Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School, Land Hall

lecture~19 events/month

Upcoming Events (19)

Free

Networking 101: An IOP Workshop

Mon, 23 Mar 2026at17:00

Join the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School for Networking 101, a practical workshop on making meaningful connections at large events. Learn how to navigate crowded receptions, craft a tight 60-second intro, and practice with peers before the Networking Night on April 2, led by IOP Careers and Internship Directors in Land Hall.

Free

Politics, the Media and Movies: PH-1 & Politics in Entertainment

Mon, 23 Mar 2026at18:00

A Harvard Kennedy School forum with filmmaker Mark Kassen and CNN's Sara Sidner exploring how media and entertainment influence politics today. The event includes a screening of PH-1 and a discussion on cinema's role in shaping public opinion and policy.

Free

Inside the Cabinet Room: Leadership, Diplomacy, and Decision-Making ft. Evan Ryan

Tue, 24 Mar 2026at12:00

Join Harvard's Institute of Politics for a lunchtime conversation with Evan Ryan, former White House Cabinet Secretary. The discussion explores leadership, diplomacy, and decision-making at the highest levels of government, and how policy coordination unfolds in practice.

Free

Developing Responsible AI: Anthropic Study Group

Tue, 24 Mar 2026at16:30

Academic lecture-style study group at Harvard Kennedy School's Institute of Politics, exploring Anthropic's mission to develop AI for humanity's long-term benefit. Led by Chris Liddell with guest Dr. Buddy Shah (CHAI) discussing governance under the Long Term Benefit Trust. Open to Harvard community by RSVP.

Free

Study Group with Rohit Chopra: The Future of Independent Law Enforcement

Tue, 24 Mar 2026at17:00

Join former CFPB Director Rohit Chopra for a live lecture at the Institute of Politics, Harvard Kennedy School, exploring how commissions and boards shape independent law enforcement and regulatory oversight in the US. The discussion covers bipartisan governance, recent White House moves, and the future of regulation.

Free

A Conversation with Antony Blinken

Tue, 24 Mar 2026at18:00

Join former U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a wide-ranging conversation on the state of global affairs, moderated by David Sanger of The New York Times, at Harvard's JFK Jr. Forum. Expect candid insights into foreign policy and national security, and the challenges shaping the world today.

Free

Conversation with Paul Ryan on Capitol Hill Leadership

Wed, 25 Mar 2026at12:30

Join Harvard's Institute of Politics for a lunchtime conversation with Paul Ryan, the 54th Speaker of the U.S. House. The discussion, hosted by IOP and the Center for Public Leadership, reflects on leadership in government and offers guidance for students pursuing public service careers.

Free

The Massachusetts Story: Lessons for the Nation

Wed, 25 Mar 2026at16:30

Join Aimee Guidera for a focused look at Massachusetts' 1993 Education Reform Act, examining how data-driven goals, coalitions, and accountability shaped the state's approach. The talk explores which elements have shifted in recent years and distills actionable lessons for business leaders, policymakers, and educators nationwide.

Free

Study Group: The Road to Trump—The Storm Arrives

Wed, 25 Mar 2026at17:00

Join Byron York for a study-group discussion at Harvard's Institute of Politics as they trace the 2016 GOP primary's two tracks and the rise of Donald Trump. A rigorous, insider take on how Trump dominated the race and reshaped American politics.

Free

Free Speech, Media and the Democratic Idea with Ken Burns

Wed, 25 Mar 2026at18:00

Ken Burns discusses media, storytelling, and democracy with Nancy Gibbs at Harvard's JFK Forum in The Theodore H. White Lecture on Press and Politics. The conversation traces how American narratives have shaped Americanness and public discourse for more than two centuries.

Free

Strategy, Messaging, and Power: A Conversation with Anita Dunn

Thu, 26 Mar 2026at12:00

Lunchtime talk at the Institute of Politics (Harvard Kennedy School) with Anita Dunn, former Biden adviser and Obama strategist. Dunn shares insights on political communications, campaign messaging, and leadership in contemporary American politics.

Free

Study Group: Urban Leadership from the Front Lines

Thu, 26 Mar 2026at16:30

A moderated study group at Harvard Kennedy School's Institute of Politics exploring urban leadership from the front lines. Featuring Mayor Tishaura Jones and virtual guest Mayor Paul Young of Memphis, the session delves into city governance under high expectations, followed by discussion with Harvard’s community.

Free

Leadership and Public Service in an Unpredictable World ft. Paul Ryan

Thu, 26 Mar 2026at18:00

Join Paul Ryan for a bipartisan conversation on leadership, public service, and democracy at the JFK Jr. Forum. With Anthony Foxx, explore how to navigate polarized times, policy entrepreneurship, and the future of civil society from a former Speaker's perspective.

America at 250 and Beyond: Union and Disunion

Mon, 30 Mar 2026at19:00

An evening conversation at the JFK Forum exploring unity and disunion in 250 years of American history, featuring Pete Buttigieg, Drew Gilpin Faust, and Eddie Glaude, moderated by Jill Lepore. A scholarly look at how the republic has endured and divided.

Free

Public Service and Global Security: A Conversation with Curtis Ried

Tue, 31 Mar 2026at12:00

Join the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics for a lunchtime conversation with Curtis Ried, former U.S. diplomat and senior White House official, about the role of a Chief of Staff at the center of national security decision-making. The discussion offers insider perspectives on public service and policy, followed by audience Q&A in Littauer 166.

Free

The State of Politics and Global Affairs: A Conversation with Andrea Mitchell

Thu, 2 Apr 2026at12:00

Join NBC News’ Andrea Mitchell for a lunchtime conversation on politics and global affairs. With four decades of reporting—from arms-control summits to Middle East conflicts—she offers firsthand insights at Harvard Kennedy School’s Institute of Politics in the Malkin Penthouse.

Free

Leadership in Challenging Times ft. General CQ Brown, Jr., USAF (Ret.)

Thu, 2 Apr 2026at18:00

A high-profile talk at JFK Forum where Gen. CQ Brown Jr., USAF (Ret.), former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, discusses leadership in challenging times, drawing on military service and public stewardship. Moderated by Eric Rosenbach from the Belfer Center.

Free

Spring Networking Evening

Thu, 2 Apr 2026at18:30

Join the Institute of Politics for the Spring Networking Evening to meet practitioners across government administration, law, journalism, and policy research. An informal setting to gain insights and hear experiences in public service; space is limited and tickets are timed—register in advance.

Free

War and Justice in the 21st Century: The International Criminal Court in Today's World

Mon, 6 Apr 2026at17:30

Renowned prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo discusses the ICC's role in today’s conflicts, drawing on his experience and his book. Moderated by Professor Kathryn Sikk, this Harvard Kennedy School forum at the JFK Jr. Forum explores how international justice interacts with modern warfare and policy.