Congress and American Foreign Policy: U.S. Engagement in a Shifting Global Landscape

Congress plays a vital role in shaping how the United States engages with the world—from authorizing foreign assistance and overseeing diplomatic efforts to influencing security partnerships and international agreements. At a time of shifting global dynamics, evolving security challenges, and increasing demands on U.S. leadership, what is at stake in how these responsibilities are carried out? And how do they shape the United States’ role in an increasingly complex global landscape?

For a closer look at how Congress contributes to American foreign policy, join the World Affairs Council of Atlanta for “Congress and American Foreign Policy: U.S. Engagement in a Shifting Global Landscape,” a conversation with Jeff Flake, former U.S. Senator, and U.S. Ambassador. Drawing on his experience in both legislative and diplomatic roles, Ambassador Flake will share perspectives on the interplay between Congress and the executive branch, historical patterns of engagement in international affairs, and how these processes shape U.S. engagement globally, both historically and today. 

Run of Show (All times Eastern) 

• 5:30–6:15 PM VIP Attendee Meet-and-Greet (private, separate room) 

• 6:00 PM Attendee Registration & Networking 

• 6:30 PM Welcome Remarks & Speaker Introduction, Rickey Bevington, Moderator 

• 6:35 PM Moderated fireside dialogue with Jeff Flake, Featured Speaker 

• 7:05 PM Audience Q&A 

• 7:25 PM Closing Remarks, Rickey Bevington 

• 7:30–8:00 PM Networking & Adjourn 

Key Themes 

• The institutional role of Congress in U.S. foreign policy—including legislation, appropriations, and oversight—at a time of heightened global demands on U.S. engagement. 

• How Congress and the executive branch interact in shaping international engagement amid evolving geopolitical pressures and complex policy challenges. 

• Historical patterns of congressional involvement in foreign policy and what they reveal as the United States navigates a rapidly shifting global environment. 

• The real-time dynamics of foreign policy decision-making, from Capitol Hill to diplomacy, in an era of accelerated global developments. 

• How congressional perspectives influence U.S. relationships with allies and partners, particularly as international expectations and security considerations intensify. 

• Insights from the transition between legislative service and diplomatic leadership, and what they reveal about navigating foreign policy in today’s environment. 

Speaker Bio

Jeff Flake is a former United States Senator from Arizona and a former U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye. He served in the U.S. Senate from 2013 to 2019 and previously represented Arizona in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2001 to 2013. During his time in Congress, Senator Flake served on key committees related to foreign relations, appropriations, and judiciary matters, contributing to legislative efforts shaping U.S. engagement abroad. His work in Congress included involvement in issues such as international trade, foreign assistance, and the oversight of U.S. foreign policy. From 2022 to 2024, Ambassador Flake served as the United States Ambassador to Türkiye, where he worked on a wide range of diplomatic priorities, including U.S.-Türkiye relations, regional security, NATO cooperation, and engagement across Europe and the Middle East. His tenure reflected the complexity of maintaining strategic partnerships in a dynamic geopolitical environment. He is also the author of Conscience of a Conservative, a reflection on principles, governance, and public service. Throughout his career, Ambassador Flake has been recognized for his commitment to institutional processes, civic dialogue, and engagement across differing perspectives. 

Moderator Bio

Rickey Bevington is an Emmy Award–winning journalist and nationally respected voice on global affairs, civic leadership, and the future of media. She serves as President of the World Affairs Council of Atlanta and Executive in Residence at Georgia State University’s Robinson College of Business, bringing decades of storytelling expertise and public engagement leadership to global dialogue. Previously, she spent more than 20 years as a television and radio journalist with outlets including Georgia Public Broadcasting, NPR, PBS NewsHour, and Marketplace, and delivered a widely recognized TEDx talk on media literacy and civic responsibility. An internationally engaged leader, Bevington has participated in elite leadership programs and fellowships across Europe and Asia and is a sought-after moderator who has interviewed figures ranging from President Jimmy Carter to General David Petraeus. She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, Chair of the Agnes Scott College Board of Visitors, and a magna cum laude graduate of Barnard College