On October 2, the Cornell Tech Policy Institute (TPI) hosted an engaging and wide-ranging conversation with Professor Michael Brenes, Co-Director of the Brady-Johnson Program in Grand Strategy and Lecturer in History at Yale University, and Professor Michael John Williams, Associate Professor of Public Administration and International Affairs at the Maxwell School at Syracuse University.

TPI Fellows gathered to hear directly from Professor Brenes about the ideas driving his new book, The Rivalry Peril: How Great-Power Competition Threatens Peace and Weakens Democracy. The conversation covered critical issues including the resurgence of great-power competition, the strategic posture the United States must adopt in an evolving global landscape, and the democratic, industrial, and policy trade-offs embedded in U.S. defense strategy.

The exchange was thought-provoking, challenging, and deeply relevant—offering fresh insights into how power, policy, and global dynamics intersect in today’s world.

We extend our sincere thanks to Professors Brenes and Williams for their time and expertise, and to our TPI Fellows for their thoughtful questions and contributions throughout the discussion.