Brookings: Topics - Diplomacy

Obama Shows Commitment to Asia

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On the heels of President Obama's recent trip to Asia, Michael Fullilove reassures Australians about the United States' commitment to the Asia-Pacific, saying that they should take the president at face value when he says "Asia and the United States are not separated by this great ocean; we are bound by it."

The U.S.-Israel Partnership: Can New Governments Overcome Old Challenges?

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

November 14, 2009, 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM
November 16, 2009, 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM

On November 14-16, 2009, the Saban Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings brought together top Israeli and American policymakers, journalists, and members of the public and private sectors to Jerusalem for discussions on the most critical issues in the Middle East.

Colombia's Increasing Hemispheric Isolation

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In recent months, Colombia has experienced increased isolation from its neighbors in the Western Hemisphere, due to border and military disputes, refusals to cooperate on economic and political fronts and disenchantment with Colombian President Alvaro Uribe. Diana Negroponte examines the reasons for this isolation, and possible remedies the Obama administration may apply.

The China Awaiting President Obama

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As President Obama prepared for his first visit to China, expectations were high for growth in the U.S.-China relationship. In this Northeast Asia Commentary written prior to the president's visit, Nonresident Senior Fellow David Shambaugh analyzes today’s political and economic landscape in China. Shambaugh currently serves as a Senior Visiting Fulbright Scholar at the Institute of World Economics and Politics, a division of the China Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing.

Around the Halls: 20 Years After the Berlin Wall Fell

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

November 9 marks the twenty-year anniversary of the opening of the Berlin Wall. With protests in the week prior totaling over one million, refugees were allowed to exit directly through crossing points between East Berlin and West Berlin and all along the border. In the days and weeks to follow the Wall would continue to fall, leading the way for Germany’s reunification. Experts from around the halls of Brookings respond to this historic anniversary.

The Four Who Ended the Cold War

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The twentieth anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall on Monday has become for many a celebration of Ronald Reagan’s starring role in the demise of the Evil Empire, writes Brookings President Strobe Talbott. But, he says, it was a group of four who ended the Cold War peacefully: Reagan, Mikhail Gorbachev, Boris Yeltsin and the calm—and calming—"air traffic controller" George H.W. Bush.

China’s Changing Views of America: Insights and Obstacles

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

November 09, 2009, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

The efforts of China's America-watching community over the past 30 years, and their effect on China's perception of the United States, have been crucial to a constructive relationship between the two countries. On November 9, the John L. Thornton China Center at Brookings and the U.S.-China Education Trust co-hosted a discussion on China’s changing views of America.

Convergence and Divergence in Taiwan's U.S. Policy

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In this CNAPS Working Paper, Liu Shih-chung examines the fluctuations in Taiwan-U.S. relations during 2004-2008. While outlining developments in the bilateral relationship, Liu provides an insider’s view of different influences on Taiwan’s policy-making process including the leadership, the bureaucracy, other internal political forces, and external actors such as China and the United States.

The Scouting Report Web Chat: Previewing President Obama's First Trip to China

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

China’s continued ascension presents policy challenges for both Beijing and Washington. President Barack Obama will make his first trip to China from November 15-18, where he will address a multitude of issues ranging from climate change to trade and the economy to military ties between the two nations. On November 4, Kenneth Lieberthal took questions in a live web chat with Politico senior editor Fred Barbash about President Obama's first trip to China.

The Iran Hostage Crisis: 30 Years Later

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Three decades after Iran seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, igniting a 14-month hostage crisis, Suzanne Maloney examines the current state of power in the Islamic Republic. Maloney says that the recent demonstrations in Iran are an extension of the country's unanswered conversation of legitimate ruling authority, and that responses by hard-liners indicate a belief that any reform would beget revolution.

The Scouting Report: Previewing President Obama's First Trip to China

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

November 04, 2009, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

China’s continued ascension presents policy challenges for both Beijing and Washington. President Barack Obama made his first trip to China from November 15-18. Kenneth Lieberthal and Fred Barbash, Politico's senior editor, took questions about the president’s trip to China in this edition of the Scouting Report.

Obama's Kenya: A Potential Political Minefield

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On October 26 Johnnie Carson, assistant secretary of state for African affairs, announced that the U.S. was revoking the visa of a top Kenyan official because of his role in blocking reforms in the country. Mwangi Kimenyi discusses this approach and urges that the focus should be on overhauling institutions, not targeting individuals.

The U.S. Should Encourage Structural Transformation Strategies in Africa

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

U.S. Deputy Secretary of Treasury Neal Wolin's visit to three African nations demonstrates the commitment by the current administration to African development issues. Ernest Aryeetey urges Deputy Secretary Wolin to focus on sustainable development and encourage countries to establish frameworks for long-term growth.

Can Civil Society Help Bridge Divides between the United States and a Diverse Muslim World?

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hady Amr presents research on past efforts to bridge the gap between the United States and a diverse Muslim world. In a wide survey of various initiatives, many of which developed post-9/11, Amr attempts to evaluate the level of success that different programs have experienced so far. Amr then offers several recommendations on ways civil society can be the most effective in bringing people together for meaningful dialogue and progress.

Iraq's Economy Needs More Than Security

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Although violence in Iraq has decreased, Raj Desai states other transitions are needed before U.S. businesses feel comfortable about the Iraqi investment climate. In addition to security, Desai offers three sets of fundamental reforms to convince investors that Iraq is really "open for business."

Three Keys to Understanding Japan’s New Diplomacy

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The election of the new DPJ government is thought by many to herald a new approach to foreign policy in Tokyo. Former CNAPS Visiting Fellow Keiko Iizuka identifies and explains three keys to help understand the diplomacy that the Hatoyama government will conduct.

Obama’s Nobel Can Help Him Win a Bigger Prize

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Michael Fullilove explores possible explanations as to why President Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, despite only being elected nine months prior. Fullilove contends that, while the award may be somewhat premature, it can make it harder for the world not to help should Obama ask for it.

Turkish-Armenian Traumas

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Recent reminders have shown Turkey and Armenia to be two traumatized regions in which reconciliation will be difficult. Ömer Taşpınar believes that in order for Armenia to have Western options, it will need Turkey's help, and external conditions between the nations will relieve the weight of historical issues.

Secretary Clinton in Moscow

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visits Moscow this week to meet with her counterpart, Foreign Minister Lavrov. Steven Pifer previews the major issues at the top of their agenda: arms control, the broader Middle East and the work of the U.S.-Russia presidential commission.

Obama and the Nobel Peace Prize

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Barack Obama’s 2009 Nobel Peace Prize immediately triggered strong reactions worldwide. Hady Amr and Steven Barnes write that the prize presents President Obama an opportunity to build on his recent efforts to foster dialogue between America and people of all faiths around the globe.

President Obama's Nobel Peace Prize

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Martin Indyk says President Obama's Nobel Peace Prize should be seen as an acknowledgment of the promise his presidency holds for a new era of international cooperation. But Indyk also notes that Obama is still left with numerous foreign policy challenges requiring tangible progress.

Opportunities for U.S.-ROK Alliance Cooperation: New Issues on the Agenda

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

October 08, 2009, 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM

On October 8, the Center for Northeast Asian Policy Studies at Brookings hosted an event featuring contributors from A Roadmap for Expanding U.S.-ROK Alliance Cooperation, produced by the Center for U.S.-Korea Policy at the Asia Foundation. At the event, the contributors presented their findings on expanding the U.S.-ROK alliance to cover such newly-emerging issues as pandemics and biological threats, counter-terrorism, and space cooperation.

The Iran Talks in Geneva: Too Soon to Tell

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Kenneth Pollack says recent discussions between the P5-plus-one and Iran were not earth-shaking, with several questions remaining unanswered in the aftermath. However, Pollack does find it interesting that the Iranians demonstrated some willingness to compromise on small interests and there was no attempt to grandstand at the meeting.

Iran Gives Nod to Inspections, More Nuclear Talks

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Iran has agreed to a second round of discussions over its disputed nuclear program following a meeting in Geneva with diplomats from the United States and other world powers. Suzanne Maloney joined PBS' NewsHour to discuss how this week's talks were a positive step and what to expect from future engagement between the United States and Iran.

A New Way Forward: Encouraging Greater Cultural Engagement with Muslim Communities

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In a recent speech in Cairo, President Obama advocated "a new way forward," based on mutual interest and mutual respect in relationships between the United States and Muslim communities across the globe. Cynthia Schneider explains the important role arts, culture, and the media can play in building these relationships and fostering positive social change.

The Case for Australia's UN Security Council Bid

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

More than a year ago, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced his country’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2013-2014. Michael Fullilove breaks down the arguments of critics of the plan, provides a look at public opinion, and explains why UN Security Council membership is in Australia's best interest.

Barack Obama as Quiet International Reformer

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This week, President Obama places himself squarely at the center of multilateral diplomacy, first at the UN General Assembly and later at the G-20 Summitt in Pittsburgh. Bruce Jones and Richard Gowan examine the Obama administration's continuing investment in multilateralism and why it does not always pay off so easily.

Kim Beazley is the Right Man for Australian Ambassador to the United States

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd recently appointed Kim Beazley the next ambassador to the United States. Michael Fullilove says it is a savvy move at an important time. Fullilove outlines various reasons as to why Beazley can help strengthen the Australia-U.S. relationship and notes several challenges including the ongoing war in Afghanistan.

President Obama and the Restoration of Multilateral Diplomacy

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As President Obama travels to the UN and G-20 summits, he will place himself squarely at the center of multilateral diplomacy. His administration has started to lay out its vision, but several tough questions, such as Security Council reform, have yet to be publically addressed. Bruce Jones and Richard Gowan assess President Obama's efforts to restore U.S. leadership in multilateral forums to date.

Between Hypocrisy and Narcoterrorism in Latin America

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A new agreement between the United States and Colombia will give the U.S. military access to seven existing facilities in order to carry out counternarcotics and counterinsurgency operations. Mauricio Cardenas and Kevin Casas-Zamora examine concerns among countries in Latin America regarding this move and argue that it is time to have meaningful conversation on a problem that affects the whole hemisphere.

The Lockerbie Trial: A Unique Moment in International Justice and Diplomacy

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Cynthia Schneider says the understandable outrage at the release of the convicted Pan Am 103 bomber should not overshadow the memory of the trial—an extraordinary example of international cooperation, justice and diplomacy—that brought him to justice.

Democracy In Egypt: Necessary Ingredient in a U.S.-Egyptian Partnership

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak recently visited Washington for the first time since 2004. Tamara Cofman Wittes and Michele Dunne examine how he and President Obama can achieve shared goals for the Middle East. Wittes and Dunn analyze areas in which the relationship could be improved and offer suggestions for strengthening the partnership with both the citizens and government of Egypt.

Kim Jong Il Pardons Journalists During Bill Clinton Visit

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Following a surprise meeting with former President Bill Clinton, North Korean leader Kim Jong Il pardoned two jailed American journalists. Dennis Wilder joined other experts on PBS' NewsHour to examine the implications of the meeting.

Pressing Pyongyang on Rights

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The now-defunct six-party talks in which the U.S., South Korea, Japan, Russia, and China participated focused almost exclusively on North Korea's nuclear weapons program. But, as Roberta Cohen argues, with a struggle for succession underway in Pyongyang and some of the country's internal controls reportedly beginning to erode, it's the time to rethink the near-exclusion of human rights from the U.S.-North Korean dialogue.

Arab-Israeli Conflict: Let the Diplomatic Games Begin

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Anouar Boukhars, visiting fellow at Brookings Doha Center, says the world has watched the rearrangement of practices and strategies of American foreign policy under the Obama administration with interest and fascination. By making Arab-Israeli relations a top priority, Boukhars believes Obama is determined to address the tough unanswered challenges of the past.

Raising Human Rights with North Korea

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The U.S. government's policies toward North Korea in recent years have drawn criticism for focusing primarily on denuclearization, while neglecting human rights issues, even as the country's human rights situation remains dire. Roberta Cohen says arguments against including human rights in discussions with North Korea are flawed and recommends integrating human rights as part of an overall U.S. policy toward North Korea.

Iraq's Northern Problem

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Michael O'Hanlon says that Iraq is going well on the whole, but there could be trouble brewing between the Iraqi army and Kurdish peshmerga over land interests. To address the situation, O'Hanlon recommends a U.S. envoy to Iraq be named, Kirkuk to be supervised internationally and negotiations of new "green lines" for the Kurdistan border.

A Tough Message to India on Climate Change, Non-proliferation

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in the first visit to India by a top Obama administration official, engaged her hosts on two major issues facing the world: nuclear non-proliferation and climate change. Brookings President Strobe Talbott writes that Indians, like many Americans, still need to be persuaded to see the urgency of prompt action on these two issues.

The Careful U.S. Diplomacy on Honduras

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Kevin Casas-Zamora joined CFR.org's Bernard Gwertzman to discuss Honduran President Manuel Zelaya's ousting as well as how the United States has and should continue to respond. Casas-Zamora said that by putting diplomatic weight behind regional leaders, the Obama administration has demonstrated sensitivity to Latin American sensibilities.

Options for a New American Strategy Toward Iran

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In a new Saban Analysis Paper, six Brookings experts analyze the main policy approaches toward Iran. In examining the benefits and drawbacks of the nine options—including engagement, persuasion, airstrikes, and containment—the authors refrain from recommending one policy over the other. Rather, they present the details of the policies in a manner that allows readers to understand the complexity of the challenge that is Iran and decide for themselves which group of policies is best.

Diplomacy with Iran: The Show Must Go On

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Examining both recent events and historical circumstances, Suzanne Maloney points to robust U.S. diplomatic engagement with Iran as the optimal strategic option and candidly outlines what U.S. policymakers should—and should not—hope to accomplish.

There are Many Ways to Exploit Al-Qaeda's Vulnerabilities

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Heading into the eighth year of the war against Al-Qaeda, the overall results are still inconclusive. Anouar Boukhars highlights reasons to be optimistic that the group will eventually disappear and he encourages the Obama administration to continue its narrative with the Muslim world in order to undercut Al-Qaeda's message and ideology.

Obama the Pop President?

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Michael Fullilove examines why President Obama enjoys remarkable international prestige and how it relates to his international agenda. Fullilove identifies four main themes in Obama's foreign policy to date, and reminds the president to demonstrate that there are significant costs to be incurred for opposing him on important issues.

Obama, South Korean President Criticize North Korea's Actions

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Dennis Wilder joined Gwen Ifill to discuss President Obama and South Korean President Lee Myung-bak meeting about recent provocations in the latest round of the ongoing diplomatic standoff with North Korea.

Reacting to Iran's Disputed Presidential Election Outcome

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was proclaimed the landslide winner in Iran's presidential contest amid accusations of widespread election fraud. Suzanne Maloney argues that although the election has poisoned the atmosphere for diplomacy, it has not changed the fact that negotiations represent the best of a range of unappealing options available to Washington.

An Absurd Outcome to Iran's Presidential Election

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Suzanne Maloney explores the main questions left after Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s win in Iran. Among these questions, Maloney addresses how much the vote was manipulated and whether Obama can still pursue diplomacy as an option with a fractured Iran.

American Leadership in a Global Century

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Carlos Pascual delivered the commencement address at Fort Leavenworth Command and General Staff College. Pascual challenged graduates to make operational the perspectives of American leadership in a globalized world.

President Obama’s Cairo Speech: Healing the Wounds?

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hady Amr explores President Barack Obama's June 4 Cairo speech as seen through the eyes of an Arab-American who has focused a career on tying to explain the relationship between America and the Middle East. Arm writes that Obama evoked social truths and the word of God to speak to the Muslim world in a way he has never witnessed from a U.S. president.

Obama's Education Promise for the Muslim World—Rhetoric or Reality?

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In his recent speech in Cairo, Egypt, President Obama signaled a new path for supporting crucial social and economic development for millions of Muslims around the world. Rebecca Winthrop recommends four elements necessary for an effective education partnership between the U.S. and the Muslim world.

Thoughts on President Obama's Cairo Speech

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In broadly and directly addressing the Muslim World, President Obama undertook a complex task. Mirette Mabrouk points to Obama’s discussion of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and his promises of U.S. economic aid to the Middle East as particularly dynamic areas of the speech.

Obama's Cairo Speech Could Make the World a Safer Place

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Obama’s speech in Cairo has been heralded as a historic moment in redefining and reorienting the U.S. approach to the Muslim world. Michael Fullilove examines the issues, themes and tone of Obama’s speech while exploring the implications of the speech for U.S.-Muslim relations, particularly in reference to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Did President Obama’s Speech Help U.S.-Muslim World Relations?

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:08:40 GMT

President Barack Obama delivered a long-anticipated speech to the world’s 1.5 billion Muslims, touching on extremism, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq as well as the strife between Palestinians and Israelis. Shibley Telhami says the president’s address largely achieved his objective in efforts to heal the rift in U.S.-Muslim world relations.

Obama's Call for Educating Women

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Obama's words in his historic Cairo address have raised the hopes of millions of girls around the world. David Gartner discusses how the president's call for educating women is a commitment that can be fulfilled through the creation of a Global Fund for Education.

Europe After Five Months of the Obama Administration

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

When President Barack Obama visits the Buchenwald concentration camp site on June 5 and the Normandy beaches on June 6, he will celebrate both the transatlantic alliance and Europe's reconciliation and unity that emerged from these searing events. Justin Vaisse, whose grandfather was liberated from the concentration camp at Buchenwald by units of Patton's Third Army—in which Obama's great uncle served—reflects on the Europe-America relationship.

Reactions to President Obama's Speech to the Muslim World

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Barack Obama delivered a highly anticipated address in Cairo, Egypt on June 4 in an attempt to improve U.S. relations with the Muslim world. Brookings experts offered comments on the President’s speech.

Reflections on President Obama's Egypt Speech

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Stephen Grand assesses President Barack Obama's June 4 address from Egypt. Noting that while one speech cannot eliminate years of mutual anger and feelings of disrespect, Grand believes Obama has created the real possibility for what is described as "a new beginning" with the "Muslim world."

President Obama’s Address to the Muslim World

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

June 04, 2009, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

On June 4th, the Brookings Doha Center hosted its largest event to date on President Barack Obama’s address to the Muslim world given from Cairo earlier in the afternoon. Joseph LeBaron, U.S. Ambassador to the State of Qatar, provided remarks on the speech and took questions and comments from audience members. The session was moderated by Hady Amr, Director of the Brookings Doha Center.

Obama's Egypt Speech: What He Said to the Muslim World

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On June 4, President Obama delivered what was billed as a “major speech to the Muslim world” in Cairo, Egypt. As a follow up to commentary prior to the speech, the Saban Center at Brookings’s Project on U.S. Relations with the Islamic World asked leading experts and policy-makers from the United States and the Muslim world to submit their thoughts on the speech.

Stability in Iraqi Kurdistan: Reality or Mirage?

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In this Saban Center working paper, Lydia Khalil examines the unresolved challenges relating to Kurdistan, particularly the status of Kirkuk, oil claims and internal governance, to determine the prospects for long-term Iraqi unity and stability. In presenting this analysis, Khalil offers a series of recommendations for the Obama Administration, placing a priority on strengthened diplomacy and support of mediation efforts that strike a balance between resolving the issues and not alienating the parties.

Obama's Egypt Speech: What He Should Say to the Muslim World

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On June 4, President Obama delivered what was billed as a “major speech to the Muslim world” in Cairo, Egypt. To provide context for this event, the Saban Center at Brookings’ Project on U.S. Relations with the Islamic World asked leading experts and policy-makers from the United States and the Muslim world to submit commentary on what they hoped to hear from President Obama’s speech.

International Volunteer Service: A Smart Way to Build Bridges

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Obama has proposed expanding the Peace Corps and building a global network of volunteers. To achieve this goal, David Caprara, Kevin F. F. Quigley and Lex Rieffel examine alternative service models and offer policy recommendations to the Obama Administration to further enhance U.S. volunteer opportunities with the goal of strengthening America’s multilateral development engagements.

Change We Can Believe In? The Muslim World, America, and Obama's Promise

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Despite the pervasive challenges of poverty and illiteracy, the two strongest ties that bind the U.S. and the Muslim world are still military aid and oil. In the wake of President Obama's historic speech to the Muslim world from Cairo on June 4, Navtej Dhillon, Laurence Chandy and Geoffrey Gertz argue that a new foundation for engagement must include instruments such as trade, investment and human development.

Obama in Egypt and His Speech to the Muslim World

Sun, 31 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Tamara Cofman Wittes and Martin Indyk joined a group of Middle East experts, journalists and activists to discuss what should be said by President Obama during his trip to Egypt in June. Wittes argued Obama must redefine how America's role is viewed and Indyk stated that, among other things, a sincere commitment to the Israeli-Palestinian dispute is necessary.

Obama's Four Cairo Challenges

Fri, 29 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On June 4, President Obama continued his efforts to improve America’s relations with the Muslim world by delivering a highly anticipated address at Cairo University in Egypt. Stephen Grand analyzed four difficult challenges for the president in order to make this historic address to the world's approximately 1.3 billion Muslims a success.

Strategies for Engagement: 2009 CUSE Annual Conference

Fri, 29 May 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

May 29, 2009, 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM

On May 29, the Center on the United States and Europe at Brookings (CUSE) will host experts and officials from both sides of the Atlantic for the 2009 CUSE Annual Conference to examine the prospect of engagement with Iran and Russia, and how to deal with groups such as Hamas and the Taliban.

The Scouting Report: Re-engaging the Middle East Peace Process

Wed, 27 May 2009 12:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

May 27, 2009, 12:30 PM to 01:30 PM

In this edition of the Scouting Report, Brookings expert Tamara Cofman Wittes and Politico senior editor Fred Barbash discussed the issues involved with the ongoing Arab-Israeli conflict and re-invigorating the Middle East peace process.

Diplomacy and Development in the 21st Century: A Conversation with Senator John Kerry

Thu, 21 May 2009 12:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

May 21, 2009, 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM

Experts have called for U.S. foreign assistance—and specifically the U.S. effort to support global development—to be reformed in order to become more strategic, coherent and effective. On May 21, the Brookings Institution hosted Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, for a discussion of U.S. foreign assistance reform and the importance of foreign relations authorization.

The U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue

Fri, 15 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Engagement between Beijing and Washington operates on many levels but none is more critical than a regularized mechanism for strategic discussion by the top officials in economics and foreign policy. Dennis Wilder explores how dialogue should be carried out between the two countries during the Obama administration.

Obama Chooses Egypt for His Muslim World Speech

Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Tamara Cofman Wittes writes that the selection of Egypt for President Obama’s long-awaited speech to the Muslim world was not an easy choice, but it is a significant one. Wittes believes Egypt is a crucible for the challenges facing many Muslim societies and it embodies Washington's central dilemmas in the wake of Bush's Freedom Agenda.

Democracy Promotion Under Obama: Lessons from the Middle East Partnership Initiative

Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Tamara Cofman Wittes and Andrew Masloski argue that the Obama administration should invest in the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) to advance America’s interests in a more stable, progressive and prosperous Middle East. By examining the record of MEPI, Wittes and Masloski show how it has overcome early deficits to create a small-scale, successful model of “democracy diplomacy” that integrates foreign assistance with foreign policy.

Roundtable Discussion on Upcoming Meetings Between Barack Obama and Middle East Leaders

Thu, 14 May 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

May 14, 2009, 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM

On May 14, Foreign Policy at Brookings held a journalist roundtable to discuss upcoming meetings between U.S. President Barack Obama, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Martin Indyk, director of the Saban Center for Middle East Policy, and Tamara Cofman Wittes, senior fellow and director of the Middle East Democracy and Development Project, explored the issues and answered questions.

Europe - Etats-Unis: accords / désaccords

Thu, 07 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

While the election of Barack Obama facilitates the transatlantic dialogue, profound structural differences remain between Europe and America—including geography, distinct roles in the international system and contrasted relationship to military force. Justin Vaisse believes this is why Europe and America should not count on "shared values" but on serious diplomatic bargaining to resolve their differences. (in French)

The Science of Diplomacy

Tue, 05 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Kristin Lord and Vaughan Turekian write that President Obama has won over the scientific community. Now, they argue, he should adopt their resources and influence for a novel use: bolstering America's foreign policy through public diplomacy.

Lord Christopher Patten: The Challenges of Multilateralism for Europe, Turkey and the United States

Tue, 05 May 2009 10:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

May 05, 2009, 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM

The Center on the United States and Europe at Brookings hosts Lord Christopher Patten for the fifth annual Sakip Sabanci Lecture. In his address, Lord Patten will discuss how Turkey, Europe and the United States can realize opportunities for multilateral cooperation in confronting the global challenges of the 21st century.

Obama's First 100 Days: Recommendations and an Evaluation of U.S. Global Engagement

Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Obama took office with a sweeping agenda to restore America’s image and rebuild U.S. alliances to meet the common challenges of the 21st Century. As the new administration passes the 100 day milestone, the Managing Global Insecurity Project (MGI) assesses progress toward a new era of U.S. global leadership and compares the early actions of the Obama administration to the recommendations of MGI.

First 100 days: Grading Obama’s Foreign Policy

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As President Obama spends his 100th day in office, Michael O'Hanlon assesses the foreign policy maneuvers of the new U.S. administration. Partisan debates aside, O'Hanlon argues that Obama is off to a more solid start—in numerous regions of the world—than any of his recent predecessors.

La politique étrangère d’Obama, un réel changement de ton

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Justin Vaisse analyzes the first 100 days of President Obama's foreign policy. Vaisse says that while Obama has brought about a real change in tone and earned points across the world for his first decisions, the tougher issues will be addressed in the next few months and will constitute the real test for his administration. (French)

Obama at the Summit of the Americas

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

All things considered, the Summit was a success for the President and for the U.S. writes Kevin Casas-Zamora. He concludes that despite the dearth of immediate results, the mutation in tone under Obama will lead in due course to concrete changes in the U.S. relationship with the region.

U.S. Foreign Policy and President Obama

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Carlos Pascual and Brent Scowcroft joined Charlie Rose to discuss President Obama’s ambitious new approach to U.S. foreign policy. Pascual also commented on his new book, Power & Responsibility, and the realist perspective behind it.

Early Prospects of the Obama Administration’s Strategic Agenda with China

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

David Shambaugh writes that the Obama administration has the good fortune to inherit a generally sound Sino-American relationship—and it has moved quickly to reach out to Beijing and push the relationship forward.

Dangerous Leviathans: Russia's Bad Philosophy

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Strobe Talbott says Russia's aggressive foreign policy over the last decade is ill-suited to today's interdependent, consensus-based world. While Russia's leaders seem to have adopted the philosophical tenets of Thomas Hobbes in their pursuit of an authoritarian state, Talbott says that the cooperative vision of statehood proposed by Immanuel Kant is a better model. "If Russia’s future is to be better than its past," argues Talbott, "then Kant will have to prevail over Hobbes."

Power Rules: How Common Sense Can Rescue American Foreign Policy

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

April 20, 2009, 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM

On April 20, the Managing Global Insecurity Project at Brookings hosted Council on Foreign Relations President Emeritus Leslie H. Gelb for a discussion of his new book Power Rules: How Common Sense Can Rescue American Foreign Policy (Harper Collins, 2009).

President Obama and the Summit of the Americas

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Key differences persist among the many countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. In the leadup to the fifth Summit of the Americas, Abraham Lowenthal says Obama would do well to remember Ronald Reagan's comment on returning from his first trip to South America as president: "These Latin American countries are all very different from each other."

Cuba: A New Policy of Critical and Constructive Engagement

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Obama administration announced changes in U.S. policy toward Cuba, including lifting the ban on some types of travel between the two nations. This change represents a major shift in U.S. policy. A new Brookings report recommends further short-term and longer-term changes.

A Tighter Command Is Needed in Afghanistan

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Michael O'Hanlon and Ömer Taşpınar write that the Obama administration's plan for Afghanistan and Pakistan is generally strong, but it also requires improvement. Most importantly, O'Hanlon and Taşpınar believe command arrangements need to be strengthened, based on the three-person Iraq model and broadened to include a foreign leader like Turkey's foreign minister Hikmet Cetin.

North Korea’s Third Missile Launch and Kim Jong-il’s Miscalculation

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Seeking to demonstrate its nuclear deterrent and win negotiating points from the United States and others, North Korea launched a long-range ballistic missile on April 5, 2009. CNAPS Visiting Fellow Sun-won Park writes that, contrary to Pyongyang’s calculations, this incident does not demonstrate North Korea’s strength or self-reliance but should be perceived as a tactical and strategic failure.

The Kennedy Serve America Act: A New Boost for Service

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Obama signed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which will double the size of AmeriCorps and increase volunteer opportunities in the U.S. and abroad. David Caprara discusses the significance of the new legislation.

The Danger of a U.S.-China Strategic "G-2" Alliance

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

From Japan to India, there are concerns that America's search for a solution to its worst economic crisis since the Great Depression may lead the Obama administration into not only expanded strategic economic and political dialogues with China but a full-blown strategic partnership. Dennis Wilder argues that U.S. relations with Asia's democracies can't take a back seat to cooperation with China.

President Obama's Visit to Turkey

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 11:52:21 GMT

President Obama will visit Turkey this week seeking to forge stronger ties with its government. Ömer Taşpınar, director of the Turkey Project at Brookings, says the president is making a strategic move that could bode well for the two countries.

The Obama Administration and the Americas : Agenda for Change

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Obama administration inherits a daunting set of domestic and international policy challenges. The Obama Administration and the Americas, however, argues that the new administration should focus early and strategically on Latin America.

American Public Diplomacy after the Bush Presidency

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Cynthia Schneider examines U.S. public diplomacy by exploring the general position of the United States in the world as a whole, and then concentrating on U.S. relations specifically with the Muslim world.

To Rebuild U.S.-Muslim World Relations, Obama Is Not Enough

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Obama has demonstrated a strong personal commitment to strengthening relations between the United States and the Muslim world, in support of common security, political, economic, and social interests. Stephen Grand and Kristin Lord argue that he also needs an army, of civilians, behind him.

Obama’s Turkey Policy: Bringing Credibility to “Strategic Partnership”

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Omer Taspinar writes that under the Obama administration American foreign policy will be engaged in genuine coalition building with allies. Taspinar believes such a return to multilateralism will have a positive impact on transatlantic and Turkish-American relations and he outlines issues which are likely to come up over the course of the next few years.

A Guide to Talking with Insurgents

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Daniel Byman writes that talking with insurgents is often a necessary first step toward defeating them or reaching an acceptable compromise. Pointing to successes in Iraq and elsewhere, Byman addresses the costs and advantages of talking with insurgents to draw conclusions about how lessons learned may be applied to Afghanistan.

North Korea’s Third Attempt To Launch a Long-Range Missile and the Last Opportunity To Prevent It

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

North Korea recently announced plans to launch a long-range missile in early April. CNAPS Visiting Fellow Sun-won Park analyzes the different motivations behind Pyongyang’s plans for an April launch, concludes that there is a window of opportunity for American diplomacy to induce North Korea to postpone or cancel it, and describes steps that may lead to this result.

On a New Footing: U.S.-Syria Relations

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The recent high-level meeting between U.S. and Syrian officials in Damascus effectively ends recent U.S. policy of isolating Syria. Bilal Saab examines this dialogue and the future of U.S.-Syria relations.

Engaging Ukraine

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

March 17, 2009, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

On March 17, the Center on the United States and Europe (CUSE) hosted experts Steven Pifer, Anders Aslund and Jonathan Elkind for a discussion of their new Brookings policy paper, Engaging Ukraine in 2009. They also discussed the challenges facing Ukraine and offered recommendations to the Obama administration.

Time for Turkey to Reward Obama

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Omer Taspinar discusses President Obama's upcoming visit to Turkey and how it relates to his pledge to recognize the Armenian genocide. Though the Armenian issue could shake U.S.-Turkish relations, Taspinar argues that Ankara should reward Obama for his visionary approach to the region.

"A New Way Forward" in Doha: Listen to the Artists

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

At the Arts and Culture Leaders meetings of the 2009 U.S.-Islamic World Forum, participants explored the potential for arts and media exchanges to overcome political differences as well as facilitate cross-cultural understanding and collaboration. Cynthia Schneider presents conclusions drawn from these meetings, underscoring the unique role of the arts in crafting a new way forward in the U.S.-Muslim world relationship.

Send the Envoy: Obama's Diplomatic Posse

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In the Obama administration, special envoys are likely to play a central role in U.S. foreign policy. But Michael Fullilove notes the president should remember that envoys are not the creators of policy, but rather its instruments.