American Experience Lecture – Prof. H.W. Brands

Distinguished professor H. W. Brands of the University of Texas at Austin will present the 2026 American Experience lectures on the history of American foreign policy and the figures who have shaped it. Spanning the Revolutionary era to the post–Cold War period, these presentations will explore how the past continues to inform contemporary debates over the United States’ role on the global stage—and why American actions abroad have lasting consequences at home.

Monday Lecture – SPLENDID ISOLATION: GEORGE WASHINGTON TO FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT
Exploring George Washington’s foundational guidance to avoid permanent alliances, establishing a long-standing tradition of non-involvement in European conflicts.

Tuesday Lecture – THE FIGHT FOR INTERVENTION: ROOSEVELT VS. LINDBERGH
Tracing the clash between Franklin Roosevelt’s push to intervene against Nazi Germany, and Charles Lindbergh’s advocacy for American neutrality and Hemispheric defense.

Wednesday Lecture – THE DEVIL WE KNEW: THE COLD WAR
Analyzing the Cold War as an expression of American perceptions and self-interests that shaped a prolonged conflict.

Thursday Lecture – LAST SUPERPOWER STANDING: AFTER THE COLD WAR
Exploring the conduct of U.S. foreign policy in the post-Cold War era and the emergence of today’s great power rivalries.

Friday Lecture – THE IRON LAW OF FOREIGN POWER: SOONER OR LATER…
Reflecting on the current national debate about America’s role as a global power, and implications for the future conduct of foreign policy.