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Groupthink

Groupthink

Conformity, Discourse, & Expression in Administering US Foreign Policy

Hosted by The Chicago Forum Student Board
Date
Friday, May 22, 2026
Location
Chicago Forum
5737 S. University Ave, Chicago, IL 60637

What happens when presidents surround themselves with people who all think the same—especially in moments that could shape war and peace? Join us for a conversation with Austin Carson, Associate Professor of Political Science, that will examine the role of groupthink in U.S. presidential decision-making, with a particular focus on the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran under the administration of Donald Trump. As the risk of escalation grows, so too does uncertainty surrounding how decisions are made at the highest levels of government. This conversation will explore how groupthink, presidential unilateralism, and institutional pressures shape national security choices in real time, offering insight into how and why key foreign policy decisions unfold today.