Crafting U.S. Economic Strategy toward Asia: Lessons Learned from 30 Years of Experience

Among the many pressing realities that will confront a new U.S. Administration in January 2009 – whether Republican or Democratic – will be the need to manage the challenges and opportunities of a rising Asia.  In particular, with the American economy weakened by financial instability, and Congress more inclined to constrain than embrace globalization, there are a number of potential flashpoints in U.S. economic relations with Asia – from a backlash against high-profile Chinese investments to outrage over tainted children’s toys – that could ignite early in a new President’s term.  Early on, the incoming Administration will need to draw up well-articulated strategies for managing economic relations with the major countries of Asia, especially China, Japan, and India.

A bipartisan CSIS task force has produced a new report reviewing the most important lessons learned from the experiences of former U.S. government officials and other experts who have worked on major Asian economic policy initiatives during the past three decades. The goal of this effort is to provide a new U.S. Administration with a practical "user's guide" to managing economic relations with Asia. 

Speakers:

Tim Adams, Managing Director, Lindsey Group

Charles Freeman, Chairholder, CSIS Freeman Chair in China Studies

Matthew Goodman, Managing Director, Stonebridge International

Bill Reinsch, President, National Foreign Trade Council