Undebates: Enhancing Civic Discourse

The Institute of Government and Public Affairs will be hosting an event about foreign policy on Wednesday, Sept. 11, in Champaign. This will be the first in a series of three events we are calling “Undebates: Enhancing Civic Discourse — A Three-Part Public Discussion Series on Major Topics in the Presidential Election.”

We have joined forces with partners from Illinois Public Radio, WILL Public Radio, Columbia College, the Chicago Sun-Times, and the League of Women Voters to collaborate on this event series that we hope will foster passionate but rational discussion of important issues in Illinois during the 2024 election season. In this case, we believe we are taking on one of the most contentious issues in the political sphere by talking about foreign policy. We are trying to recruit an audience who can diffuse absolutism and get people to talk and think about practical issues of law and public policy.

The other two events will be on different topics and will take place in Springfield and Chicago. The primary goal is to provide a platform for well-informed discussions on key topics surrounding the presidential election. We intend to bring together respected journalists and university professors to engage in thoughtful conversations that will hopefully foster a more informed electorate.

Event 1: Urbana (foreign policy), Sept. 11

• Speakers:
  • Konstantin Sonin, John Dewey Distinguished Service Professor at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy. Expert on Russian political and economic affairs.
  • Dick Farkas, professor of political science at DePaul University. Expert on Russian and Eastern European politics, revolution and terrorism.
  • Nicholas Grossman, teaching assistant professor at UIUC. Expert on U.S. foreign policy, with a focus on Gaza and Ukraine.

• Moderator: Brian Mackey, Illinois Public Radio, Host of “The 21st”

• Venue: Technology Room at iHotel, 1900 S. 1st St., Champaign
• Panel: 6- 7:30 p.m.
• Parking and directions:
  • Driving: Enter the iHotel lot on the facility’s north side off of St. Mary’s Road across from the State Farm Center. Placing 111 St. Mary’s Road into your GPS will direct to the correct lot. Parking is free. Enter the west wing doors under the overhang. You will see signage for the event.
  • Bus: The iHotel is serviced by three stops via CUMTD. St. Mary’s Road at iHotel, First & St. Mary’s, or First at iHotel. Fares are $1 per ride, or free for those with a university i-card, or free if riding within the UIUC campus iZone.