Leaders from U.S. Think Tank CSPC and Dr. Scholl Foundation Visit Waseda to Engage GLFP Students in a Dialogue on Leadership
Oct. 29, 2025
On October 15, 2025, three distinguished guests from the United States participated in the "Global Leadership Fellows Forum," one of the special curriculum components of the GLFP program, and engaged in discussions with students.
The visitors included Mr. Glenn Nye, President of the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress (CSPC), a Washington D.C.–based think tank; Mr. Peter Sparding, Vice President of CSPC; and Mr. Dan Mahaffee, President of the Dr. Scholl Foundation, headquartered in Chicago. Waseda University has been sending students to CSPC's Presidential Fellowship Program since 2012. In addition, the Dr. Scholl Foundation has made a generous donation in support of the GLFP program starting this academic year. This visit was realized following their proposal to interact directly with students.
During the class, the session began with introductions from each guest, followed by a discussion on the qualities of leadership that are most needed in today's world. Mr. Mahaffee from the Dr. Scholl Foundation used the activities of his own foundation to illustrate the concept of civil leadership and the importance of leadership within civil society. Drawing on his background as a scholar of international politics, he also offered concrete examples of prominent American political and military leaders since the founding of the United States, highlighting the significance of process management in executing plans and the importance of consensus in policymaking.
Next, Mr. Nye, President of CSPC, shared his personal background, explaining that he grew up in a military community in Norfolk, Virginia —one of the world's largest naval ports— which naturally led him to develop a strong interest in the role of the United States in the international community. He then recounted his experiences as a diplomat in conflict zones such as the former Yugoslavia and Afghanistan, as well as his later service as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. From these experiences, he emphasized four essential elements of leadership: (1) vision, (2) communication, (3) focus, and (4) ethical thinking. Mr. Sparding, Vice President of CSPC, also shared his unique perspective as someone who grew up in Europe and later built his career in the United States, offering practical insights valuable for students considering their future career paths.
After the presentations, an active Q&A session and discussion followed. Students asked a wide range of questions, including the practical operation of think tanks, the guests' views on leadership, and the evolving importance of U.S.–Japan relations in the global arena. The three guests responded thoughtfully and thoroughly, creating an engaging and stimulating exchange with the participants.
Waseda University actively seeks to leverage such visits from distinguished international guests as valuable educational opportunities to enhance students' global learning experiences.