Podcast Summary
Unity in diversity: A strong foundation of unity is crucial for diversity to be effective, as demonstrated by the success of the women's gymnastics team and the importance of unity in international relations.
While diversity can be a strength, it requires a strong foundation of unity to be effective. Rahm Emanuel, a former mayor of Chicago and current US Ambassador to Japan, emphasized this point using the example of the women's gymnastics team representing their country. Emanuel also highlighted the interconnectedness of global hotspots like the Middle East, Indo-Pacific, and Russia, and the US's interests in each region. When Emanuel was offered the position of US Ambassador to Japan, he saw it as an opportunity to strengthen the US-Japan relationship and contribute to US foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific region. Emanuel's decision to accept the position underscores the importance of Japan in US foreign policy and the potential for Japan to play a significant role in regional and global geopolitics.
US-Japan alliance transformation: The next three years will significantly shape the US-Japan alliance for the next 30 years, with diplomatic, political, and economic advancements.
The relationship between Japan and the United States is at a transformative moment. This was recognized in late 2021, as both countries were ready to take their partnership to a new level. Ambassador Thomas Schieffer emphasizes that this period of the next three years will shape the next 30 years of their alliance. Diplomatically, politically, and economically, the two countries have made significant strides in upgrading their relationship. Ambassador Schieffer, who has been instrumental in fostering this alliance, believes that this is not just a pithy statement but a pressing reality. He shares his experience of being part of the trilateral discussions between the United States, Japan, and South Korea, which were once considered unrealistic. He also highlights the importance of understanding the political dynamics of diplomacy and being direct and honest in negotiations. Japan matters greatly to the United States, being our number one foreign direct investor for the last five years, having a million Americans working for Japanese companies, and being a critical partner in security and defense goals.
Japan's military and economic advancements: Japan's recent military and economic shifts make it a valuable US partner, particularly in addressing the weakened US defense industrial base, specifically in shipbuilding, where China is outpacing the US.
Japan's recent military and economic advancements, including increasing defense spending, acquiring counter-strike capability, lifting export restrictions, normalizing relationships with South Korea and the US, and rewriting national security documents, are significant shifts in policy that have gone largely unprotested. These actions position Japan as a valuable partner for the US, particularly in addressing the weakened US defense industrial base, specifically in shipbuilding, where China is currently outpacing the US. The US needs to leverage these alliances and consider alternative solutions, such as allowing allies to handle repair and maintenance in theater, to address the current challenges in meeting defense objectives and staying competitive with strategic adversaries.
Security and Technology Innovation: Investing in new industries and nurturing new competitors is crucial for addressing global security challenges, rather than relying on traditional defense companies and methods.
The current state of global security is facing numerous challenges, and the traditional methods and monopolies in industries like defense and technology are no longer sufficient. The examples given, from naval wars to space exploration, highlight the need for new technologies, competition, and innovation to ensure security and prevent crises. The speaker emphasizes the importance of investing in new industries and nurturing new competitors, rather than relying on a few large defense companies. Additionally, the speaker's direct approach to calling out countries like China for their actions, as seen in his tweets, is a refreshing and necessary approach to addressing global security issues. Overall, the conversation underscores the need for a proactive and competitive approach to security and technology, as well as a willingness to challenge the status quo.
China's shift from competitor to adversary: The US must recognize China's complexities, including its cultural contributions and geopolitical ambitions, while acknowledging its past abuses and current political structure to develop a new approach to the relationship.
China, while having a rich culture and entrepreneurial society, is currently governed by a political structure with unchecked ambition that has transitioned from being considered a strategic competitor to a strategic adversary. This shift requires a new approach from the United States and acknowledgement of China's size, scope, and scale as a different kind of competitor. The US must understand China's history and past abuses, but also recognize its contributions to culture, intellectual life, and scientific discovery. It's essential to separate China from the Chinese Communist Party and understand the consequences of squashing entrepreneurship and economic growth. China's geopolitical ambitions extend beyond the region, as seen in its relationships with Russia and Iran, but the focus should be on securing stability in the current region first. The US, while having its own faults, has historically spent significant political, economic, and life capital to help other countries and their freedom. However, a new approach is necessary to address the unique challenges posed by China.
Alliances and Defense: Strong alliances, interoperability, and investment in technology and defense are crucial for countries facing potential threats. Successful defense against attacks involves effective communication and collaboration between allies.
The events of April 13, 2021, when over 300 projectiles were launched at Israel, showcased the importance of strong alliances, interoperability, and investment in technology and defense for countries facing potential threats. The successful defense against the attacks involved the United States, Israel, and multiple other countries working together, with decades of planning and integration. This incident offers valuable lessons for other countries in the region and beyond, emphasizing the need for robust defensive structures and effective communication between allies. Furthermore, the strategy of building coalitions and preventing isolation of targeted countries is crucial in countering China's attempts to undermine sovereignty and independence in the Indo-Pacific region.
U.S.-Israel relations, Kennedy's absence: Ambassador Kennedy's decision not to attend Nagasaki ceremony due to Israeli exclusion highlighted the political complexities of U.S.-Israel relations.
The U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Caroline Kennedy, chose not to attend the Nagasaki war memorial ceremony due to Israel's exclusion. She believed it was a political decision disguised as a security concern. Kennedy had previously participated in a memorial event in Tokyo. She argued that if there were genuine security issues, the Israeli ambassador would be at greater risk than her. The ambassador's decision gained significant attention due to her identity and her father's role in both the American and Israeli wars of independence. She grew up in a culturally Jewish household, where Shabbat dinners were a regular ritual. Despite her family's non-observant Jewish practices, she took her Jewish identity seriously and maintained the tradition throughout her political career.
Jewish values and Middle East conflicts: Jewish values have influenced the speaker's public involvement and peace efforts in the Middle East. Judgement errors, not intelligence failures, have led to major conflicts, and negotiation and self-determination are crucial for peace, but Hamas' repeated violations make it an unreliable partner.
The Jewish home and its values, including the importance of saving one life and making the world whole, have played a significant role in driving the speaker's involvement in public life. Another key point is that judgement errors, rather than intelligence failures, have been responsible for major conflicts in the Middle East, such as the 1967 Six-Day War and the 2000 Camp David Summit. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of negotiation and self-determination for the Palestinians as the only viable security agreement for Israel. Despite repeated ceasefires, Hamas has consistently violated them, making it an unreliable partner for peace.
Israel-Palestine complexities: Recognize complexities and nuances of Israel-Palestine conflict, acknowledge horrors of war, and promote unity and purpose through national service and civic education
The complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict cannot be reduced to simple narratives of right and wrong. While acknowledging the horrors of war and the need for accountability, it's essential to recognize the complexities and nuances of the situation. Israel, like all nations, must hold itself to high moral standards and face criticism when it falls short. The speaker emphasizes the importance of national service as a unifying force, allowing diverse populations to work together towards a common goal and reducing divisions that adversaries exploit. The lack of unity and purpose in the current generation poses a significant risk, and it's crucial to provide civic education and purpose to future generations.
National Service: National Service offers numerous benefits including making a difference and valuable learning experience by dedicating six months to something bigger than yourself.
National Service, whether it's through organizations like Teach for America or the United States Armed Forces, or even through community projects, offers numerous benefits. By dedicating six months of your life to something bigger than yourself and contributing to your country, you will enrich your own life in return. Rahm Emanuel, the former White House Chief of Staff, strongly advocates for this idea. National Service is not only a way to make a difference, but also a valuable learning experience. To stay updated on Ambassador Emanuel's activities, follow him on USAMB Japan's social media platforms. Don't forget to register for the upcoming live recording of Call Me Back featuring guest Amir T. Bunn on September 24th at the Stryker Center. For more information, search for "Stryker Center for Amir T. Bunn and Dan Cenor" online. Keep exploring new opportunities to give back and grow!