Title: GU Politics Kicks Off GOP Foreign Policy Series With Former VP Mike Pence

In Gaston Hall, Pence spoke with AP national politics reporter Meg Kinnard (SFS’02) on his views on U.S. foreign policy issues, from China to the war in Ukraine and more.

Pence’s appearance is the first installment of a series featuring Republican presidential candidates discussing national security and foreign policy issues at Georgetown.

“We live in an increasingly interconnected world, and the candidates running for president have very differing visions of what America’s role should look like in the world,” said Mo Elleithee (SFS’94), executive director of GU Politics, in his introductory remarks. “This series, true to the mission of the Institute, is to pull back the curtain and do a deep dive with the candidates one-on-one to sort of explore what that vision looks like.”

In addition to the deep dive discussion, Georgetown students also asked the Republican candidate questions alongside students who participated virtually from universities in early primary states, including Clemson University, Iowa State University and the University of New Hampshire.

Pence fielded questions on his views on a TikTok ban, religious freedom around the world and how to deal with Iran. He also responded in real-time to the ousting of Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-California) as speaker of the House of Representatives.

“Let me say that chaos is never America’s friend,” Pence said. “I’m deeply disappointed that a handful of Republicans would partner with all the Democrats in the House of Representatives to oust the speaker of the House.”

Namir Pasha (SFS’27), an international student from Azerbaijan, attended the event and asked the former vice president how he would encourage peace in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region as president. 

“For me, it all begins with engagement and strength, doing it in a way that puts American interests and American values at the forefront,” Pence responded. “I honestly believe what I said earlier. If America is not leading the free world, the free world is not being led.”

Pasha said he came to see Pence speak to learn more about U.S. politics and wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to engage with the former vice president.

“I really appreciate the opportunity to ask a question about a country important to me and where I’m from in the world in relation to the U.S.,” Pasha said.

Pasha also said how he appreciated Georgetown’s ability to welcome people from all sides of the political spectrum.

“The fact that we’re allowed to ask and challenge his worldview but also gain from his worldview, I think it represents what Georgetown is all about,” Pasha said. “It’s about people who support a cause and people who are against a cause but appreciating both views.”