Has The Game Changed?

NEW YORK and SINGAPORE, Jan. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Deans from the International Affairs and Public Policy Schools of American University, Columbia University, Sciences Po (Paris), Seoul National University (South Korea), University of Michigan, and University of Denver were joined by host Dean Kishore Mahbubani of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKY School) in Singapore as panel participants discussing global power dynamics. These panelists were part of a three-day conference held on January 5, 6 and 7, 2017, was attended by educators from leading worldwide universities that make up the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA). 

The panelists discussed the impact of newly-elected President Donald Trump on pressing foreign policy challenges such as geopolitical tensions rising from the Islamic State, North Korea missile launches, the development of free trade agreements in the wake of Brexit, and managing the rise of Asia.

In managing the rise of Asia, James Goldgeier, Dean, School of International Service, American University said, "The Asia-Pacific region is and will continue to be the most dynamic in the world.  The Clinton, Bush and Obama administrations have each come into office seeking to rebalance U.S. foreign policy toward the Asia-Pacific region, and each administration has faced crises in Europe and the Middle East that have required significant U.S. attention.  Adding to the challenge today is the populist backlash against globalization that has led to far-reaching policy choices such as the failure of the United States to move forward with the Trans-Pacific Partnership.  The most significant global trend today is the gradual decline of the liberal international order fostered by the United States since the end of the Second World War. That erosion has led to tremendous uncertainty across global issues, not only in Asia but throughout the world." 

On the future relations of China and the U.S., Kishore Mahbubani, Dean of the LKY School in Singapore and former President of the United Nations Security Council said, "The relationship between the number one power in the world (today the US) and the number one emerging power in the world (today China) is always the key global geopolitical relationship. In the past eight years, Obama and Xi Jinping have done a brilliant job of keeping it on an even keel. Can Trump do the same? Or will he launch a new phase of Sino-American rivalry that could destabilise the Asia-Pacific region and our world? The stakes are high. Our seminar could not have been timelier to point out some great dangers we face. It would be a mistake to take for granted the current calm. It could be the calm before a major storm."

In defining world policies, Enrico Letta, Dean of the Paris School of International Affairs, Sciences Po said, "Economic patriotism has become the new rule in global economic relationships. Economic patriotism and closed borders are always negative decisions in the long-run. In this context, it's particularly important to avoid any diplomatic mishaps, and to ensure that Asia and Europe do not provide a protectionist alibi to President Trump."

In discussing shifts of global powers, Merit E. Janow, Dean of the School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University said, "The world has changed and has become multipolar, less dominated by the United States, to a point where reaching decisions at the global level is increasingly complex and difficult to achieve. It becomes more challenging given that a number of countries around the world and specifically in the Asia Pacific region are seeking greater influence within international bodies, such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, World Trade Organization, United Nations and G20. China has been particularly assertive in this regard."

"These countries, particularly in Asia, are taking steps to create their own regional institutions because they feel they are unable to have the degree of voice and influence in the established bodies that they perceive is appropriate. International organizations and bodies need to adjust to this new reality and ensure that important developing nations have a greater voice," added Dean Janow.

The conference was hosted by the LKY School to exchange ideas on global views and policies. The LKY School is a part of the National University of Singapore, which is ranked #1 in Asia, #12 in the world and #7 in Social Policy and Administration according to QS University Rankings. The school is part of APSIA which is dedicated to the improvement of professional education in international affairs and the advancement of international understanding, prosperity, peace, and security. For more information on the LKY School's Master in International Affairs program, visit http://lkyspp.sg/MIAProgUS.

SOURCE Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy