The Legacies of American Independence

Panel: The Legacies of American Independence presented with The Ditchley Foundation UK

Presented with The Ditchley Foundation (UK), a distinguished panel of speakers will explore the enduring legacies of American independence and its continuous influence on democracy, global leadership, and the transatlantic alliance.

Chaired by James Arroyo, CEO of The Ditchley Foundation, the panel will feature Former UK Defence Secretary, Sir Michael Fallon, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and author Jon Meacham, and Executive Director of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, Christy Coleman. Together, the panelists will examine how the revolutionary ideals of 1776 still shape political thought and international partnerships, as well as exploring the future of democratic institutions in America and beyond.


Panel Members:

• Sir Michael Fallon
• Jon Meacham
• Christy Coleman

Rt Hon Sir Michael Fallon KCB, the former Defence Secretary, retired from Parliament at the last election after 31 years as MP for Darlington and then Sevenoaks. He served as a minister in four Conservative governments under Margaret Thatcher, John Major, David Cameron and Theresa May. As Secretary of State for Defence, he led the UK’s contribution to the Coalition against the Daesh, began the British Army training of Ukrainian forces after the invasion of Crimea, and launched the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF). Sir Michael Fallon writes, lectures and broadcasts on defence, security and international affairs. He also reviews books on classics and ancient history for Classics For All.

Moderated by: James Arroyo