Reubin O’D. Askew Lecture Series kicks off with discussion on American Grand Strategy

The University of West Florida’s Reubin O’D. Askew Department of Government will feature two distinguished scholars for a timely discussion on “Debating American Grand Strategy in the Trump Era” as part of its 2025 Askew Lecture Series. The event will take place on Thursday, March 27, at the Museum of Commerce in downtown Pensacola. A public reception will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by a lecture at 6 p.m. A Q&A session and a book signing will close out the event. This event is free and open to the public.

The lecture will focus on the U.S. navigating an era of shifting global power and foreign policy decisions that remain a matter of debate both at home and abroad. The transition from Biden to Trump has reignited discussions on the country’s role in great power competition, internationalism and strategic restraint. The lecture will feature scholars Dr. Ionut Popescu and Dr. Jacob Shively, who will present contrasting perspectives on U.S. grand strategy, drawing from their extensive research and recent publications.

Shively, an associate professor in the Reubin O’D. Askew Department of Government at UWF, is a recognized expert in U.S. foreign policy and international relations. His books, “Hope, Change, Pragmatism” and “Make America First Again,” examine the strategic shifts from the Obama administration through the Trump presidency, with his forthcoming work extending this analysis to the Biden era.

“Under Trump 2.0, U.S. leaders are promoting grand strategy change on a scale we haven’t seen since 9/11,” Shively said. “Perhaps on a scale we haven’t seen since the 1940s. Now is the time to discuss this new world. Will the changes stick, and what are the implications? Dr. Popescu has spent years studying U.S. grand strategy decision making and has strong views about America’s future path in the 21st century. I’m looking forward to hearing his take and comparing notes with him and our community members.”

Popescu, an associate professor of political science at Texas State University, specializes in American grand strategy and international security. His latest book, “No Peer Rivals: American Grand Strategy in the Era of Great Power Competition,” examines the U.S.’s strategic positioning amid rising global competition. A former fellow at the Clements Center for National Security and a current U.S. Navy Intelligence officer, Popescu brings both academic expertise and practical military experience to the discussion.

Named in honor of Governor Reubin O’D. Askew, a champion of civic engagement and public policy reform in Florida, the Askew Lecture Series brings prominent scholars to Pensacola to explore pressing political and policy issues. A renowned expert joins a UWF faculty member each year to foster public dialogue on contemporary challenges in governance, foreign affairs and democracy.

For more information about the Reubin O’D. Askew Lecture Series, visit uwf.edu/cassh.