Registration & Networking: 6:00 pm
Program starts: 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
NPR’s Frank Langfitt covered over 50 countries during his almost 20 years as an acclaimed international correspondent, including 5 years in China during the first term of President Xi. But, he is perhaps best known for his award-winning coverage of the United Kingdom, where he served as NPR’s London correspondent from 2016 to 2024.
Langfitt arrived in the UK shortly before the historic BREXIT vote; and he covered many of the momentous changes that would shape the UK and beyond between 2016 and 2024, including: the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union; the passing of Queen Elizabeth II after 70 years on the throne; the political fall of 5 Conservative Tory prime ministers in only 14 years; and the first Labour prime minister being elected since 2010.
He will discuss the numerous unique and impactful developments in the UK in recent years. Langfitt will also address what lessons or warnings from the UK should be considered for other ‘post-industrial democracies’ in Europe, the US and beyond.
How have difficult economic and societal realties shaped not only British politics, but also long-held social bonds and norms? Without the European Union, what is meant by or possible for ‘Britain Alone’; and how significant is the UK’s decline in global influence?
For a nation whose empire once controlled almost a quarter of the world’s surface, how will the UK strive to remain a major global player? Are deeper ties possible with its already strong and unique ally the US; or how can it strengthen relations with India or with its other former colonies?
Of European and NATO powers, the UK has long been one of the most indispensable partners of Ukraine, often being the first to provide vital advanced weapons systems. If the U.S. is to withdraw crucial support for Ukraine now and going forward, how vital will the UK’s support be, not just for Ukraine, but the security and stability of Europe with dire threat of renewed Russian aggression in the years to come?
