Original Coverage & Source Attribution: www.bu.edu
Can U.S. defense policy afford to pivot toward the Western Hemisphere? What would the consequences be for alliances and global politics? Those questions were at the center of a spirited debate hosted on October 8 by the Delta Phi Epsilon international relations fraternity, which brought students together with Pardee Distinguished Fellow (Ret.) Vice Admiral Shoshana Chatfield (’88) and Mark Storella, Pardee Professor of the Practice of Diplomacy.
The debate featured Sahijveer Roopra (BA ’30), an International Relations freshman and first-place winner of the 2026 Sikh Youth Symposium; Alex Miller (BA ’28), an International Relations and Data Science major; Abby McNeil (BA ’28), a Communication major; and Emmett Whitaker (BA ’28), a junior studying International Relations and Film. William Grimes, Professor of International Relations and Political Science, moderated the discussion in a format modeled on a Congressional hearing. Participants were assigned to each sides of the argument at random.
Arguing in favor of a greater U.S. focus on the Western Hemisphere, Miller, Roopra, and Storella contended that effective burden-sharing requires allies, particularly in Europe, to assume more responsibility for their own defense. They also emphasized the challenges that drug trafficking and uncontrolled migration flows pose to the welfare and security of Americans, arguing that these issues warrant increased attention closer to home.
Taking the opposing view, McNeil, Whitaker, and Chatfield argued that U.S. interests remain fundamentally global. They cautioned that prioritizing South America, which is estimated to contribute just 7% to global GDP growth by 2050, at the expense of broader engagement could create opportunities for China and other competitors to expand their influence. The team advocated for maintaining a robust forward military presence to help secure supply chains and ensure access to critical minerals, many of which are concentrated in the Global South. They also highlighted the reputational and humanitarian risks of American retrenchment, noting that reductions in areas such as development assistance could have significant consequences for vulnerable populations around the world.
Throughout the discussion, Professor Grimes encouraged participants to consider the larger international system, including the role of international organizations and the interconnected nature of global challenges. While the debate addressed serious policy questions, participants balanced rigorous argumentation with humor and collegiality, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere for attendees.
The event also provided Delta Phi Epsilon members and pledges with a unique opportunity to work alongside former senior government officials, sharpen their analytical skills, and test competing policy arguments on issues of pressing international concern. Audience members responded enthusiastically to the exchange, which showcased both the depth of student engagement and the value of experiential learning at Pardee.
Delta Phi Epsilon is a Foreign Affairs and International Business Professional Fraternity dedicated to cultivating the next generation of global leaders. The organization’s Boston University Gamma Chapter includes more than 60 members and an extensive alumni network working across industries and around the world. Open to students of all majors, Delta Phi Epsilon welcomes those with interests ranging from diplomacy and international business to journalism and global development, united by a commitment to community, professionalism, and public service. Learn more about Delta Phi Epsilon: dpebostonu.com
Students Debate U.S. Foreign Policy Pivots with Pardee Distinguished Fellow and Professors
Posted
7 hours ago
in Events News, Faculty News, Pardee School, Student News
Tagged: debate, Delta Phi Epsilon, Distinguished Fellow Vice Admiral Shoshana Chatfield, international relations, Mark Storella, politics, U.S. defense policy, William Grimes
View all posts
