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From political matters on university grounds to the economy and artificial intelligence (AI), the autumn event series organized by the Weidenbaum Center on the Economy, Government and Public Policy at Washington University in St. Louis aims to tackle numerous urgent policy dilemmas confronting America and the globe today.

The Weidenbaum Center, part of Arts & Sciences, functions as a research institution that propels social scientific studies in public policy, economics, political science, and sociology while linking academic research to public engagement. Besides funding and aiding faculty research, the center curates an engaging lineup of public lectures, conferences, and policy discussions that facilitate direct dialogue among scholars, policymakers, and the public. By converting comprehensive research into approachable concepts and captivating events, the center acts as a connector between academia and the wider community.

The future of civic education and universities

The center will inaugurate its autumn speakers’ series with a relevant dialogue concerning the significance of civic education in universities, and the prospective directions higher education might take, from 4-5:15 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, at Knight Hall’s Emerson Auditorium on the Danforth Campus.

For years, conservatives have charged universities with being excessively liberal, stifling conservative viewpoints, and promoting radical leftist ideologies among students. Recently, these accusations have intensified as President Trump’s administration has frozen or slashed billions in research funding and restricted international student admissions.

WashU Chancellor Andrew D. Martin, who cannot physically attend the event, will provide opening commentary via a recorded message. Following this, Andrew Reeves, a professor of political science in Arts & Sciences and head of the Weidenbaum Center, will facilitate a discussion with Robert Doar, president of the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), and Benjamin Storey, a senior fellow at AEI concentrating on the culture of higher education, the essence of liberal and civic education, and endeavors to promote viewpoint diversity on college campuses. The gathering will culminate in a Q&A session with the audience.

Participants are welcomed to join a reception immediately following the discussion. Secure your place here.

The past, present and future of the Federal Reserve

Karen Branding, the president and CEO of the Regional Business Council, will oversee a panel discussion featuring three esteemed leaders from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 29 at Graham Chapel on the Danforth Campus.

Current president and CEO Alberto Musalem will be accompanied by former presidents Jim Bullard (2008-2023), now dean of business at Purdue University, and Thomas Melzer (1985-1998), co-founder and managing director of RiverVest Venture Partners.

After Chancellor Martin’s opening remarks, the current and previous presidents will discuss the changing role of the Federal Reserve in the U.S. economy, leveraging decades of leadership and experience at the St. Louis Fed. This event is co-sponsored by the Mitch Daniels School of Business at Purdue University. Register here.

AI at the crossroads: power, politics and the future we’re building

Investigative journalist Karen Hao, author of “Empire of AI: Dreams and Nightmares in Sam Altman’s Open AI,” will collaborate with the Weidenbaum Center’s Elizabeth Pippert Larson for a special event at 3 p.m. Oct. 16 in Hillman Hall’s Clark-Fox Forum on the Danforth Campus.

Artificial intelligence is already reshaping the landscape of the economy, politics, and everyday life, yet the public remains surprisingly unaware of who is directing this technology or its future trajectory.

Hao’s latest book leverages years of privileged access to OpenAI and its leaders to unveil what truly drives the world’s most influential technology and the concealed consequences that remain unaddressed, including exploited data labor and environmental repercussions.

This event is presented as a segment of the Campus Consortium collaboration between the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting and the Weidenbaum Center. Attendees are welcome to join a reception post-event. Reserve your place here.

Also this fall

• Constitution Day SCOTUS review: Join WashU Law faculty members Susan Appleton, Travis Crum, Andrea Katz, Greg Magarian, and Karen Tokarz on Sept. 17 for a discussion on recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings and forthcoming cases on the court’s agenda. The gathering begins at noon in Anheuser-Busch Hall’s Bryan Cave Moot Courtroom, Room 310, on the Danforth Campus. Pizza will be provided; reservations are not necessary.
• “The economic forecast from inside the Trump White House”: The Weidenbaum Center will feature Aaron Hedlund, chief economist for the White House Council of Economic Advisors, at 8 a.m. Oct. 24 at the Weidenbaum Center, Seigle Hall, Suite 170, on the Danforth Campus. Hedlund will assess the current economic situation and project the future economic landscape of the country.
• “High stakes, uncertain gains: Trump’s economic experiment so far“:  WashU economist Steven Fazzari and Chris Varvares, a Weidenbaum Center senior fellow, will evaluate the ramifications of Trump’s economic strategies. The event is set for 3 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Weidenbaum Center.

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