Supreme Court in Focus

Originalism, the Roberts Court, and the Future of Constitutional Interpretation

Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at 5:30 pm

Student Union 180

The Roberts Court has given new prominence to theories of original meaning as guides for interpreting the Constitution. Several justices have said that originalism is important to their judicial philosophy, and arguments about original meaning have been highlighted in some of the Court’s most controversial opinions in recent years. What is constitutional originalism? How are judges using it? And what does it mean for the future of American democracy? 

Keith E. Whittington is the David Boies Professor of Law at Yale Law School. Whittington’s teaching and scholarship span American constitutional theory, American political and constitutional history, judicial politics, the presidency, and free speech and the law. 

Economics in Focus

Can the Presidential Candidates’ Plans Deliver Economic Prosperity?

Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 5:30 pm

Toyota Auditorium, Baker School

From trade policy to immigration to the national debt, the 2024 presidential campaigns will be focused on selling their vision of economic policy to the American people.  

Can either candidate’s platform meet the expectations of the American electorate?  

Michael Strain, director of economic policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute, and independent columnist Matt Yglesias debate whether the choices on the ballot this fall can deliver the economic prosperity and security Americans are asking for. Moderated by Monica Langley, longtime writer for The Wall Street Journal, bestselling author and former senior executive at tech giant. 

Foreign Policy in Focus

The Future of America’s International Alliances and Partnerships

Monday, October 14, 2024 at 5:30 pm

Student Union 272

The United States is at a critical juncture for its foreign policy. As U.S. policymakers confront long-term strategic competition with China, major wars in Europe and the Middle East are unfolding. How the next U.S. administration and Congress address these key challenges will define America’s global leadership role for decades to come. How should they navigate this complex landscape? Do existing foreign policy frameworks need reevaluation? Are the networks of alliances and partnerships delivering as intended? What military footprint best serves American interests in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East?

On Monday, October 14, the Brookings Foreign Policy program in partnership with the Baker School at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, will host a fireside chat with former U.S. Senator Bob Corker in conversation with Brookings Vice President and Director of the Foreign Policy program Suzanne Maloney and the Baker School’s Director of the Center for National Security and Foreign Affairs Krista Wiegand. The speakers will offer perspectives on America’s role in the world.

Following the fireside chat, an expert panel will continue the discussion to consider how best to work with partners and allies to manage global challenges. Included on the panel is Tara Varma, Visiting Fellow, Center on the United States and Europe, Foreign Policy, Brookings; Michael O’Hanlon, Senior Fellow and Director of Research, Foreign Policy, Brookings; Krista Wiegand, Director of the Center for National Security and Foreign Affairs, Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs, and moderated by Joel Christopher, Executive Editor of the Knoxville New Sentinel, Gannet.