Leslie Vinjamuri
President and CEO
Chicago Council on Global Affairs;
also Professor of Practice @SOAS University of London
- Reposted by Leslie VinjamuriRecently, the Council welcomed our 2026 cohort of Emerging Leaders, together with many program alumni. We are excited to kick off a new season of programming! Special thanks to Ashish Lal for supporting this event, and to Endy Zemenides and the Hellenic American Leadership Council for hosting!
- Reposted by Leslie VinjamuriLast night in Davos, Council President and CEO @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social joined a dinner co-hosted with Aon, the @ifrc.org, the World Bank, and the @iom.int, focused on reimagining humanitarian finance and reducing volatility in forced migration.
- My latest, will Davos go to Detroit? globalaffairs.org/commentary/a...
- Senator Durbin speaks live now at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs about transatlantic relations. The Senator travelled to Denmark as part of a bipartisan Congressional delegation. Media raises multiple questions about ICE m.youtube.com/watch?v=5BN5...
- Reposted by Leslie VinjamuriLIVE NOW: IL Senator @durbin.senate.gov holds a press conference at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs to discuss his recent bipartisan, bicameral congressional delegation to Denmark. Tune in now: bit.ly/4pOjsih
- 💯💯
- My latest. This time on Greenland. Hope you will give it a read. In deploying troops to Greenland, Europeans are handing the president a gift: a pretense for backing down. globalaffairs.org/commentary/a...
- Reposted by Leslie VinjamuriWhich armed conflicts will define 2026? And what forces—whether local, regional, or global—will shape their trajectories? On 2/5, @crisisgroup.org President and CEO @comfortero.crisisgroup.org joins @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social to discuss what to watch in the year ahead. brnw.ch/21wZ7TH
- Violent crackdowns, internet shutdowns, and a rising death toll. I spoke with Azadeh Moaveni of @nyu_journalism and @sanamvakil.bsky.social of @chathamhouse.org on the Deep Dish podcast this week about these developments and more in Iran. brnw.ch/21wZ7LC
- Reposted by Leslie VinjamuriHow are recent conflicts stress-testing global alliances? This week, former US Ambassador to NATO and Council Distinguished Nonresident Fellow Julianne Smith joined @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social for a conversation on the future of alliances in today’s changing world.
- I am thrilled to welcome Dr Evan Medeiros to the Chicago Council on Global Affairs @global-affairs.bsky.social as Distinguished Nonresident Fellow on China. Medeiros is currently the Penner Family Chair at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service brnw.ch/21wZ5A4
- Reposted by Leslie Vinjamuri"You can feel this palpable sense of nervousness and anxiety on the other side of the pond," Council Distinguished Nonresident Fellow Ambassador Julianne Smith says of the current state of the transatlantic relationship. Watch her conversation with @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social ➡️ brnw.ch/21wZ3yC
- There is little evidence that what we had come to assume was and should be the top geopolitical priority for the United States, namely managing the China challenge, is actually the top priority. globalaffairs.org/commentary/a...
- Reposted by Leslie VinjamuriFrom US threats over Greenland and Arctic tensions to instability in Venezuela and the Western Hemisphere, America's alliances are facing new pressures. On 1/13, Julianne Smith joins @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social to discuss how these actions are testing US alliances. brnw.ch/21wYU7l
- Looking forward to speaking with Ambassador Julie Smith on Tuesday.
- From US threats over Greenland and Arctic tensions to instability in Venezuela and the Western Hemisphere, America's alliances are facing new pressures. On 1/13, Julianne Smith joins @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social to discuss how these actions are testing US alliances. brnw.ch/21wYU7l
- Reposted by Leslie VinjamuriSome initial thoughts by me and some super smart colleagues @global-affairs.bsky.social
- "When oil trading begins on Sunday night..it will be the first test of whether Trump’s exhortations that the United States will “run” Venezuela will inspire confidence." Read our latest expert analysis by @rb312.bsky.social globalaffairs.org/commentary/a...
- Reposted by Leslie Vinjamuri"This is a US that cares about geopolitical competition," the Council's @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social tells @cnn.com. "It's also willing to push the boundaries of what we have come to see as normal, expected, legitimate, international behavior." More on the US intervention in Venezuela ⤵️
- Reposted by Leslie VinjamuriVenezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured by US military forces on Saturday amid a "large-scale strike" against the country. What comes next? Chicago Council experts assess the immediate and long-term stakes for the region and the world. ⤵️
- "When oil trading begins on Sunday night..it will be the first test of whether Trump’s exhortations that the United States will “run” Venezuela will inspire confidence." Read our latest expert analysis by @rb312.bsky.social globalaffairs.org/commentary/a...
- We continue to add new expert commentary to this link. Latest piece by @CooleyOnEurasia on the implications for Russia and China. Note that Venezuela is China's largest debtor in Latin America. globalaffairs.org/commentary/a...
- This one well worth reading
- Jack Goldsmith on the legality of the Venezuela operation: open.substack.com/pub/executiv...
- I had not even considered this but ..
- Reposted by Leslie Vinjamuri"The Trump administration’s attack on Venezuela gives Beijing another opening to portray China as a more responsible international actor than the United States."
- Read commentary by @global-affairs.bsky.social experts at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Lord Jim O'Neill, @dandrezner.bsky.social, Paul Heer, and more. On Venezuela, Trump, and what to expect. globalaffairs.org/commentary/a...
- If drug trafficking, an illegitimate electoral victory, or control of oil is the new bar for a US military takeover, we are in for quite a rough ride in 2026. My comment, alongside that of several colleagues @global-affairs.bsky.social globalaffairs.org/commentary/a...
- Read @busbyj2.bsky.social "Washington’s capacity to manage and support a transition in Venezuela is suspect given the downscaling of diplomacy and development assets at State, the dissolution of USAID, and the reorientation of the Department of Defense" globalaffairs.org/commentary/a...
- "Beijing has had an “all-weather strategic partnership” with Venezuela and President Nicolás Maduro in particular, based in large part on China’s need for oil and Venezuela’s need for investment" Read Paul Heer of the @global-affairs.bsky.social Chicago Council globalaffairs.org/commentary/a...
- Reposted by Leslie VinjamuriWhat led to this moment in Venezuela? @ceprdc.bsky.social's Francisco Rodríguez joined Council President & CEO @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social on the Deep Dish podcast last fall to unpack the forces shaping the crisis—and how they have informed Trump's approach. 🎧: globalaffairs.org/commentary/p...
- Read commentary by @global-affairs.bsky.social experts at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Lord Jim O'Neill, @dandrezner.bsky.social, Paul Heer, and more. On Venezuela, Trump, and what to expect. globalaffairs.org/commentary/a...
- Reposted by Leslie Vinjamuri<— Honored to have been a guest on @gideonrachman.bsky.social’s last FT podcast of 2025, also featuring @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social and @jamescrabtree.bsky.social. www.ft.com/content/1e62...
- Reposted by Leslie VinjamuriFind the full series here, with excellent contributions from @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social Julie Smith, Jim O'Neill, @dandrezner.bsky.social @profpaulpoast.bsky.social and many others. globalaffairs.org/commentary/a...
- Reposted by Leslie VinjamuriPleased to contribute to @global-affairs.bsky.social series reflecting on the US at 250. I wrote about the US & Europe's unshared futures, & ask whether their future will be based on democracy, human rights & rule of law - or on the nativism the US seeks to export globalaffairs.org/commentary/a...
- Predictions and Reflections on America at 250. Contributions from leading thinkers in the US and Europe globalaffairs.org/commentary/a...
- Thursday we will host Dr Samir Saran, President of the Observer Research Foundation, India's premier think tank, for a conversation on India's global role globalaffairs.org/events/third...
- Reposted by Leslie VinjamuriAs India becomes more of a key player in global affairs, what lies ahead for the global order? Join Observer Research Foundation President Samir Saran and Council President and CEO @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social on 12/18 as they discuss India's policy strategy and global implications. brnw.ch/21wXBFm
- Reposted by Leslie VinjamuriAre the US and China already locked into a cold war? Earlier this week, University of Chicago's John Mearsheimer and @harvardkennedy.bsky.social's Rana Mitter, and @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social analyzed that question and more in a dynamic conversation on the US-China relationship. brnw.ch/21wXE4o
- Reposted by Leslie VinjamuriImportant dissention on the legality of strikes
- Reposted by Leslie Vinjamuri[Not loaded yet]
- Reposted by Leslie Vinjamuri[Not loaded yet]
- Tariffs, Trump, and Trudeau’s legacy. On Deep Dish this week, I talked with @howserob from @nyulaw and @rolandparis from @uOttawaGSPIA and @ChathamHouse about how these factors impact the global leadership of Canada. brnw.ch/21wX4N7
- Reposted by Leslie VinjamuriEstonian President Alar Karis joins Council President & CEO @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social on the Council stage to discusses Estonia's experience navigating digital transformation and geopolitical pressures in an increasingly complex world. 💻 WATCH: brnw.ch/21wX0e7
- Tariffs, tech controls, and the CCP Plenum. On Deep Dish this week, I talked with @georgetownsfs’s Professor Evan Medeiros about what these means in the context of the US-China relationship and China’s global ambitions. brnw.ch/21wWGem
- @sanamvakil.bsky.social and @DanByman joined me to talk about the Phase One Deal. Video link here www.youtube.com/live/EzP2FsA...
- Reposted by Leslie VinjamuriAfter two years of bloodshed, an end to the war in Gaza may be in sight. Join @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social, @sanamvakil.bsky.social, Sanam Vakil, and Daniel Byman as they unpack the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal and the challenges ahead. Tune in to the live stream at 3 p.m. CT today ➡️ brnw.ch/21wWuzM
- The UN is turning 80 at a moment of crisis: wars, budget cuts, and an antagonistic US president. I had the privilege of speaking with two UN experts, @crisisgroup.org’s @richardgowan1.bsky.social and @kofiannanfdn.bsky.social's Corinne Momal-Vanian. Listen: brnw.ch/21wW44w
- Reposted by Leslie VinjamuriAs the General Debate opens at #UNGA, Council experts @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social, @busbyj2.bsky.social, @cooleyoneurasia.bsky.social, @kfriedhoff.bsky.social, @ckafura.bsky.social and @profpaulpoast.bsky.social weigh in on the UN's power and relevance. ⤵️ globalaffairs.org/commentary-a...
- Reposted by Leslie VinjamuriAmid trends of democratic backsliding globally, truth tellers must stand up I joined @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social and Susan Stokes @global-affairs.bsky.social to discuss the future of global democracy & solutions to rising threats Watch here👇-TN tinyurl.com/nvup46s5
- The @nytimes.com’s Mark Landler joined me on the @global-affairs.bsky.social’s Deep Dish podcast to discuss Trump’s state visit, Starmer’s turmoil, and what this moment means for the US-UK relationship. brnw.ch/21wVT3G
- Reposted by Leslie Vinjamuri[Not loaded yet]
- Reposted by Leslie VinjamuriNext Thursday, hear from Julián Ventura and Suzanne Nossel—two of the Council's newest nonresident fellows—as they join @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social to analyze the future of US global leadership and how countries are adapting to America's shifting foreign policy. brnw.ch/21wVItw
- Reposted by Leslie VinjamuriWe're live! Watch the Council's @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social, @brookings.edu's @normeisen.bsky.social, and the Chicago Center on Democracy's Susan Stokes as they explore how democracies can fight back against authoritarian threats and build resilience ⤵️ brnw.ch/21wVOW8
- Reposted by Leslie VinjamuriInflation is up. Prices are rising. Why does the global economy feel so unstable right now? Economist Baroness Dambisa Moyo joins @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social on our Deep Dish podcast to explain the forces shaping today’s uncertainty. 🎧 brnw.ch/21wVGa6
- As world leaders prepare to gather for UNGA 80, Syria’s fragile recovery and the devastation in Gaza reveal the urgent need for a humanitarian reset. Jan Egeland of @NRC_Norway explains why the moment is now to act on this week’s Deep Dish. Listen: brnw.ch/21wVtKL
- Reposted by Leslie VinjamuriJoin us tomorrow (9/3) as @pauljcheer.bsky.social, Yawei Liu, @roguepollster.bsky.social, and @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social discuss these findings and more. Register now to attend in-person or via livestream: brnw.ch/21wVpho
- Reposted by Leslie VinjamuriXi, Putin, Modi & others are preparing to gather in Tianjin. On Deep Dish, @johnshopkinssais.bsky.social' @jessicacweiss.bsky.social joins @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social to explain why the US-China relationship needs a reset and how reflexive rivalry is making America weaker, not stronger. 🎧⤵️
- Reposted by Leslie Vinjamuri[Not loaded yet]
- My interview today with CNN's Richard Quest. On the talks between President Trump, President Zelensky, and European leaders today in Washington. youtu.be/-E3a51S9dDA
- Today @global-affairs.bsky.social we welcome UK Ambassador Lord Peter Mandelson. You can watch his speech and the questions on our website globalaffairs.org/events/briti...
- Reposted by Leslie VinjamuriAs Trump threatens to double tariffs and Putin courts Modi ahead of the Trump-Putin Alaska summit, can India rise as a great power without choosing a side? @ravireports.bsky.social (@foreignpolicy.com) and Raghuram Rajan join @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social on our Deep Dish podcast to discuss. 🎧⤵️
- 3% is a shockingly low percentage - Americans do not believe that the US and Russia should decide the terms of peace for Ukraine in the absence of the EU and Ukraine.
- As Trump and Putin prepare to meet for Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations, Americans think Ukraine and the EU should also have a seat at the table. A March 2025 Council-Ipsos survey finds only 3 percent believe just the US and Russia should decide the terms for peace. brnw.ch/21wUPCc
- Reposted by Leslie Vinjamuri[Not loaded yet]
- Two outstanding economists, one American and one European joined the @ChicagoCouncil’s Deep Dish podcast @BrentNeiman(@ChicagoBooth) and @davidheniguk.bsky.social (@ECIPE) to talk about how states and markets are reacting as Trump’s tariffs go into effect: globalaffairs.org/commentary-a...
- The hunger crisis in Gaza is fueling a larger diplomatic reckoning. On the Deep Dish podcast, I’m joined by Ambassador Ertharin Cousin, Distinguished Fellow at the Chicago Council, to discuss famine, diplomacy, and the growing movement for Palestinian statehood. Listen: brnw.ch/21wUzLQ
- This week's Chicago Council's Deep Dish podcast @global-affairs.bsky.social With the US rolling back export controls and China doubling down on AI, I spoke with fmr. White House Director for Tech & National Security Nikita Lalwani about the policy implications. globalaffairs.org/commentary-a...
- Thrilled to have Jim O'Neill on Deep Dish, the @global-affairs.bsky.social Chicago Council on Global Affairs podcast. Jim founded the term BRICs when he was at Goldman Sachs and was Chair @chathamhouse.org House globalaffairs.org/commentary-a...
- This week on the @global-affairs.bsky.social Chicago Council's Dish podcast, I spoke with Stanford's Colin Kahl and Tom Wright of the Brookings Institution @tomjwright.bsky.social on grand strategy Listen now at the link below or wherever you get your podcasts: globalaffairs.org/commentary-a...
- I’m excited to be reviving the @ChicagoCouncil’s Deep Dish #podcast. I was joined this week by @vali_nasr and @MaloneySuzanne to discuss the Iran-Israel conflict, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and US strategy. You can listen here. globalaffairs.org/commentary-a...
- Reposted by Leslie VinjamuriWe're thrilled to welcome @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social on her first day as president and CEO! A globally respected voice on diplomacy, democracy, and international leadership, Leslie brings more than 20 years of experience to the Council. Please join us in welcoming Leslie to #Chicago!
- An excellent set of meetings on the challenge of war, peace, and stability made all that more urgent as Israel and Iran enter into high stakes military confrontation. @globsec.bsky.social
- "Multilateralism 2.0: Fix It or Forget It?" Speakers: Carlos Augusto Chacón Comfort Ero Leslie Vinjamuri Led by: Laurence Norman #GLOBSEC2025 #20thAnniversary
- What timing..
- Watch the recording of our brilliant event last night with @nickclegg @DrAndrewSteer, Joel Hellman, Dean of @Georgetown SFS and me @chathamhouse.org www.chathamhouse.org/events/all/o...
- London’s ‘Little America’ Is No More. What’s Taking Its Place? Insightful (and sad) piece by @Mark Landler, with a thank you from me for the quote www.nytimes.com/2025/06/07/w...
- An abuse of power, it's one thing for the US to withhold support or (as a non member) to refuse to enforce ICC rulings, but for the US to sanction individual judges at the ICC is damaging to the US and undercuts the legitimacy sanctions as a tool of statecraft www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
- Me with @maxyoeli.bsky.social Even if Liberation Day proves to be the high-water mark for Trump's tariffs, US partners should double down on efforts to increase their economic resilience and diversify their economic ties. www.chathamhouse.org/2025/06/trum...
- Reposted by Leslie Vinjamuri[Not loaded yet]
- Jake Sullivan delivered the Lester Crown Distinguished Lecture on US Foreign Policy @ChicagoCouncil Watch he and @ivodaalder.bsky.social speak at a historic moment, in a great city, to a packed room. globalaffairs.org/events/jake-...
- Reposted by Leslie Vinjamuri🇺🇸 @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social: The UK is signaling — not just loyalty to the US, but readiness to lead with Europe. Still, she warns: "Processes are radically insufficient" given the evolving threat landscape. Everyone knows it — including Russia, China, and the US. #Geopolitics
- Reposted by Leslie VinjamuriVery good @chathamhouse.org event on the international order (or lack thereof) with @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social @anandmenon.bsky.social @chietigj.bsky.social and Julian Ventura. Accompanying report here www.chathamhouse.org/2025/03/comp...
- Reposted by Leslie Vinjamuri“Four top partners at Paul Weiss announced late Friday that they were leaving the law firm, a major blow to the firm in the wake of its decision to cut a deal with President Trump to head off an executive order against the firm.” www.nytimes.com/2025/05/23/b...
- Bravo to this judge www.nytimes.com/2025/05/23/u...
- Reposted by Leslie VinjamuriBreaking News: Nicusor Dan, Bucharest’s centrist mayor, won Romania’s presidential election, defeating a hard-right candidate who is aligned with President Trump and has opposed military aid to Ukraine.
- Reposted by Leslie VinjamuriGood rundown of why Trump's "$142bn arms deal" with Saudi Arabia is largely a marketing exercise: details are scarce, it includes a bunch of sales already agreed in years past, and the kingdom can't afford to spend anywhere near the top-line figure. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
- Reposted by Leslie VinjamuriImportant thread from @abenewman.bsky.social, one of the intellectual framers of weaponized interdependence.
- After nearly two weeks in the US in conversation with Americans on transatlantic relations, nuclear complacency, and US foreign policy, I am heading back to London for multiple meetings and talks on the US and Europe, as we hit the 100 days of Trump 2.0 committees.parliament.uk/event/23367/...
- Also this event What is Trumpism? @chathamhouse.org you can register here) www.chathamhouse.org/events/all/o...
- Join us here also, 100 days of Trump’s presidency, with Jonathan Freedland and guests www.theguardian.com/guardian-liv...
-
View full threadAlso great to meet Ariel Schwartz who leads the Chicago Council's Emerging Leaders who are currently in Washington for a week of meetings, and an agenda that demonstrates a genuine instinct for relevance and impact
- Reposted by Leslie Vinjamuri[Not loaded yet]
- Reposted by Leslie Vinjamuri[Not loaded yet]
- I am incredibly proud and humbled by this opportunity to lead the Chicago Council on Global Affairs @global-affairs.bsky.social at an extraordinary moment in time, and to build on the Council's 103 year history shaping dialogue, convening, and research on global affairs.
- We’re pleased to announce the appointment of @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social as our next president and chief executive officer. Leslie joins us from @chathamhouse.org and brings 20+ years of experience in global affairs. Please join us in welcoming her to Chicago! More info here: brnw.ch/21wRPYT
- Reposted by Leslie Vinjamuri[Not loaded yet]
- Reposted by Leslie VinjamuriThis is an excellent report spearheaded by @leslievinjamuri.bsky.social with contributions from a top cast. On Europe, @constelz.bsky.social has written a chapter about Germany's global role, and Alexandra de Hoop Scheffer & @martinquencez.bsky.social about France's. Worth a read.
- Competing visions of international order: Responses to US power in a fracturing world @ChathamHouse World class scholars and experts joined our collaboration to write on one of the very most fundamental questions of our time www.chathamhouse.org/2025/03/comp...
