Elections, Executive Power, and America's Role in a Changing World - A Conversation with Former U.S. Representative Charlie Dent (PA-15)
As global politics enter a period of heightened uncertainty, the rules-based international order is under increasing strain. The 2026 Matsui Lecture will be a timely and thoughtful conversation between Former U.S. Representative Charlie Dent and Professor of Political Science, Eric Schickler, on the evolving role of the U.S. Congress amid shifting geopolitical power, global trade tensions, and expanding spheres of influence—while also confronting the current administration's aggressive use of presidential power and widespread concerns about executive overreach. With the upcoming midterm elections looming, the discussion will explore the ramifications of this era of political volatility on congressional oversight and voting patterns to assess what these dynamics mean for American democracy and U.S. leadership at home and abroad.