The Travelers Institute, the public policy division of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV), will host a webinar Wednesday, July 19, titled “Global Hot Spots and Geopolitical Risks,” featuring former U.S. Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper.

“Dr. Esper has unique insights into foreign policy, economic and national security issues – from overseeing conflict in Iran and an ongoing campaign in Afghanistan to mitigating supply chain disruptions and addressing a global pandemic,” said Joan Woodward, President of the Travelers Institute and Executive Vice President of Public Policy at Travelers. “We look forward to discussing what these unending tensions might mean for the insurance industry and all businesses.”

Esper served as the 27th Secretary of Defense from 2019 to 2020. During his tenure, he implemented a new National Defense Strategy focused on China and Russia; took measures to improve the nation’s cyber capabilities; proposed a future force structure for the U.S. Navy; and launched novel warfighting and readiness concepts, among other initiatives. Before becoming Defense Secretary, Esper served as the 23rd Secretary of the Army from November 2017 until June 2019.

Esper said, “I look forward to speaking with Joan and the broader community about the issues facing our country today, and how we might move the nation forward during challenging global times that are complicated by a very partisan political environment here at home.”

The session, which will be moderated by Woodward, will be held at 1 p.m. ET. The webinar is part of the company’s Wednesdays with Woodward^® series, which is free and open to the public. Those interested in attending can register here.

About the Travelers Institute

The Travelers Institute, the public policy division of The Travelers Companies, Inc., engages in discussion and analysis of public policy topics of importance to the insurance marketplace and to the financial services industry more broadly. The Travelers Institute draws upon the industry expertise of Travelers’ senior management as well as the technical expertise of many of Travelers’ underwriters, risk managers and other experts to provide information, analysis and solutions to public policymakers and regulators. Travelers is a leading provider of property casualty insurance for auto, home and business. For more information, visit Travelers.com.

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