Jeff Flake - THURSDAY, 12/18

In an era of rapid political change, shifting global alliances, and deepening partisan divides, the Helen Edison Lecture Series is honored to welcome Ambassador Jeff Flake—former U.S. Senator from Arizona, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, and author of "Conscience of a Conservative: A Rejection of Destructive Politics and a Return to Principle"—for a conversation exploring the challenges and opportunities of democratic governance in today’s volatile political climate. Flake's career has spanned pivotal moments in recent American history: navigating congressional gridlock, representing U.S. interests abroad amid global uncertainty, and advocating for principled leadership in the public square. His tenure offers a unique vantage point on the pressures within Washington and the larger questions of constitutional balance, institutional resilience, and civic trust. Moderated by Marco Werman, host and executive editor of "The World" and UC San Diego Journalist in Residence, this conversation invites reflection on how conviction, dialogue, and courage can restore civic trust and strengthen democracy.