2026 International Peace Symposium

Gettysburg, PA — The World Affairs Council of Harrisburg will present the 2026 International Peace Symposium at Gettysburg College on Saturday, September 19, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. in the CUB Ballroom, with the Eisenhower Institute serving as a co-sponsor. The program, titled 2026 International Peace Symposium: Peace or Forever Wars? Reclaiming America’s Soft Power & Diplomacy, will examine America’s approach to diplomacy and soft power and its role in the world.

The symposium will consider America’s international standing since September 11, 2001, including relationships with and strains between the United States and its allies. Discussion will also address tariffs and international conflict, along with broader questions about how the United States has used diplomatic influence and soft power and how those tools might affect its global role.

The program will consider whether renewed reliance on diplomacy and soft power could strengthen American leadership and influence, presenting these issues as subjects for discussion rather than settled conclusions. The symposium concludes Eisenhower Institute Democracy Week and connects international affairs to the theme America at 250: Our Democracy, Our World, which examines American democracy at home and abroad.

The Eisenhower Institute at Gettysburg College connects aspiring young leaders with public policy experts to discover their passion and tackle society’s most challenging issues. We are nonpartisan, inspired by President Eisenhower’s approach of engaging diverse people and ideas to find common ground and take action.