The Geopolitical Forum

Mina Patel's presentation "Beyond GDP: Why Growth Doesn't Mean Development" highlights the fundamental flaw in using Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as the sole measure of a country's well-being. It argues that while conventional economics equates growth with development, GDP fails to account for crucial factors like income inequality, environmental degradation, and overall social well-being. This narrow focus can mask severe underlying problems, necessitating a shift towards alternative metrics like the Human Development Index (HDI) and Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI) to truly assess national progress.

Building on this critique, she offers an alternative: a regenerative economy. She outlines actionable strategies across various levels—including policy and governance levers, business model transformation, community-led initiatives, finance and investment alignment, and individual consumer actions—all measured by progress indicators that prioritize ecological health and social equity over mere financial growth.

SPEAKER
Mina Patel
Mina Patel brings a distinctive global perspective to her work, shaped by a Bachelor's in Political Science and a Master's in International Economics and Business. With over 25 years of experience spanning the public, private, and non-profit sectors, she possesses a profound understanding of income disparities and social and economic injustice.

Her extensive lived experience, gained from working, studying, and traveling in over 60 countries, fuels her innate curiosity and drive to connect with diverse people and ideas. Mina’s multi-pronged background has allowed her to approach complex issues with a holistic view and seek solutions beyond conventional thinking.

British Ambassador Peter Mandelson explores how the US and UK can strengthen their bilateral relationship in an era of heightened global competition and technological change.

As global competition intensifies, the United States and United Kingdom have a unique opportunity to reimagine their historic partnership. Both nations must navigate rapid advances in AI and questions about regulation alongside evolving trade relationships while preserving their competitive edge. How can the US and UK maintain a special relationship in an era of heightened economic nationalism? How can they collaborate on breakthrough technologies, and what could such a partnership accomplish? Join British Ambassador Peter Mandelson as he discusses how both countries can work together to meet the demands of a transforming world.

This event is hosted by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. We from the Geopolitical Forum can continue the conversation and hang out past 6:30, the scheduled end time of the event, perhaps over a drink or dinner.

Please register for free at: https://www.cvent.com/d/0sqrwh/4W?_gl=1*1uzj595*_ga*MTYyMjgyMjE4NC4xNzI5ODI4MDQ2*_ga_2YZ9YVDY8F*czE3NTMzMzQ5MTgkbzkwJGcxJHQxNzUzMzM1NDMzJGo2MCRsMCRoMA..*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3NDg1MTAxNzQuQ2p3S0NBand1SWJCQmhCdkVpd0FzTnlwdlRUdXpMM3VXVkR2SmkzeGQ2Y01IRUw1XzdLamc4a0Zuank5WHVNN3JCVWItQ3pnblVaeVRSb0NCRjRRQXZEX0J3RQ..*_ga_R51EMY3K4S*czE3NTMzMzQ5MTgkbzkxJGcxJHQxNzUzMzM1NDMzJGo2MCRsMCRoMA. Act sooner rather than later, while there are still seats left.

Please also RSVP here to help us find one another at the event.

Lt. Col. (ret.) Alexander Vindman and John Gans examine America's evolving Eastern Europe strategy and what Ukraine reveals about the future of US foreign policy.
Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has challenged long-held assumptions about the post-Cold War international order. How have the United States’ and its allies' foreign policy approach to Ukraine and Russia evolved since the Soviet Union's collapse, and what are the consequences of these strategies today? What does this teach us about US foreign policy more broadly, and how should these lessons inform America's response to the war in Ukraine? Join Alexander Vindman as he discusses America's shifting strategy in Eastern Europe, its implications for the ongoing conflict, and what this reveals about the future of US foreign policy.
Copies of Alexander Vindman’s book, The Folly of Realism: How the West Deceived Itself About Russia and Betrayed Ukraine, will be available for sale and signing at the program.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Alexander Vindman
Alexander Vindman is a retired US Army lieutenant colonel and former director for Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Russia at the National Security Council. Previously, he was the political-military affairs officer for Russia for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and served as an attaché at the US Embassy in Moscow. He co-authored the National Military Strategy Russia Annex and authored the Global Campaign for Russia. He is a senior fellow at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, Pritzker Military Fellow at the Lawfare Institute, executive board member for the Renew Democracy Initiative, senior advisor for VoteVets, and the author of the bestselling memoir, Here, Right Matters.

John Gans
John Gans oversees communications at The Rockefeller Foundation, leading the digital, media, and internal communications teams and helping promote ideas and initiatives essential to humanity’s well-being. Following the September 11th attacks, he served as a press liaison at Ground Zero. In the nearly 25 years since, Gans has led communications initiatives at the Pentagon, the US Treasury Department, in the private sector, for the US Navy, and beyond. He is the author of White House Warriors: How the National Security Council Transformed the American Way of War and holds a PhD and MA from Johns Hopkins University and an undergraduate degree from Northwestern University.

This event is hosted by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. We from the Geopolitical Forum can continue the conversation and hang out past 6:30, the scheduled end time of the event, perhaps over a drink or dinner.

Please register for free at: https://www.cvent.com/d/zsqrs5/4W?_gl=1*1qwtsii*_ga*MTYyMjgyMjE4NC4xNzI5ODI4MDQ2*_ga_2YZ9YVDY8F*czE3NTI5NDEwODYkbzg2JGcxJHQxNzUyOTQxOTM3JGo2MCRsMCRoMA..*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3NDg1MTAxNzQuQ2p3S0NBand1SWJCQmhCdkVpd0FzTnlwdlRUdXpMM3VXVkR2SmkzeGQ2Y01IRUw1XzdLamc4a0Zuank5WHVNN3JCVWItQ3pnblVaeVRSb0NCRjRRQXZEX0J3RQ..*_ga_R51EMY3K4S*czE3NTI5NDEwODYkbzg2JGcxJHQxNzUyOTQxOTM3JGo2MCRsMCRoMA.. Act sooner rather than later, while there are still seats left.

Please also RSVP here to help us find one another at the event.