IR Alumni event: US Foreign Policy toward the Middle East
Wednesday 11 March 5.00pm to 6.30pm 
Room: CBG.1.04, LSE Centre Building (CBG) 

Join MSc International Relations alum, Gregory Aftandilian for a discussion on US foreign policy toward the Middle East across the Biden and Trump administrations.

In this alumni seminar, Gregory Aftandilian will draw on his extensive experience in US government and academia to explore how successive administrations have approached key issues in the Middle East. Following the conversation, we will open the floor for audience Q&A.

Chair: Dr Katerina Dalacoura, Associate Professor in International Relations and Director of the Middle East Centre.

This event will be of interest to those working on US foreign policy, Middle East politics, international security, and contemporary international relations.

Register here

Special event!

It’s a trade war! Trump and the future of the global political economy

Wednesday 18 March 2026, 5.30pm to 6.45pm, then drinks reception until 7.30pm
Room: CLM.3.02, Clement House, LSE

Join Professor Robert Falkner, Dr Nikhil Kalyanpur, Dr Boram Lee, Dr John Minnich and Dr James Morrison for this topical panel discussion.

*Please note that this event is open to students at MSc level only (this includes both IR and IPE students).

On 20 February 2026, the US Supreme Court outlawed most of the trade tariffs the Trump Administration introduced last year. The decision calls into question Trump’s comprehensive strategy of ‘reciprocal tariffs’ that set off a global trade war and rattled financial markets last year. While many US businesses and states are now seeking refunds for tariff payments, the White House announced new tariffs of 15% to apply globally, irrespective of last year’s bilateral trade deals.

This panel event explores the roots and consequences of Trump’s trade war and what it means for the future of the international trade system, US-China relations, global supply chains, and the dollar-based financial order. 

Speakers:

Nikhil Kalyanpur, Assistant Professor in International Political Economy, LSE

Boram Lee, Assistant Professor in International Political Economy, LSE

John Minnich, Assistant Professor in International Political Economy, LSE

James Morrison, Associate Professor in International Political Economy, LSE

Chair:

Robert Falkner, Professor of International Relations, LSE

Register here

Careers events

There are a wide range of careers events planned for you. The Department works closely with LSE Careers to give you opportunities to explore your professional development. 

Find out about the latest events and book your place

(Un)Resolved: An Informal Debate about Current Events

These informal sessions put the spotlight on a topical issue in IR in a friendly debate with your fellow IR students. Conversational and casual, (Un)Resolved is a brilliant way to put your knowledge of IR into practice!

Hosted by a member of IR faculty, these sessions are open to all students in the Department of International Relations.

Find out about the latest dates

Food for Thought

This is your opportunity to share a two-course lunch in the Senior Dining Room with a member of the IR faculty and discuss an article or piece of content that will be sent around in advance. 

These small lunches are limited to just twelve attendees - six undergraduates and six postgraduates - meaning you have the opportunity to discuss your ideas and the academic’s research interests in much greater detail than you otherwise might.

Find out about the latest dates