine, he serves on the Executive Board of the Center for Ethics and Rule of Law at the University of Pennsylvania Law School and the editorial board of the Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and Law. 


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SPECIAL EVENT & GUEST SPEAKER –
Wednesday, October 1st from 7PM-8PM

Lessons from the Edge:
A conversation with former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, Her Excellency Marie Yovanovitch

Ambassador Marie YovanovitchAmbassador Marie Yovanovitch will join the Foreign Policy Leadership Council by a special Zoom Conference Presentation from 7PM-8PM the evening of Wednesday, October 1st, 2025.

The Ambassador is author of a best-selling memoir, Lessons from the Edgeand is a Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, as well as at the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University.

Board Member Mr. Joe Dehner, founding President of the Cincinnati Kharkiv Sister Cities Program, will lead the conversation about Ukraine, Russia, and other matters over her career as a Foreign Service Officer.

Former FPLC speaker Madeline Albright hailed Lessons from the Edge as “essential reading for current policymakers, aspiring public servants, and anyone who cares about America’s role in the world.” The memoir includes a report of her support for a Cincinnati Sister Cities delegation caught in the turmoil of recent years in Ukraine.

NOTE: This will be a Zoom only conference for attendance by FPLC members and guests. There is NO CHARGE, but advance registration is required. Zoom link access information will be sent to you upon completing the registration process.

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Tom Perriello

An Unforgettable Evening with Tom Perriello

What an incredible night! Our May 28 Special Event featuring Tom Perriello was nothing short of a resounding success. From the moment he took the stage, Tom captivated the room with his energy, passion, and down-to-earth presence. An eloquent storyteller and a brilliant political mind, he brought big ideas down to human level – thought-provoking, personal, and deeply relevant.

Tom’s mix of real-world experience, insight, and heart created an atmosphere where everyone felt inspired to learn more and think deeper. We easily could have stayed another 2–3 hours listening to his – some incredible – stories and asking questions!

Adding even more value to the evening was Tom’s friend and former Congressman, Mr. Steve Driehaus, who served as a gracious host and skillful moderator. Steve’s thoughtful questions and insightful commentary highlighted key moments from Tom’s service as the U.S. Envoy to Sudan and the Great Lakes Region of Africa. His personal experiences in Africa and Middle East and his contributions enriched the conversation and helped frame the global context in a way that deeply resonated with our audience.

The Q&A session was particularly powerful – an honest, thoughtful exchange that made the evening feel more like a meaningful conversation than a lecture. It’s clear: nights like these are what build real understanding and community.

And this is just the beginning! We have a whole pipeline of exciting, high-impact events coming your way. If you loved this event (or wish you hadn’t missed it!), we strongly encourage you to stay connected by subscribing to our newsletter and becoming an active member.