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Since gaining independence in 1991, the five former Soviet Central Asian republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan have all experienced varying degrees of political and economic change. The United States has played an important role in sustaining this transition by supporting each nation’s sovereignty and economic growth. Today, these Central Asian nations navigate an increasingly strategic position in geopolitics, with energy and critical mineral reserves placing them at the forefront of competition among China, Russia, and the United States. Global Minnesota hosted a conversation on the forces shaping U.S. policy toward the region with former Ambassador Dan Rosenblum. He served as Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Ambassador to Uzbekistan, and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Central Asia. His talk outlined the region’s evolving political, economic, and diplomatic landscape. Here is Sovereignty and Stability in Central Asia with Ambassador Dan Rosenblum. View all of our upcoming events at globalminnesota.org!

The Arctic is a critical crossroads for a number of geopolitical priorities today, including international security, climate change, and economic competition. Together with the recent changes to the U.S. position on Greenland in the Kingdom of Denmark, the Arctic is and will remain an important topic in international affairs in 2026 and beyond.   Global Minnesota hosted a webinar and discussion on February 25 with Jim DeHart, a former career member of the Senior Foreign Service and former U.S. Coordinator for the Arctic Region. He spoke with Global Minnesota Program Director Erin Hart about the challenges and opportunities of this pivotal region of the world.   https://globalminnesota.org/

From trade and agriculture to immigration and global power, South Africa is an excellent point of entry to explore broader U.S. foreign policy issues. Anne Linnee, former U.S. Consul General in Durban, South Africa presented at a recent event about how bilateral relations between the U.S. and South Africa are illustrative of wider regional trends. Listen to the event recording in our latest podcast episode.   https://globalminnesota.org/

Shaped by overlapping histories and evolving geopolitical dynamics, the Kashmir conflict remains one of the most longstanding territorial disputes in the world. From the legacy of the 1947 partition to ongoing tensions along the Line of Control, Kashmir is an enduring point of regional and international concern. Following flare-ups in April and May of 2025, the international community is called to consider the factors that perpetuate this significant divide. Dr. Arijit Mazumdar joined Global Minnesota from the Department of Political Science at the University of St. Thomas to discuss the history and ongoing expectations surrounding Kashmir. This event was provided for university students preparing for a diplomacy simulation.

Global Minnesota’s Corporate Engagement program provides global access, information, and brand exposure for Minnesota companies of all sizes. We work to raise Minnesota’s global profile, helping companies expand economic partnerships, strengthen cross-border relationships, and prepare for the future of international commerce. At the state government level, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) works to empower the growth of the Minnesota economy. In November, this agency will be organizing an official trade mission for Minnesota to Germany and Switzerland. On this episode, hear from the Commissioner of DEED, Matt Varilek, who has served in this role since 2023, and current Global Minnesota Senior Corporate Advisor Steve Riedel. They shared insights into the upcoming trade mission and their experiences fostering the success of Minnesota’s exporters and promoting foreign direct investment in Minnesota.   Links Global Minnesota Corporate Engagement Trade Mission to Germany and Switzerland   This interview was recorded on September 24, 2025.

Amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in Europe, Global Minnesota was honored to welcome Balázs Mártonffy, Consul General of Hungary in Chicago, for a public conversation at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. The event, moderated by Global Minnesota Program Director and former U.S. Foreign Service Officer Erin Hart, offered an in-depth exploration of Hungary’s evolving role in world affairs and its connections with Minnesota.

Earlier this month, Global Minnesota welcomed a delegation of emerging African leaders for a professional exchange focused on the economic impact of arts and culture. From exploring Lanesboro’s vibrant arts scene to engaging with cultural institutions in the Twin Cities, the group saw firsthand how creative industries can drive local revitalization. In this episode, hear from two participants: Lesedi Job, an award-winning theater director and producer from South Africa, and Lution Mzwandile Nxumalo, director and sound engineer at XLR Media in Eswatini. They share insights from their experience and reflections on cultural exchange in action.   LINKS Global Minnesota Professional Exchanges Lanesboro News Post International Visitor Leadership Program Global Ties U.S. Action Center   Bio & Works from Lesedi Job https://www.osmtalent.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Lesedi-Job-CV-Mar-2024-2.pdf https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=v9zsOwaL7d0 https://mikevangraan.co.za/plays/when-swallows-cry https://barrymorisse.com/blog/bitter-winter https://thecaperobyn.co.za/review-bitter-winter-beautiful-and-poignant-play-distinctly-south-african-and-universal/ https://weekendspecial.co.za/bitter-winter-review-at-the-baxter/

Diplomacy isn’t just a career path, it’s a skill we can use in everyday life. That’s what Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat emphasized during Global Minnesota’s wide-ranging webinar discussion around his new book “The Art of Diplomacy,” available at local bookseller Magers and Quinn. Tapping into decades of experience and dozens of high-level interviews with diplomats, Ambassador Eizenstat provided insights into historic diplomatic breakthroughs, as well as a roadmap for future success. Star Tribune columnist John Rash moderated a compelling discussion featuring audience questions on topics such as the negotiations in Ukraine, the importance of non-state actors in diplomacy, rising tension on the India-Pakistan border, and the universal values of diplomacy that span across centuries.

This episode is a recording of a public event held on Thursday, April 24 at the Hennepin County Library in downtown Minneapolis. For the first time since COVID, Global Minnesota hosted our Great Decisions foreign policy conference on the topic India's Rising Influence. The event offered critical context on an important region of the world just as tensions flared once again between India and its neighbor Pakistan. Thanks to the generous support of the Foreign Policy Association for making this event possible. This episode concludes our series on the 2025 Great Decisions Conference with a lively presentation on India’s foreign policy, the Quad alliance, and nuclear nonproliferation by local expert and RAND analyst Raymond Kuo.

This episode is a recording of a public event held on Thursday, April 24 at the Hennepin County Library in downtown Minneapolis. For the first time since COVID, Global Minnesota hosted our Great Decisions foreign policy conference on the topic India's Rising Influence. The event offered critical context on an important region of the world just as tensions flared once again between India and its neighbor Pakistan. Thanks to the generous support of the Foreign Policy Association for making this event possible. This episode continues the conversation with a panel discussion titled "India's Societal Landscapes: Women's Education and Workforce Participation.  The conversation featured Ajuli Cameron from SEWA-AIFW and Humphrey School of Public Affairs Fellow and Impact91 founder Aashraya Seth. Their deep dive into women’s health equity brought new light to an issue that can have similar salience for Minnesota.

This episode is a recording of a public event held on Thursday, April 24 at the Hennepin County Library in downtown Minneapolis. For the first time since COVID, Global Minnesota hosted our Great Decisions foreign policy conference on the topic India's Rising Influence. The event offered critical context on an important region of the world just as tensions flared once again between India and its neighbor Pakistan. Thanks to the generous support of the Foreign Policy Association for making this event possible. This episode includes an introductory presentation by local Great Decisions Speaker and Princeton University analyst Ned Downie as well as the keynote presentation "India's Rising Star" by Dr. Satu Limaye, Vice President of the East-West Center.  He painted a picture of India on the ascendancy, highlighting India’s key historical role in the global nonaligned movement and its current relationship with its neighbors China and Pakistan.

Global Minnesota’s Great Decisions foreign policy discussion groups make international topics accessible to people all across the state. Anyone can join or start a group to begin discussing important global topics in your community. One of this year’s Great Decisions topics is AI and National Security. Artificial Intelligence has the potential to change large sections of the global economy, social interactions, and geopolitical dynamics. On May 19, Global Minnesota will be hosting an in-depth discussion all about the intersection of AI and National Security with one of our newest Great Decisions Speakers, Ren Bin Lee Dixon. This episode is primer on the upcoming conversation with Ren Bin to help bring you up to speed on all things AI. She is an Artificial Intelligence policy researcher with a Master’s in Public Policy, specializing in AI governance, from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. As a Research Fellow at the Center for AI and Digital Policy, she provided policy recommendations to governments and multilateral organizations, shaping frameworks for responsible AI governance. Ren Bin also collaborates with the Center for Security and Emerging Technology on policy briefs addressing AI harm.   Links Upcoming Event: AI & National Security Great Decisions Discussion Groups Podcast Episode: Great Decisions Discussion Groups   This interview was recorded on April 21, 2025.

In January, Global Minnesota hosted our most popular event, the annual U.S. Foreign Policy Update. Over 600 people registered to attend this dynamic and insightful discussion providing a comprehensive overview of global developments and trends. The evening featured an in-depth presentation from University of Minnesota – Duluth Diplomat in Residence and career Foreign Service Officer Tom Hanson. His diplomatic postings included East Germany, France, Norway, the Soviet Union, Sweden, and the former Soviet Republic of Georgia. The full event recording is available as a special Global Minnesota member benefit now, and will be released to the public at a later date. This episode is a follow-up conversation with Tom featuring questions that were submitted during the event. We’ve compiled a wide-ranging sample of the questions to hear more of Tom’s unique insights into the major trends impacting American foreign policy in the year ahead.   Links Podcast Episode: Great Decisions Discussion Groups Great Decisions Discussion Groups 2025 Briefing Books Transcript: Secretary of State Rubio Interview

With elections wrapping up all over the world in 2024, what major changes can we expect in U.S. policy and international megatrends for 2025 and beyond? Listen to the recording of our 2024 Global Business Outlook, featuring a discussion on global megatrends by Dr. John Pournoor, CEO of Government Analytica. Additional speakers included: Madeleine Féquière, Consul General, Consulate General of Canada in Chicago Matt Varilek, Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Peter Frosch, CEO of GREATER MSP Christina Selander Bouzouina, President, Minnesota Consular Corps Ujvara Fetoshi, AI and Data Analytics Lead, New Boundary Technologies Sam Hsu, Executive Vice President - Strategic Planning, Ecolab Hear what each of these thought leaders has to say about their vision for 2025 and what matters to business.

In December, Global Minnesota's sold out Global Business Outlook event highlighted key international megatrends shaping the global economy from local expert John Pournoor. On the latest episode of The Global Minnesota Podcast, hear a follow-up conversation with John featuring questions that were submitted during the event. John provides even more unique insights into the major trends impacting international business in 2025 any beyond.   Links Event Recording: Global Business Outlook Government Analytica 2025 Megatrends Report