America First, America Alone? Global Politics in an Age of Uncertainty

The resurgence of America First-driven unilateralism is reshaping the global order. As the U.S. moves further from its post-war role as a global leader and consensus-builder, the 2026 Lind Initiative investigates the evolving drivers of U.S. foreign policy under President Trump, the weakening of multilateral institutions, and the rise of rival powers like China and Russia. What happens when the world’s most powerful country stops playing by the rules it helped to write – and who steps in when it does?

From hard-hitting journalism and critical foreign policy analysis to political commentary and provocative art, this year’s speakers interrogate the consequences of American disengagement. Together, these conversations explore the fragility of alliances, the realignment of global influence, and the future of democratic norms in an era marked by rising authoritarianism, contested truths, and geopolitical uncertainty. Whether through headlines, histories, or cultural critique, each speaker offers a lens into what a “post-American” world might look like and who stands to shape it.

The Lind Initiative is presented by UBC’s School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, in partnership with the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts,

2026 Lind Initiative events include:

Thomas L. Friedman
January 22, 2026 at 6:30PM | Chan Centre, Chan Shun Concert Hall

Charity Weeden
February 5, 2026 at 6:30PM | Chan Centre, Royal Bank Cinema
(Presented in partnership with the Outer Space Institute)

Hasan Piker
February 12, 2026 at 6:30PM | Chan Centre, Chan Shun Concert Hall

Dread Scott
February 25, 2026 at 7:00PM | The Polygon Gallery, North Vancouver
(Presented in partnership with The Polygon Gallery)

Rachel Maddow
March 5, 2026 at 6:30PM | Chan Centre, Chan Shun Concert Hall

Carlos Lozada
March 26, 2026 at 6:30PM | Chan Centre, Telus Studio Theatre

Tickets are FREE while quantities last (max 2 per order). Please note that these events are in-person and will not be livestreamed. Recordings of select events will be available online, please join the Lind Initiative mailing list to learn more.

Titles authored by speakers will be available for purchase at the Chan Centre Lobby, courtesy of the UBC Bookstore, during selected talks.

This series is made possible through a generous gift from the late Philip B. Lind, recently extended by the Lind family in his honour.