On 10 June 2025, the Rhodes International Security and Leadership (RISL) group successfully hosted its first event - dedicated to international security - at Rhodes House. The seminar served as a forum to gather thoughts and ask questions about a turbulent world. The evening honoured Professor Joseph S. Nye (New Jersey & Exeter 1958), whose work on soft power, interdependence, and ethical statecraft has reshaped how leaders in this space think about responsibility on the global scale. In many ways, his legacy still guides the conversation today.
In June, we convened three leaders with distinct vantage points:
Jen Easterly (Maryland & Pembroke 1990), former Director of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
Admiral Stuart Munsch (North Dakota & Hertford 1985), Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe–Africa.
Dr Annette Idler, Director, Global Security Programme, Pembroke College; Associate Professor in Global Security, Blavatnik School of Government
The event was moderated by two Rhodes Scholars, Jupneet Singh (California & Green Templeton 2023) and Fahad Abdulrazzaq (Virginia & New College 2024).
A meaningful continuity surfaced in which two of our three panellists were Rhodes Scholars who have had a huge impact on the international security forefront. It was particularly valuable to showcase the community that has embraced ideas in Oxford’s seminar rooms and then carried them into policy processes and command centres.
The path from promising concept to working forum was enabled by generous partners at Rhodes House. Dr Fenella Porter, Director of Scholar Programming, was instrumental in shaping the programme and sharpening our objectives; Scholar Programming (Alisha Patel) ensured the event structure served both scholars and guests; and the Warden’s Office, led by Sir Rick Trainor, provided steady support that turned an idea into a well-run, high-impact conversation. Their guidance improved everything from framing questions to logistics and audience engagement.
Impact
The most concrete outcome is the launch of the Rhodes International Security & Leadership Group - a standing forum convening Rhodes Scholars, scholar-practitioners, and academics to engage the broader public on strategic, ethical, and institutional questions in security. The group will host seminars, practitioner dialogues, and collaborative workshops that connect rigorous analysis to lived experience.
We are already planning the next event in Trinity Term 2026. If you would like to donate to the group or connect speakers and communities, we would value your partnership. Please reach out to Fahad Abdulrazzaq (Virginia & New College 2024) at fahad.abdulrazzaq@new.ox.ac.uk.
A seminar is one evening. A community is a commitment. By honouring Professor Nye’s life and work and by learning from last year’s seminar we have set a standard for how we hope to proceed.