The tumultuous period of the past four years has posed a growing challenge to the liberal underpinnings of the international system. With a global pandemic, rising authoritarianism throughout both the developed and developing world, the increasing effects of climate change, and a shifting balance of power in Asia, the stability of the post-Cold War period appears to be waning. Within such a chaotic environment, competent, proactive and multilateral US leadership under the new Biden administration is more vital than ever to promote peace, stability and sustainability across the planet.

Curtin University's Discipline of History, International Relations, Sociology and Anthropology (HIRSA) with support from the School of Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry (MCASI) is honoured to invite you to an evening with the US Consular General, Dr David J. Gainer, to discuss American foreign policy priorities, challenges, and opportunities under the new Biden administration. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience at the US State Department, David will provide insight into the many issues facing the US and its partners today, as well as discuss some of his own experiences working in the foreign service in 2021.

Speaker profile

David J. Gainer is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service. He arrived in Perth in August 2019 after serving as Mission Spokesperson and Acting Public Affairs Officer in Ankara, Turkey. In Washington, David worked as Deputy and Acting Director of the Office of Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Island Affairs in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs (2014-16). Overseas, David has served as Public Affairs Officer in Chennai, India (2012-14); Cultural Affairs Officer in Prague, the Czech Republic (2008-12); Vice Consul in Melbourne, Australia (2005-7); and Acting Public Affairs Officer in Phnom Penh, Cambodia (2003-5).

Prior to joining the Foreign Service, David taught budget and appropriation law classes for the U.S. Department of Treasury. He earned Masters degrees in American history, African history, and Liberal Studies from the University of Maryland, University of Cape Town, and Georgetown University, respectively, and holds a BA in history from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. He taught secondary school as a Peace Corps volunteer in Malawi. David has also worked as a disc jockey, hosting weekly music shows on a variety of radio stations, and he speaks Turkish, Czech, Khmer, Chichewa and Xhosa. David is married to Jessica, an art historian, and they have two daughters.

It is a condition of entry to this venue that you scan the QR code via the WA Safe app or fill in your details on the Mandatory Contact Register forms at the door.

Please note: due to event security, attendees must bring either a digital or printed copy of their ticket receipt before entry will be permitted.

It is a condition of entry to this venue that you scan the QR code via the WA Safe app or fill in your details on the Mandatory Contact Register forms at the door.

Please DO NOT attend the event if you :

• Are displaying symptoms of COVID-19 including fever and respiratory symptoms such as a cough or sore throat
• Have returned from overseas travel in the last 14 days
• Have been in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case or
• Have, to the best of your knowledge, been in close contact with a person infected with COVID-19.