Mansfield Dialogues
The Mansfield Dialogues are an annual series of discussions designed to bring speakers on contemporary issues to a wider audience. These critical community discussions are attended by high school and university students and community members across Montana and the world.
Across the Pacific: Japan, the United States, and Montana A Conversation with Ambassador Shigeo Yamada
What does the future of the U.S.-Japan relationship mean for Montana and the world? We are honored to host the visit of Japanese Ambassador to the U.S. Shigeo Yamada for a fireside conversation with Mansfield Chair Dr. Kristin Vekasi on the opportunities and challenges shaping this vital partnership.
We are currently at capacity for seating.
First Take: The 2026 Midterms and the Future of American Politics
Midterm elections in the United States usually produce consequential setbacks for the party occupying the White House, and this year's contests appear poised to follow that historical pattern. With Democrats potentially gaining control of Congress, the 2026 elections could mark a critical turning point in American politics. Or perhaps President Trump and the Republicans will pull off another surprise. Whatever the outcome, we will gather to analyze the results, place them in historical context, and look ahead to what they portend for Trump's final two years in office, the 2028 presidential election, America's place in the world, and the future of liberal democracy. Join Professor of Political Science, Co-Director of the Democracy Studies Program, and the Director of the Mansfield Ethics and Public Affairs Program at the University of Montana Rob Saldin for a First Take on the results and the road ahead.
The US and Taiwan and their Mid-Term Elections
After decades of close partnership, relations between Taiwan and the United States have been unpredictable in recent years. Both elected leaders with strong wills and opinions two years ago; now, those presidents are facing challenging midterm elections. What is the state of play in US-Taiwan relations, and how might the November elections in each country affect the ties between them? How do Taiwan’s soaring economy and the ever-present tension with the People’s Republic of China play into the two sides’ relationship? Join Shelley Rigger, Brown Professor of East Asian Politics and Vice President for Academic Affairs/Dean of Faculty at Davidson College for a Mansfield Dialogue on the state of US-Taiwan ties at a moment of change.
Annual Mansfield Lectures
The Annual Mansfield Lecture is the Mansfield Center’s premier yearly lecture, featuring speakers who can bring discussion of critical topics to an audience drawn from throughout western Montana.
First Takes
First Takes is a community education program providing rapid response efforts to educate the public in real time on urgent international or domestic current events that affect our democracy.
The Trump-Xi Meeting and the Future of US-China-Taiwan Relations
Dexter "Tiff" Roberts
Director of China Affairs at the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center
