Second Annual National Security Dialogue Hosted at Pepperdine’s Switzerland Campus

On September 23-24, 2024, Pepperdine’s Switzerland International campus, Château d’Hauetville in Blonay-Saint-Légier, Switzerland, once again became an important meeting place for transatlantic leaders to discuss global security policy. The intimate gathering of foreign heads of state, think-tank leaders, and government officials, served as the second conference hosted by Pepperdine School of Public Policy and partners Heritage Foundation and the Danube Institute. 

The two-day conference consisted of expert keynotes and panels that addressed a primary policy matter each day–China foreign policy and the Israel-Middle East conflict, respectively. Geographically known for international diplomacy, the Pepperdine Switzerland campus provided a welcoming space for political thought leaders to challenge current policies and discuss innovative forward-looking ideas.

On the second day, Pepperdine President Jim Gash delivered welcoming remarks where he shared how the conference played a crucial role in expanding Pepperdine's mission to “expose the world to Pepperdine students and to expose Pepperdine students to the world.” 

Kiron Skinner, recently named the Taube Family Chair in International Relations and Politics at the School of Public Policy, provided the vision and leadership in making Pepperdine the intellectual homebase for key global leaders. 

“Pepperdine’s second annual national security dialogue at the Vevey, Switzerland campus continues the university’s commitment to facilitating conversations about America’s role in the world,” she stated.

Skinner moderated the final day two discussion titled “Ideas and Initiatives, Policy Proposals for the Way Forward” where she encouraged participants to reiterate the key themes that were discussed during the conference.