CSUF student Francis Arguien, right, speaks with Titan alum and former U.S. Rep. Ed Royce at the March 12 Royce International Symposium.
At Cal State Fullerton’s 2026 Royce International Symposium, political science student Francis Arguien had the opportunity to network with global policy experts and government leaders, including Titan alum and former U.S. Rep. Ed Royce.
The annual event aims to advance research while engaging the campus and Orange County community in discussions about international policy and complex global issues.
Arguien presented his research paper, which was titled, “Time to Put the Bombs Away? Explaining U.S. – China Nuclear Competition and Identifying Paths Toward Disarmament.”
“Being in the presence of these experts helps contribute to what you’re learning in the classroom and what you’re seeing in real life and world events,” said Arguien, who presented at the 2025 Royce Symposium and was inspired to apply again this year after experiencing how the event connects academic inquiry to real-world policy challenges.
One of five students who presented their research at the March 12 event at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Museum, the Class of 2026 grad said that he chose Cal State Fullerton for moments like these, where he can connect with the university’s vast alumni network.
“I was aware of the university’s distinguished scholars and the strength of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, especially with a lot of alumni becoming lawyers and politicians,” Arguien said. “It’s nice to be in an environment where we can aspire to follow the blueprints set by these alumni.”
The student research panel also included Anirv Ayyala, Elise Hackenberg, Ji Hwan Lee and Simon Wise, who each received $500 scholarships from the Royce International Symposium Distribution Fund.
Ed Royce, CSUF alum and keynote speaker for the March 12 Royce International Symposium
Royce delivered the event’s keynote address alongside retired U.S. Army Col. David B. Des Roches. The duo shared their expert insights on “American Strategy in International Affairs: Opportunities and Risks,” exploring such topics as the current conflict in Iran, Russia’s objectives in Ukraine and China’s aerial strategies.
“The theme of this year’s symposium could not be more fitting. In an era defined by unprecedented opportunities yet daunting risks, America must manage domestic priorities and global responsibilities,” said Royce ’77 (B.A. business administration-accounting, finance). “This symposium invites critical thinking, collaboration, and a shared commitment to building a more secure and prosperous world.”
Throughout his career, Royce represented California’s 39th Congressional District from 1993 to 2019 and served Orange County for more than 25 years. He also served as chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee from 2013-19.
This year, the symposium was extended to include two days of programming in honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Funding for the event was provided by a grant from the Institute of Humane Studies at George Mason University. The March 11 event, “America at 250: A Global Reflection,” featured a career panel, student presentations and a keynote address from Ambassador Gaddi Vasquez.
The symposium was organized by CSUF’s Department of Political Science. Sponsors and partners included: Brownstein, Richard Nixon Foundation, SoCal Gas, Paul Carter ’92 (B.A. political science), CSUF’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences, OC Forum, The Orange County Register, the World Affairs Council-Orange County and the CSUF Alumni Association. To receive future symposium program announcements, email roycesymposium@fullerton.edu.