South Africa as a Gateway to U.S. Foreign Policy

Arctic Diplomacy - Developments & Divides

The Arctic is a critical crossroads for a number of geopolitical priorities today, including international security, climate change, and economic competition. Together with the recent changes to the U.S. position on Greenland in the Kingdom of Denmark, the Arctic is and will remain an important topic in international affairs in 2026 and beyond.   Global Minnesota hosted a webinar and discussion on February 25 with Jim DeHart, a former career member of the Senior Foreign Service and former U.S. Coordinator for the Arctic Region. He spoke with Global Minnesota Program Director Erin Hart about the challenges and opportunities of this pivotal region of the world.   https://globalminnesota.org/

South Africa as a Gateway to U.S. Foreign Policy

From trade and agriculture to immigration and global power, South Africa is an excellent point of entry to explore broader U.S. foreign policy issues. Anne Linnee, former U.S. Consul General in Durban, South Africa presented at a recent event about how bilateral relations between the U.S. and South Africa are illustrative of wider regional trends. Listen to the event recording in our latest podcast episode.   https://globalminnesota.org/ [https://globalminnesota.org/]

Kashmir: History, Sovereignty, & Security

Shaped by overlapping histories and evolving geopolitical dynamics, the Kashmir conflict remains one of the most longstanding territorial disputes in the world. From the legacy of the 1947 partition to ongoing tensions along the Line of Control, Kashmir is an enduring point of regional and international concern. Following flare-ups in April and May of 2025, the international community is called to consider the factors that perpetuate this significant divide. Dr. Arijit Mazumdar joined Global Minnesota from the Department of Political Science at the University of St. Thomas to discuss the history and ongoing expectations surrounding Kashmir. This event was provided for university students preparing for a diplomacy simulation.

Trade Missions with DEED Commissioner Varilek

Global Minnesota’s Corporate Engagement [https://globalminnesota.org/membership/organizational-membership/] program provides global access, information, and brand exposure for Minnesota companies of all sizes. We work to raise Minnesota’s global profile, helping companies expand economic partnerships, strengthen cross-border relationships, and prepare for the future of international commerce. At the state government level, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development [https://mn.gov/deed/] (DEED) works to empower the growth of the Minnesota economy. In November, this agency will be organizing an official trade mission for Minnesota to Germany and Switzerland. On this episode, hear from the Commissioner of DEED, Matt Varilek, who has served in this role since 2023, and current Global Minnesota Senior Corporate Advisor Steve Riedel. They shared insights into the upcoming trade mission and their experiences fostering the success of Minnesota’s exporters and promoting foreign direct investment in Minnesota.   Links Global Minnesota Corporate Engagement [https://globalminnesota.org/membership/organizational-membership/] Trade Mission to Germany and Switzerland [https://mn.gov/deed/business/exporting/about/mission.jsp]   This interview was recorded on September 24, 2025.

Hungary in Focus with Consul General Martonffy

Amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in Europe, Global Minnesota was honored to welcome Balázs Mártonffy, Consul General of Hungary in Chicago, for a public conversation at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. The event, moderated by Global Minnesota Program Director and former U.S. Foreign Service Officer Erin Hart, offered an in-depth exploration of Hungary’s evolving role in world affairs and its connections with Minnesota.