April 10th, 2019
On April 10th, 2019, Foreign Policy for America hosted a discussion with Representative Elissa Slotkin and the Center for American Progress’ Kelly Magsamen on the importance of American alliances and how to defend them in a contested world.
Elissa Slotkin is a Democratic Congresswoman representing Michigan’s 8th district. A former CIA analyst, Congresswoman Slotkin served three tours in Iraq and served on the White House National Security Council under both President Bush and President Obama. At the Pentagon, Congresswoman Slotkin served as acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, serving as the principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense on Russia, Europe, NATO, the Middle East, and Africa. Since winning her congressional race in 2018, Congresswoman Slotkin has been appointed to the House Committees on Armed Services and Homeland Security.
Kelly Magsamen is the Vice President of National Security and International Policy at the Center for American Progress. She began her career with the State Department in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs. She has since served in a series of positions with the National Security Council and Department of Defense, including principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs, which allowed her to shape and guide American strategy and policy on Iran, Central Asia, and South Asia.
