2025 Borah Symposium

The 2025 Borah Symposium will take place from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 and address the theme of “Great Power Competition”. It will explore how interactions among the world’s most influential states shape both the landscape of international conflict and the pursuit of peace. Inspired by the legacy of Senator William Edgar Borah, a devoted advocate for diplomacy and peace, the symposium seeks to examine the complex forces driving competition among great powers and the likely outcomes. Through keynote speeches, plenaries and panel discussions, the symposium will address the geopolitical, technological and economic dimensions of great power rivalry and consider pathways to prevent escalation and foster cooperation. As we confront an era defined by rising uncertainties and sociopolitical divisions, the symposium aims to shed light on strategies for peace and stability amid intensified great power competition.

This year’s keynote speaker will be K.T. McFarland, who is an American foreign policy analyst and former government official who served as deputy national security advisor under President Donald Trump in 2017.