Grand Rapids, MI

June 12-13, 2018

In June, we will be visiting Grand Rapids, Michigan on the fourth installment of "Across the Pond, In the Field."

On Tuesday, June 12th at 7pm, the Across the Pond, in the Field team will host a public event at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum. The event is open to the public and we hope to see you there! Click here for more information.

Meet The Panel

Kadri Liik is a senior policy fellow at European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR). Before joining ECFR in October 2012, Kadri was the director of the International Centre for Defence Studies in Estonia from 2006 until 2011, where she also worked as a senior researcher and director of the Centre’s Lennart Meri Conference.

Read her full bio here.

Ambassador Kåre R. Aas’ distinguished career with the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs began in 1983. Aas was accredited as Norway’s Ambassador to the United States on September 17, 2013. Prior to his current position, he served in Oslo as Political Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Read his full bio here.

Richard Fontaine currently serves as the President of the Center for a New American Security (CNAS). He is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and has been an adjunct professor in the Security Studies Program at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service.

Read his full bio here.

Julie Smith is senior fellow and director of the Transatlantic Security Program at CNAS. She is also a contributing editor to Foreign Policy, where she coedits “Shadow Government.”

Read her full bio here.

Detroit News (June 11, 2018)
Wanted: Your views on foreign policy
  1. The CNAS team takes a break from their foreign policy discussions to enjoy the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan.
    The CNAS team takes a break from their foreign policy discussions to enjoy the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan.
  2. The CNAS delegation enjoys a lunch with local business leaders hosted by the Western Michigan World Affairs Council & Trade Association
    The CNAS delegation enjoys a lunch with local business leaders hosted by the Western Michigan World Affairs Council & Trade Association
  3. Kadri Liik, Richard Fontaine, and Julie Smith stand outside the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum before their public forum discussion on transatlantic cooperation
    Kadri Liik, Richard Fontaine, and Julie Smith stand outside the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum before their public forum discussion on transatlantic cooperation
  4. (From Left) Markus Lux, Amb. Aas, Mayor Bliss, Julie Smith, and Kadri Liik are all smiles in front of Grand Rapids City Hall’s Gallery of Mayors
    (From Left) Markus Lux, Amb. Aas, Mayor Bliss, Julie Smith, and Kadri Liik are all smiles in front of Grand Rapids City Hall’s Gallery of Mayors
  5. The CNAS team discuss transatlantic issues and their impact with college students at Calvin College over lunch
    The CNAS team discuss transatlantic issues and their impact with college students at Calvin College over lunch
  6. Dr. Erika Kubic gives opening remarks before a public forum entitled “A World in Disarray: Prospects and Challenges for Transatlantic Cooperation” at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
    Dr. Erika Kubic gives opening remarks before a public forum entitled “A World in Disarray: Prospects and Challenges for Transatlantic Cooperation” at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
  7. Amb. Aas answers a question from a Grand Rapids resident on transatlantic cooperation during the public forum at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
    Amb. Aas answers a question from a Grand Rapids resident on transatlantic cooperation during the public forum at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
  8. The CNAS team participates in a lively discussion with staff from the Refugee Education Center
    The CNAS team participates in a lively discussion with staff from the Refugee Education Center
  9. The CNAS team participates in a lively discussion with staff from the Refugee Education Center
    The CNAS team participates in a lively discussion with staff from the Refugee Education Center
  10. The CNAS team with the Refugee Education Center staff after learning about how refugees in West Michigan strengthen the community
    The CNAS team with the Refugee Education Center staff after learning about how refugees in West Michigan strengthen the community
  11. The CNAS team meets with Mayor Rosalynn Bliss to discuss local challenges and solutions.
    The CNAS team meets with Mayor Rosalynn Bliss to discuss local challenges and solutions.
  13. Kadri Liik of ECFR speaks to local business leaders about the EU-US trade relationship during a lunch at the University Club Grand Rapids
    Kadri Liik of ECFR speaks to local business leaders about the EU-US trade relationship during a lunch at the University Club Grand Rapids
  14. WGVU Morning Show Host Shelley Irwin interviews Kadri Liik and Amb. Kåre Aas on the political and economic relationship between the United States and Europe
    WGVU Morning Show Host Shelley Irwin interviews Kadri Liik and Amb. Kåre Aas on the political and economic relationship between the United States and Europe
  15. Shelley Irwin, Kadri Liik, Amb. Aas, and Julie Smith after a delightful morning radio interview
    Shelley Irwin, Kadri Liik, Amb. Aas, and Julie Smith after a delightful morning radio interview
  1. The CNAS team takes a break from their foreign policy discussions to enjoy the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan.
  2. The CNAS delegation enjoys a lunch with local business leaders hosted by the Western Michigan World Affairs Council & Trade Association
  3. Kadri Liik, Richard Fontaine, and Julie Smith stand outside the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum before their public forum discussion on transatlantic cooperation
  4. (From Left) Markus Lux, Amb. Aas, Mayor Bliss, Julie Smith, and Kadri Liik are all smiles in front of Grand Rapids City Hall’s Gallery of Mayors
  5. The CNAS team discuss transatlantic issues and their impact with college students at Calvin College over lunch
  6. Dr. Erika Kubic gives opening remarks before a public forum entitled “A World in Disarray: Prospects and Challenges for Transatlantic Cooperation” at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
  7. Amb. Aas answers a question from a Grand Rapids resident on transatlantic cooperation during the public forum at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
  8. The CNAS team participates in a lively discussion with staff from the Refugee Education Center
  9. The CNAS team participates in a lively discussion with staff from the Refugee Education Center
  10. The CNAS team with the Refugee Education Center staff after learning about how refugees in West Michigan strengthen the community
  11. The CNAS team meets with Mayor Rosalynn Bliss to discuss local challenges and solutions.
  13. Kadri Liik of ECFR speaks to local business leaders about the EU-US trade relationship during a lunch at the University Club Grand Rapids
  14. WGVU Morning Show Host Shelley Irwin interviews Kadri Liik and Amb. Kåre Aas on the political and economic relationship between the United States and Europe
  15. Shelley Irwin, Kadri Liik, Amb. Aas, and Julie Smith after a delightful morning radio interview

16 Photos