2026-27 MCRC Virtual Series: Global Issues, Civil Discourse, and School Communities

Monday, November 9, 2026| 10:00 - 11:30 AM

Current Events in the Middle East: 

U.S. Politics, Iran, and the Road to 2028

As the United States navigates another pivotal election cycle, understanding the relationship between domestic politics and international affairs has never been more important.

• How might the results of the midterm elections influence U.S. engagement in the Middle East?
• What foreign policy priorities are emerging as the 2028 presidential campaign takes shape
• How could the ongoing tensions with Iran affect regional stability and America's role on the global stage

This interactive virtual session will examine these timely issues through a balanced, evidence-based lens. Participants will explore:

• How political transitions, diplomatic priorities, and geopolitical developments shape U.S. policy in the Middle East
• The historical context behind today’s headlines
• Strategies for engaging with complex and often controversial topics in thoughtful, respectful, and evidence-based ways
• Practical approaches for fostering informed conversations in classrooms and across school communities

Attendees will leave with greater context for understanding current events and increased confidence in supporting civil discourse and intellectual curiosity within their schools.

Friday, February 26, 2027 | 10:00 - 11:30 AM

Complex Issues, Constructive Conversations

Educators and school leaders are often called upon to navigate conversations about global events, political issues, competing perspectives, and deeply held beliefs. These conversations can be challenging, but they can also create meaningful opportunities for learning, connection, and growth.

Led by Peter Krause, this interactive session will explore:

• Practical strategies for facilitating meaningful conversations on complex and often polarizing topics
• Frameworks for encouraging thoughtful inquiry, active listening, and civil discourse
• Approaches for helping students engage with differing perspectives in intellectually rigorous and respectful ways
• Research-informed practices for creating inclusive learning environments where difficult conversations become opportunities for growth, critical thinking, and deeper understanding

Participants will leave with tools they can use in classrooms, faculty conversations, and broader school settings to build confidence, strengthen dialogue, and create space for informed conversation across differences.

Friday, April 16, 2027 | 10:00 - 11:30 AM

The Past, Present, and Future for

Israelis and Palestinians

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains one of the world’s most enduring and complex geopolitical challenges. Understanding its history, present-day realities, and possible paths forward requires thoughtful engagement with multiple perspectives and the human experiences that continue to shape the region.

This interactive virtual session will provide a balanced, evidence-based overview of the conflict. Participants will explore:

• The historical roots of the conflict and key developments that have shaped the current landscape

• The political, social, and humanitarian issues affecting Israelis and Palestinians

• The diverse narratives, aspirations, and challenges that characterize the region

• The broader implications for diplomacy, security, and peace building

• Approaches for discussing this sensitive topic thoughtfully and respectfully in educational settings

Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the historical and contemporary context, along with practical strategies for fostering informed conversations, critical thinking, and a nuanced appreciation of this significant international issue.

Peter Krause is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Boston College and a Research Affiliate at MIT. He has published books and articles on Israeli- Palestinian politics, U.S. foreign policy, and difficult conversations. His current book project, "How to Have Constructive Conversations about Sensitive Topics," tackles this issue.

For over two decades, he has researched and taught about the politics and history of the U.S., Israelis, Palestinians, and the broader Middle East, including 2 years as a high school teacher and 15 years as a college professor. He lived in the Middle East for 3 years while conducting interviews and engaging in conversations with Palestinians, Israelis, and others in the region. Since 2021, he has designed and led facilitations with hundreds of Israeli and Palestinian young adults through peace-building programs. He has a Ph.D. in political science from MIT and a B.A. in political science and history from Williams College.

He is in the discovery and education business. Discovery is the search for the right answer. Education is helping others find it—or, even better, learn how to find it themselves. He focuses on this point in the process: helping people learn, develop a better understanding of each other, and identify the best paths through the challenging situations they find themselves in. Though it does not have a predetermined destination, constructive conversation points them in the right direction.

He prides himself on being a dynamic, knowledgeable, balanced, and engaging speaker and facilitator.

He believes in the importance of deeply engaging with all perspectives in his research and presentations. He warmly engages not only with the most knowledgeable and motivated people in the group, but also the attendees who may be hesitant to ask a question or share their thoughts.

www.peterjpkrause.com