International Affairs Symposium

Overview Schedule Archive Support the Symposium

The Blame Game: Reimagining Fault and Responsibility on the Global Stage

Lewis & Clark’s 60th International Affairs Symposium

All of the debates are held in the Agnes Flanagan Chapel on the Lewis & Clark College Campus. Parking is available in the East Lot on the Graduate School Campus. Signs will direct you to parking and to the event. A van is provided to transport guests who do not wish to walk to and from the parking lot and event space.

April 4-6, 2022

The Lewis & Clark College International Affairs Symposium is one of the most prestigious events within the Oregon academic and civic communities. It has been highly acclaimed by The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and The Chronicle of Higher Education. It is also the oldest student-run symposium in the United States. 

The focus of the symposium is controversy, emphasizing the confrontation of opposing viewpoints. It is our hope that through debate our audience develops a more thorough understanding of the complexities surrounding international dilemmas. Organized entirely by students, this event concentrates on the most pressing themes and topics in international relations today. 

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The International Affairs Symposium features a series of five debates, each tackling a controversial issue in international politics. Each debate features two highly qualified expert speakers who fundamentally disagree on the topic. The debate-oriented format of this event ensures that these expert talks are interesting, engaging and contentious without exception. Come learn about current events around the world in an entertaining way and see why the L&C International Affairs Symposium remains the oldest student-run symposium in the country!

The L&C IA Symposium is an exciting event with free admission TO ALL. Both the Lewis & Clark Community and the public are invited! Come hear globally renowned experts debate controversial issues in International Affairs. Participate in the open Q&A session after each debate! Ask your followup questions to the experts after the debates, challenge their assumptions, discuss your thoughts on the subject and deepen your understanding of the world around you!

• When: April 4th-6th
• Where: Lewis & Clark College’s Agnes Flanagan Chapel
• How: Free admission
• Why: Learn about international politics in a fun, contentious, engaging format
• Who: You!

This year’s L&C IA Symposium theme is The Blame Game: Reimagining Fault and Responsibility on the Global Stage. In International Affairs, blame is a tool used by every actor. Powerful states use it to flex their influence while weaker states use it to build coalitions, call out aggressors and apply political pressure.

Questions? Contact us!

• Co-Chairs: Madeline Gallagher and Madison Thomas
• • ias@lclark.edu
• Outreach Committee: Eliana Essman & Jesse Lawrence-Weilmann
• • elianaessman@lclark.edu & jessel@lclark.edu

2022 Planning Committee

If you have any questions or comments, please contact the IA Symposium Committee at ias@lclark.edu.

Student Cochairs

Madeline Gallagher

Madison Thomas

Student Steering Committee

Alie Cicero

Hanadi Dreca

Eliana Essman

Lucas Glass

Sophia Kingsbury

Theo Kocs-Meyers

Jesse Lawrence-Weilmann

Cas Mulford

Flavio de Pina Soares de Carvalho

Milica Stanisic

Rocío Yao

Faculty Advisor
Bob Mandel, Professor of International Affairs