The Anthony J. Drexel Biddle, Jr. Lecture in International Studies: A New Foreign Policy Paradigm for the Sustainable Future of People and the Planet

The Anthony J. Drexel Biddle, Jr. Lecture in International Studies was established by Mary Duke Biddle Trent Semans and James H. Semans and their family to honor Mrs. Semans' father, Anthony Joseph Drexel Biddle, Jr., who had a distinguished career as a diplomat in the service of the United States, and was an original signer of The Duke Endowment. The lecture symbolizes Duke University's continuing commitment to promoting international understanding.

The Honorable Monica Medina is an Arnhold Distinguished Fellow at Conservation International. From 2021-2023, she was the Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs and the first U.S. Special Envoy for Biodiversity and Water Resources at the U.S. State Department. In addition, from 2012-2013, Ms. Medina served as Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense, and from 2009-2012 as the Principal Deputy Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Ms. Medina is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. She attended Georgetown University on an Army R.O.T.C. scholarship and began her legal career on active duty in the Honor's Program of the Army General Counsel's office. For her service in the Army, Ms. Medina was awarded an Army Commendation Medal in 1989, and a Meritorious Service Medal in 1990. In 2013, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta awarded Ms. Medina the Department of Defense Distinguished Public Service Medal, its highest civilian honor.

A New Foreign Policy Paradigm for the Sustainable Future of People and the Planet

The world is facing numerous challenges brought on by industrialization. Given the tensions and conflict in the world, it is surprising and propitious that so many global environmental agreements are being forged today. From the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, to the Paris Climate Accord, to the Global Biodiversity Framework, to the Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement for the high seas, we see signs of global cooperation that show promise and, if successful, will be unprecedented in history.

What would improve the chances of success for these global agreements and initiatives? And how will the United States - the "indispensable nation" - play a role? How will the United States and the world adapt foreign policy and cooperation to meet this moment? This year's lecture and discussion will consider these questions.