Diplomacy Program: Japan and the U.S.

As the Biden Administration works to reset foreign policy, Asia is now its primary international relations arena. Japan remains a critical ally and attention on China intensifies. With the revival of the Quad group (a coalition involving Japan, India, Australia and the U.S.), Secretary of State visits to allies Japan and South Korea, and an opening exchange with China, an ascending Asia now takes on momentous significance.

In order to explore this development, the Crossley Center for Public Opinion Research’s program on Asian foreign policy is now underway. The speakers’ series, sponsored with the University of Denver’s Josef Korbel School of International Studies and the Consulate-General of Japan in Denver, is in its second year of open dialogue between Japanese and American professors on the Japanese-American alliance and issues surrounding the Indo-Pacific region.

Four panel discussions during the next two weeks will highlight major issues taking place in Asian foreign policy. The program begins on Tuesday, March 23rd, with a dialogue on the impact of sports on international politics – including, of course, the Tokyo Olympics. Next, on Wednesday, March 24th, a panel will take up the challenges of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and will specifically focus on China. On Monday, March 29th, speakers will discuss the newly revived Quad concept that includes Australia, India, Japan and the U.S. The program will conclude on Wednesday, March 31st, with a panel on the U.S.-Japan alliance and defense policy.