February 10, 2026 — Marist University welcomed Dr. Fiona Hill to campus last week for a thoughtful conversation on global affairs with students, faculty, staff, and community members. A senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and chancellor of Durham University in the United Kingdom, Dr. Hill is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading experts on Russia, Europe, and U.S. foreign policy.

The event, moderated by Marist President Kevin Weinman and associate professor of political science Dr. Juris Pupcenoks, explored today’s complex geopolitical landscape while giving audience members the chance to ask questions.

Drawing on her service on the National Security Council and themes from her bestselling memoir, There Is Nothing for You Here, Dr. Hill reflected on the intersection of power, policy, and democratic responsibility in a rapidly changing world. She also offered commentary on the war in Ukraine and recent military action in Venezuela.

Hill Praises Marist’s Commitment to Global Learning

Dr. Hill also underscored the value of global learning experiences, noting:

“Kudos to Marist, frankly, to have these opportunities to go and study and to visit abroad and to learn about other cultures, because we have to really understand the context in which other people are operating,” she said. “If you have a chance to study another language, even if you're not going to be able to kind of use it for professional purposes, it opens up your mind because people think differently in other languages.”

 

Dr. Fiona Hill in the Nelly Goletti Theatre. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

Throughout the evening, Dr. Hill addressed the shifting dynamics shaping global relations, from evolving alliances to the role of history and the need for informed leadership.

She also emphasized why students should remain curious and engaged with global issues.

“Start with where you are and what you know from your own surroundings. And then just be extremely curious about asking a lot of questions about the world. And if you get the opportunity to study abroad and to get internships abroad, you definitely should take it.”

Before the event, Dr. Hill met with students and toured the campus, including a visit to the Marist Institute for Public Opinion, home of the Marist Poll.

Dr. Fiona Hill meeting with students in the Murray Student Center. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

Lecture Series Continues

The event, free and open to the public, was part of Marist University’s campus lecture series, which brings nationally and internationally recognized voices in media, global affairs, and the arts to campus throughout the semester. Award-winning actor and comedian Aasif Mandvi appeared at Marist earlier this semester.

The evolving series is made possible through collaboration and support from across campus, including Student Affairs; the Office of Special Events; The Media Center and Information Technology; Campus Safety; First‑Year Seminars; the Honors College; the Deans’ Circle; the Student Government Association; and the Offices of the President and Provost.