Gates Forums
Gates Forums are GGPC’s flagship convenings. Led by Secretary Gates, they bring together leaders and experts to analyze national security challenges and weigh the merits of possible solutions. We focus on issues where improved data and objective analysis can contribute to mapping out statecraft recommendations that can attract widespread support from leaders and lawmakers.
Gates Forum conferees are selected for their extensive knowledge of the national security issue. They include both Republican and Democratic members of Congress and leaders from across the government, the private sector, foundations, civil society, academia, and nonpartisan organizations. Forums also include scholars and practitioners who present research and first-hand experience to conferees.
We begin with a common starting point: a research volume that we commission from experts from around the world. We share it with forum participants in advance of meeting.
Conferees then gather for two days in Williamsburg, Virginia, to discuss and debate how the U.S. can address a pressing national security challenge. Together, participants produce an action plan with a menu of practical policy recommendations that can appeal to political leaders on both sides of the aisle.
The policy recommendations, detailed in a final report, are distributed widely and reinforced with advocacy efforts to spur action. Forum reports are intended as roadmaps for significant improvement in vital nonmilitary instruments of power.