Power and Politics in Washington: Impacts Beyond U.S. Borders

For more than a decade, Robert Costa has been one of the country’s most respected and deeply sourced political reporters, covering the shifting dynamics inside the White House, on Capitol Hill, and across the national security community. As chief Washington correspondent for CBS News – and previously at The Washington Post, NBC News, and Washington Week – Costa has had a front-row seat to the forces reshaping American politics. In this conversation, Costa will explore the trends, emerging power centers, and political undercurrents defining Washington today. Drawing on the deep reporting behind Peril – his bestselling collaboration with Bob Woodward – and his current work at CBS News, he’ll examine how national security challenges, institutional pressures, and evolving leadership dynamics in Washington are influencing U.S. policy and shaping America’s role in the world. Known for his nonpartisan, deeply sourced approach, Costa brings clarity, context, and rare behind-the-scenes insight to a political landscape still in motion. His analysis offers audiences a grounded, panoramic view of where Washington may be headed – and why it matters. ABOUT THE SPEAKER Robert Costa is a national correspondent for “CBS News Sunday Morning” and chief Washington analyst for CBS News. Costa’s work at “Sunday Morning” includes coverage of national politics, in-depth interviews with newsmakers, and features on culture, literature and the arts. As chief Washington analyst for CBS News, Costa offers reporting and analysis to the “CBS Evening News,” “Face the Nation,” “CBS Mornings” and CBS News 24/7 programs. Costa was named a national correspondent for “Sunday Morning” in February 2025 following three years of contributions to the broadcast, including an exclusive sit-down in the White House residence with President Joe Biden in August 2024. It was Biden’s first interview after he announced his decision to not seek reelection. Costa and colleagues at “Sunday Morning” won an Emmy Award in 2023 for Outstanding Recorded News Program. ABOUT THE MODERATOR The Honorable Mike Rawlings was the longest serving Mayor of Dallas (2011-2019) in over 50 years. Rawlings is a founding partner of CIC Partners, its current vice-chairman, and has been with the firm since its inception in 2004. He is a graduate of Boston College. Mike Rawlings is a recipient of the H. Neil Mallon Award, presented by the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth in 2019, where the Mike Rawlings Endowed Lecture series was first announced. . . Do you believe in the importance of international education and connections? The nonprofit World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth is supported by gifts from people like you, who share our passion for engaging in dialogue on global affairs and building bridges of understanding. While the Council is not currently charging admission for virtual events, we ask you to please consider making a one-time or recurring gift to help us keep the conversation going through informative public programs and targeted events for students and teachers. Donate: https://www.dfwworld.org/donate