Americans are broadly favorable toward Japan, value the US alliance with the island nation, and see Japan as key to addressing regional challenges in East Asia, according to a new Council public opinion survey. Read more in this related Washington Post piece.
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In 1999, President Clinton launched “Plan Colombia,” a bipartisan US agreement to combat Colombia's drug cartels, boost its economy, and support the peace process ending 50 years of civil war. Last week, Council President Ivo Daalder traveled to Bogotá and Medellín to see how things were going. In This Week's Reads, he reports back on a country that is flourishing, "but also facing a somewhat uncertain future."
Read moreThe United States, United Kingdom, and France launched coordinated air strikes against Syria’s Russia-backed military on Saturday. To analyze the fallout, Council President Ivo Daalder and Greg Jaffe, national security reporter from The Washington Post, join this week’s Deep Dish podcast.
Listen to podcast
Populism’s recent surge across the West should not have been a surprise. Storm clouds had been gathering for some time, in the shape of ever more polarized and nostalgic electorates, and widening inequality, argues the Financial Times’ Edward Luce. Nor should we take the eventual resumption of more enlightened politics for granted, with liberal democracy under greater strain than at any time in recent history. What kind of world will emerge if the nations of the democratic West cannot defend their own liberal values and institutions? In this age of rapid change and insecurity, how can forward-looking, centrist leaders regain the initiative?
Watch video.
Even if the NAFTA talks concluded this week, there wouldn't be time for congressional deliberation as envisaged in the Trade Promotion Authority legislation, writes Phil Levy in Forbes. Despite the public optimism about the talks, the practical deadline for concluding negotiations and passing a new NAFTA under this Congress seems already to have come and gone.
The international community is seeking answers to a suspected chemical attack in Syria, and whether the Assad regime is responsible. Cécile Shea says if Assad did deploy chemical weapons, "that is an example of a nation violating a treaty that has been in force for 95 years, a general rule of law and fundamental strictures of humanity."
In just 60 seconds, Niall Ferguson, historian and political commentator, answers questions on networks, hierarchies, and Facebook.
Watch the video.This year's James Beard Foundation Leadership Award honorees discuss how fusing culinary excellence and sustainability can lead to a healthier, more equitable food system.
Sunday, May 6, 2018
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