Director’s Message

As the Center for International Studies marks its 75th anniversary, this new edition of précis reflects on a legacy of meeting the moment while looking ahead to the challenges that will define the decades to come.

Since its founding in 1951, CIS has brought together scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to deepen understanding of an increasingly complex world. This anniversary issue explores that history through a feature on how the Center has evolved alongside—and helped shape—some of the most consequential global developments of the past three-quarters of a century.

Our anniversary celebration this fall will continue that tradition with a symposium examining the changing global order and the challenges of the next quarter century. The symposium will open with a Starr Forum keynote by Anne-Marie Slaughter, followed by a day of conversations featuring leading scholars and practitioners exploring the forces reshaping global politics, security, governance, and international cooperation.

The year ahead will also bring new scholarship to CIS. We are especially pleased to welcome Robert E Wilhelm Fellows Richard Mills and Marcos Troyjo, whose experience in diplomacy and international affairs will enrich our teaching, research, and public dialogue.

As always, these pages capture only a snapshot of the breadth of activity across CIS—from research and student engagement to public events and global partnerships.

I hope this issue offers an opportunity to reflect on the Center's history and an invitation to join us as we continue to work towards addressing our world's most pressing challenges.

Thank you for being part of the CIS community.