Fall 2019 CPP Class Retreat

On November 9th and 10th, participants in the Fall 2019 class of the Congressional Partnership Program joined foreign policy and national security experts for a weekend of thought provoking discussions and bipartisan team-building. This retreat was a great opportunity for participants to assess global challenges, explore differences, and build common ground.

Bipartisan Panel on Principles and Processes for Cooperation

Participants heard from members of PSA’s Board of Directors, including Graeme Bannerman, Ronak Desai, Andy Semmel and Tom Miller.

Featuring:

Dr. Graeme Bannerman – Founder of Bannerman Associates, an international consulting firm, Scholar at the Middle East Institute, Member of the Board of Directors at Partnership for a Secure America.

Mr. Ronak Desai – Attorney at Paul Hastings, Member of the Board of Directors at Partnership for a Secure America.

Dr. Andy Semmel – Chairman of the Board of Directors of Partnership for a Secure America. Since January 2008, Dr. Semmel has been a private consultant at AKS Consulting.

Ambassador Tom Miller – President/CEO of International Executive Service Corps, U.S. Ambassador to Greece – 2001-04; U.S. Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina – 1999-2001, Member of the Board of Directors at Partnership for a Secure America.

Keynote Address

The keynote address was provided by Brad Carson who discussed U.S.-China competition.

Featuring:

Mr. Brad Carson – Professor or Public Policy, Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, University of Virginia

Breakout Sessions

Ms. Tamanna Salikuddin discussed fostering peace and national security in South Asia.

Mr. Robert Cardillo discussed implementing intelligence support into policy.

Featuring: 

Ms. Tamanna Salikuddin – Senior Expert, Inclusive Peace Processes, United States Institute of Peace

Mr. Robert Cardillo – Distinguished Fellow, Center for Emerging Technology and Security, Georgetown University

National Security Council Simulation

Participants engaged in a National Security Council Simulation led by Mr. Robert Sheldon to advance strategic negotiation and communication skills. The fellows assumed various roles on the National Security Council and debated solutions to a simulated cyber-attack crisis scenario targeting the U.S. West Coast.

Featuring:

Mr. Robert Sheldon – Director of Government Technology Strategy at CrowdStrike