James C. O'Brien

James C. O’Brien will ask what kind of possibilities for international cooperation will emerge after the current period of instability. It is clear that there will be no restoration of the old “normal” (which never was normal). Still, converging interests—especially in areas of defense, key economic sectors such as AI, energy, and life sciences—could allow for cooperation among the traditional partners in what was the liberal order, if decisions made now create the right conditions.

O'Brien served as Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs until January 2025. Since starting work at the State Department 10 days before the Berlin Wall fell, he has spent approximately half his career in the US government, serving at various times as adviser to the secretary of state, principal deputy of policy planning, ambassador for sanctions policy, and special presidential envoy for the Western Balkans and for hostage affairs. He helped found two private-sector firms that have advised or invested in more than 100 countries. During his fellowship at the IWM he will be exploring the options for transatlantic relations over the next decade.