The conversation will center on Thomas' latest book and the leadership and ethical dilemmas using new technologies – drawing a parallel between the atomic bomb and AI. 

For this book, Thomas researched the diaries of US Secretary of War Henry Stimson, Japanese Foreign Minister Shigenori Togo, and Army Air Force Gen. Carl "Tooey" Spaatz, contemplating the immense weight of their historic decision. In this immersive, surprising, moving account, Thomas lays out the behind-the-scenes thoughts, feelings, motivations, and decision-making of three people who changed history.

Evan Thomas is one of the most respected historians and journalists writing today. He is the bestselling author of ten works of nonfiction: First: Sandra Day O’Connor, Being Nixon, Ike's Bluff, The War Lovers, Sea of Thunder, John Paul Jones, Robert Kennedy, The Very Best Men, The Man to See, and The Wise Men (with Walter Isaacson). Thomas was an editor and writer at Newsweek for 24 years, writing over a hundred cover stories.

Thomas won numerous journalism awards, including a National Magazine Award in 1998. In 2005, his 50,000-word narrative of the 2004 election was honored when Newsweek won a National Magazine Award for the best single-topic issue.

Thomas is a fellow of the Society of American Historians and has taught writing at Princeton and Harvard. He is a graduate of Harvard and the University of Virginia Law School.

The conversation will be moderated by John Stanford, senior manager of Industry Engagement and Student Counseling at the Denning Technology and Management Program.

This event is free and open to all. Please register here for the reception (6 - 6:30 pm) and talk (6:30 - 7:30 pm).

Impact is a monthly series of meaningful, free, and open conversations. The main goal of the series is to engage students, faculty, staff, and the broader community on topics that matter through discussions and presentations by leaders and entrepreneurs from all sectors. Past talks are accessible on the Institute for Leadership and Social Impact's YouTube page.