Borah Symposium
Explore the Borah Symposium
The Borah Symposium is one of University of Idaho’s longest-standing traditions, fostering dialogue and education on global peace and justice. Sponsored by the Borah Foundation, the symposium brings together thought leaders, activists and scholars to explore solutions to the root causes of war and conflict.
Through keynote lectures, panel discussions, student roundtables and community events, the Borah Symposium continues its legacy of inspiring action and cultivating global awareness. Topics range from nuclear disarmament and humanitarian aid to media literacy and environmental conflict.
Whether you're a student, educator, policymaker or concerned citizen, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with the most pressing issues of our time and consider bold strategies for a more peaceful future.
A commitment to peace
Named in honor of Senator William E. Borah, the Borah Foundation supports educational initiatives that promote peace and justice worldwide. A leading voice for diplomacy and international cooperation during his time in the U.S. Senate, Borah believed that education and open dialogue were essential to preventing war.
The annual symposium carries this mission forward by creating a platform for dialogue, critical thinking and action-oriented solutions that reflect Senator Borah’s enduring legacy.
Join us for the next Borah Symposium
Held each fall, the Borah Symposium brings together diverse perspectives on conflict resolution, peacebuilding and global cooperation. Events are free and open to the public.
2025: Great Power Competition
The 2025 Borah Symposium will take place from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 and address the theme of "Great Power Competition". It will explore how interactions among the world's most influential states shape both the landscape of international conflict and the pursuit of peace. Inspired by the legacy of Senator William Edgar Borah, a devoted advocate for diplomacy and peace, the symposium seeks to examine the complex forces driving competition among great powers a,nd the likely outcomes. Through keynote speeches, plenaries and panel discussions, the symposium will address the geopolitical, technological and economic dimensions of great power rivalry and consider pathways to prevent escalation and foster cooperation. As we confront an era defined by rising uncertainties and sociopolitical divisions, the symposium aims to shed light on strategies for peace and stability amid intensified great power competition.
This year’s keynote speaker will be K.T. McFarland, who is an American foreign policy analyst and former government official who served as deputy national security advisor under President Donald Trump in 2017.
Schedule of events:
7 p.m. Monday, September 29
- Location: International Ballroom, Pitman Center
- Panel discussion: The Impacts of Trade Wars on Agricultural Commodities
- Moderated by Anna King, Correspondent for the Northwest News Network
12:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 30
- Location: Vandal Ballroom, Pitman Center
- Daytime talk: Topic TBD
- Co-sponsored by the Malcolm Renfrew Interdisciplinary Colloquium
7 p.m. Tuesday, September 30
- Location: International Ballroom, Pitman Center
- Plenary Address
- Presented by Esther D. Brimmer, James H. Binger Senior Fellow in Global Governance at Council on Foreign Relations and former Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs
12:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 1
- Location: Vandal Ballroom, Pitman Center
- Daytime talk: Topic TBD
7 p.m. Wednesday, October 1
- Location: International Ballroom, Pitman Center
- Keynote Address
- Presented by K.T. McFarland, Deputy National Security Advisor under President Donald Trump in 2017.
Discover the symposium archives
Explore the Borah Symposium’s history through University of Idaho Library’s Special Collections. Dive into decades of keynote addresses, video recordings and archival materials documenting the symposium’s powerful legacy.
A living tribute to peace
In keeping with a tradition begun by Eleanor Roosevelt during the first Borah Program in 1938, the Borah Foundation has established the Borah International Peace Grove as a permanent part of the University of Idaho Arboretum.
The Peace Grove serves as a lasting symbol of the university's commitment to peace, dialogue and global citizenship. Situated within the arboretum, this serene space offers students, faculty, staff and community members a place to reflect, connect and be inspired by the values the Borah Foundation upholds.
Planning peace through collaboration
The Borah Committee is a faculty, staff and student group responsible for planning and organizing the annual Borah Symposium. Each year, the committee selects a timely and compelling theme, identifies keynote speakers and panelists, and collaborates with campus and community partners to bring the symposium to life.
The committee receives office, meeting space and administrative support from the Martin Institute. Over the years, the Borah Foundation and committee have also sponsored mini courses, developed a peace and conflict special collection in the U of I Library and organized essay contests on peace and conflict resolution for both high school and university students.
Support the Borah Symposium
Join us in exploring the ideas and actions that can help build a more peaceful and just world. Your support helps us continue this vital tradition of education, dialogue and global impact.