On March 4, 2010, fifty Next Generation Fellows hailing from government, business, the military, nonprofit, the media, and academia gathered at the Meridian International Center in Washington, D.C. to discuss “U.S. Global Policy: Challenges to Building a 21st Century Grand Strategy.” The Assembly was co-sponsored by The American Assembly, The Robert S. Strauss Center for International Security and Law at the University of Texas, the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), and the Meridian International Center (MIC), and it was the second meeting in the second phase of The Next Generation Project.

The Next Generation Project is directed by Francis J. Gavin, Director of the Strauss Center for International Security and Law at The University of Texas at Austin.

After introductory remarks, the Assembly opened with a panel on “Grand Strategy in an Age of Smart Power,” moderated by Mr. Gavin. Vikram J. Singh, Senior Defense Advisor to the Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan; Daniella Foster, Director of Public-Private Partnerships, Department of State; and Colin H. Kahl, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East participated in the panel. Anne-Marie Slaughter, Director of Policy Planning, Department of State, addressed the fellows at a luncheon plenary session.