The 2026 Owen Harries Lecture 

by Stephen Biegun

 

 

SYDNEY | LOWY INSTITUTE

Tuesday, March 24, 2026  12:30 PM - 1:30 PM AEDT

We invite you to join the Lowy Institute for a special event series with Stephen Biegun, a leading US foreign policy maker. This series forms part of the Rothschild & Co Distinguished International Fellowship, which brings a globally recognised policy leader and intellectual to Australia to deepen our debate on international issues.

A central pillar of President Trump’s political promise was a retreat from costly American military intervention abroad. Yet 14 months into his second term, the president has ordered the apprehension of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and a major bombing campaign against Iran. He has threatened the forceful annexation of Greenland and overseen military action in Nigeria, Somalia, Yemen, Syria, Iraq, and Ecuador.

What is the strategy behind this assertion of American power, and are there clues in history and context that would explain what is driving the president’s decisions?

The Lowy Institute's Dr Michael Fullilove will moderate this event.

Since 2013, the annual Owen Harries Lecture has honoured the significant contribution made to the international debate in Australia and the United States by Owen Harries, who was a Nonresident Fellow at the Lowy Institute.

Event Information

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

12:15 pm for 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

Lowy Institute

31 Bligh St, Sydney

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:

Michael Fullilove
Dr Michael Fullilove AM
Lowy Institute
Executive Director
Stephen Biegun
Stephen Biegun
Former US Deputy Secretary of State