Building bridges, renewing and strengthening old ties and preparing to compete in a new old order
Posted on 19. Jan, 2009 by Tracey Reeves in Uncategorized
The latest issue of SAISPHERE is out and in it, faculty members from the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, sound off on the top priorities for the new president as related to their fields of study. We continue with part six of their advice:
Riordan Roett Director of Western Hemisphere Studies and the Latin American Studies Program
Build Bridges to ‘Responsible’ Western Hemisphere Nations
The new Western Hemisphere issues for the next administration will be the old issues: the drug cartels, free trade, relations with Cuba, and how to respond to the rise of so-called populist governments in Bolivia, Ecuador and Venezuela. Hopefully, the administration will focus on building bridges to the “responsible” regimes in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Uruguay, and selectively in Central America and the Caribbean, to support economic integration and poverty reduction initiatives.
Riordan Roett background and contact information
Kent Calder Director of the Japan Studies Program
Renew the Strategic Relationship With Japan
Crucial priorities for the incoming administration in relations with Japan will include broadening transpacific dialogue on social and economic questions and developing a shared concept of national security. Joint projects in the energy and environmental area would also help reinforce bilateral relations with this important ally.
Kent Calder background and contact information
David M. Lampton Director of the China Studies Program
Prepare to Compete With China
Reform in China requires reform in America. China’s growing economic and intellectual strengths necessitate an increase in U.S. capacities to keep ahead on the treadmill of globalization. A United States that fails to boost its own capacities will feel threatened by a successful China, overmilitarizing what should be primarily an intellectual and economic competition. The best way for Americans to be confident in their relationship with China is to make progress at home and win friends abroad.
David M. Lampton background and contact information
Charles F. Doran Director of the Canadian Studies Program
Strengthen Ties With Canada
Inside less than a month, the politics of North America has been turned upside down. Two new governments are coming to power, one in Canada, the other in the United States. Although the change of government in Canada amounts to more of a shuffling of the cards of administration than the American election, both must make good on their promises of change. The imperatives of energy can cement ties between Canada and the United States. Diplomatic challenges are on the horizon in Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America. By getting their own houses in order, Canada and the United States are now better able to meet these ordeals.
Leading up to the Inauguration, Perspectives features a series of reflections on the new U.S. presidency from members of The Johns Hopkins University community. Updated daily.