At a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, trade policy has become a central tool of national strategy. How the United States navigates this moment will shape its global standing for decades to come.
At this event, part of the Shell Distinguished Lecture Series, former president of the World Bank and U.S. trade representative, Robert B. Zoellick, joined the director of the Center for Tax and Budget Policy, John Diamond, for a conversation on the future of global trade and U.S. economic strategy. Drawing on decades of experience at the highest levels of international economic policy, Zoellick offered insights into the shifting landscape of global commerce, the evolving role of U.S. trade leadership, and the challenges posed by rising protectionism, strategic competition, and institutional change. The conversation examined the intersection of trade, diplomacy, and national security in an era of geopolitical uncertainty. The program included a student reception, an armchair discussion, and a curated Q&A.
This event was free and open to the public.
Follow @BakerInstitute on X to join the conversation online with #BakerLive.
Shell Distinguished Lecture Series
The Shell Distinguished Lecture Series is the Baker Institute's flagship speakers program, reflecting the vision of our honorary chair, former U.S. Secretary of State James A. Baker, III, and Shell's commitment to defining the role of statesmanship, integrity and bold leadership in meeting the challenges of the 21st century.
Registration
Registration has closed.
Baker Institute events are powered by the generous contributions of our supporters. Learn how you can make a donation or become a member of the Baker Roundtable.
Agenda
4:30 pm CDT — Reception
5:00 pm CDT — Armchair Discussion
5:30 pm CDT — Q&A Session
Participants
Moderator
John Diamond, Ph.D.
Edward A. and Hermena Hancock Kelly Fellow in Public Finance; Director, Center for Tax and Budget Policy, Baker Institute; Adjunct Professor of Economics, Rice University; CEO, Tax Policy Advisers, LLC
Featured Speaker
Robert B. Zoellick is chairman for the Americas at Temasek, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, after serving on its board for 10 years. He is also a senior fellow and former adjunct professor at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. Zoellick serves on the board of Robinhood Markets, chairs the International Advisory Council of Standard Chartered Bank, and is a member of the Strategic Council of Swiss Re. He is also on the boards of the Peterson Institute for International Economics, the Wildlife Conservation Society and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and chairs the Global Tiger Initiative.
From 2007 to 2012, Zoellick served as the president of the World Bank Group. He was the U.S. trade representative from 2001 to 2005, deputy secretary of state from 2005 to 2006, and earlier served as counselor to the secretary of the Treasury, under secretary of state, and White House deputy chief of staff from 1985 to 1993. His 2020 book, “America in the World: A History of US Diplomacy and Foreign Policy,” has been translated into Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and Georgian.