September 18, 2025
SIU’s Simon Institute hosts scholar to discuss using history to craft policy strategy
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Francis J. Gavin, a professor at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies and director of the Henry Kissinger Center for Global Affairs, will join Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Paul Simon Public Policy Institute for a virtual conversation on Wednesday, Sept. 24.
Gavin and John Shaw, institute director, will discuss Gavin’s new book, “Thinking Historically — A Guide to Statecraft and Strategy.”
The discussion via Zoom begins at 10 a.m. and is free and open to the public, but registration to view the conversation is required. The event is part of the institute’s “Understanding Our New World” discussion series. Visit paulsimoninstitute.org/events to register.
“Professor Gavin is an innovative and inspiring scholar who has just published a remarkable book about how the careful study of history can help policymakers craft effective policies. His writing is clear, forceful and deeply compelling,” Shaw said.
Shaw added that Gavin’s book “should be read and studied by policymakers at all levels of government. His historian’s checklist outlines 12 key questions that policymakers should consider when approaching consequential decisions.”
Gavin has previously taught at Harvard, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Texas. He serves on the CIA Historical Panel, is founding chair of the Texas National Security Journal board of editors and a lifetime member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
He earned his undergraduate degree in political science from the University of Chicago, a graduate degree in history from Oxford, and a doctorate in history from the University of Pennsylvania.
Attendees are encouraged to submit questions for Gavin on the registration form or email questions to paulsimoninstitute@siu.edu.
More information, including a list of the institute’s upcoming events and past speakers and events, is available.