Ms. Egel came second in the competition. She learned about the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) through her research on multilateral weapons governance. In her opinion, the OSCE is a unique political grouping of countries that offers a distinctive approach to governing the production, possession, and use of different weapons. She found however, that scholars studying arms control, non-proliferation, and disarmament often overlook the role of the OSCE. Therefore, she began to examine the OSCE’s history in this area, as well as its unique organizational structure and political dynamics.

Egel’s essay focused on the rise of the importance of autonomous weapons systems (AWS) in military operations and how this could increase the risk of inadvertent escalation. Her essay brought innovative ideas forward on how the OSCE should develop confidence-building measures (CBMs) for AWS. Her essay highlighted that the OSCE has a strong history of creating CBMs for other types of weapons and is therefore uniquely positioned to develop CBMs for AWS. She wrote that by doing so, the OSCE would be contributing to reducing the risks AWS pose.

The event, Battlegrounds: A Conversation with H.R. McMaster, offers an examination of McMaster’s eponymous new book. Organized by Cornell’s non-partisan Institute of Politics and Global Affairs (IOPGA), the event will be a discussion with former Congressman Steve Israel, director of the institute and professor of practice in the Department of Government, Chris Riback, host of various podcasts on politics, business, technology, science, education and the arts, including, Chris Riback’s Conversations, and Sarah Kreps, John L. Wetherill Professor, Department of Government and faculty fellow with IOPGA and the Reppy Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies.

"Armed with a PhD in history, 34 years of service in the U.S. Army, and most recently, White House experience in his capacity as the National Security Advisor, retired Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster lends an unparalleled perspective about the successes and failures in recent wars, how to navigate the current geostrategic landscape, and what to expect with the future of warfare," said Kreps.

McMaster is the author of the bestselling classic Dereliction of Duty, on the Vietnam conflict. His new book, Battlegrounds, offers a groundbreaking reassessment of America’s place in the world. In it, he calls for Americans and citizens of the free world to transcend the vitriol of partisan political discourse, better educate themselves about the most significant challenges to national and international security, and work together to secure peace and prosperity for future generations.

“The Institute of Politics and Global Affairs is dedicated to elevating public discourse and stimulating civic engagement. Our mission is to provide Cornell students with access to key decision-makers on both sides of the aisle. We’ve featured everyone from Reince Priebus, President Donald Trump’s former chief of staff, to Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi,” Israel said. “General McMaster will give our students an unparalleled view of global affairs that have become more volatile and complex than ever.”

Jessica Ames is program coordinator for Global Cornell; she supports both the Reppy Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies and the Institute of Politics and Global Affairs.