William S. Cohen Lecture Series

The biennial William S. Cohen Lecture Series, the signature program of the Cohen Institute, brings major public figures to campus for a public discussion of significant issues in U.S. politics and international affairs. Past speakers have included former heads of state, cabinet secretaries, members of Congress, diplomats, military leaders, and prominent journalists. The events are typically hosted by Secretary Cohen.


2022

Secretary of Defense Gen. Jim Mattis

Medal of Honor Recipient Cpl. Kyle Carpenter

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2019

Secretary of State John F. Kerry

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2017

Secretary Andrew H. Card Jr. 

Ambassador Marc Grossman

The panel of the 2017 Cohen Lecture discussing onstage

“Assessing the First Year of an Unconventional Presidency”

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2015

General Joseph W. Ralston (Ret.) USAF

Ambassador Nicholas Burns

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2013

Senator Alan K. Simpson

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2011

National Security Advisor James L. Jones, General (Ret.), USMC

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2009

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, Jr.

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2007

Bob Woodward, Washington Post

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2005

Dan Rather, CBS News 

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2003

Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney

Brian-Mulroney

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2001

Senator John Glenn

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1999

Secretary of State Madeleine Albright

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1998

Secretary of Defense William S. Cohen 

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