The Anthony J. Drexel Biddle, Jr. Lecture on International Studies was established by Mary Duke Biddle Trent Semans and James H. Semans and their family to honor Mrs. Semans' father, who had a distinguished career as a diplomat in the service of the United States and was an original signer of The Duke Endowment. This lecture series symbolizes Duke University's continuing commitment to promoting international understanding and public service.

Lise Grande, President and CEO of the U.S. Institute of Peace, will be speaking about how to protect civilian populations in a time of international tension and the role of the U.S. Institute of Peace. Ms Grande has 25 years of continuous overseas experience leading, managing, and coordinating complex operations for the United Nations. She has held leadership positions in humanitarian, stabilization, peacekeeping, peacebuilding, and development operations in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the Caucasus.

The United States Institute of Peace is a national, nonpartisan, independent institute, founded by Congress and dedicated to the proposition that a world without violent conflict is possible, practical and essential for U.S. and global security. In conflict zones abroad, the Institute works with local partners to prevent, mitigate, and resolve violent conflict. The Institute pursues its mission by linking research, policy, training, analysis and direct action to support those who are working to build a more peaceful, inclusive world.

Ambassador (ret.) Patrick Duddy (Duke University) will introduce the speaker.

The Anthony J. Drexel Biddle, Jr. Lecture is organized by the Duke Center for International & Global Studies (DUCIGS). This event is co-sponsored by the Duke Program in American Grand Strategy (AGS). 

 Free and open to the public. 

The event will be held in person and will take place at the Goodson Chapel, Divinity School, Duke University at 407 Chapel Drive. The closest parking is available at the Bryan Center Parking Garage at 125 Science Drive. ADA parking is available in the parking lot immediately in front of the garage. We strongly encourage all individuals to be fully vaccinated before attending the event. Individuals who are unvaccinated are required to wear a mask in all indoor settings at Duke. Duke will adhere to all university, local and state regulations, which are subject to change on short notice depending on public health conditions.