The Southwest Public Policy Institute (SPPI) was proud to once again partner with Global Ties Albuquerque in hosting a delegation of European leaders visiting Albuquerque as part of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). This delegation’s program explored the theme of “U.S. Foreign Policy – Global Challenges Facing NATO,” bringing together public officials, academics, think tank leaders, and journalists from across Europe.
SPPI President Patrick M. Brenner led an informal discussion on the role of regional think tanks in shaping national policy, particularly in areas like economic development, education, and government accountability. The presentation also introduced the concept of the Overton Window, a framework for understanding how ideas move from the political margins to the mainstream, and included an interactive exercise where participants collaboratively mapped policy shifts in real time.
“Think tanks like ours may be rooted in local communities,” Brenner said, “but our ideas travel. And as we see today, the health of democracy—here or abroad—depends on open dialogue, intellectual diversity, and the courage to challenge the status quo.”
SPPI is honored to continue its collaboration with Global Ties and the U.S. State Department to foster transatlantic cooperation, promote mutual understanding, and provide an authentic window into the diverse voices shaping American public policy.
