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.

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.

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.