Speeches
Avoiding the “Thucydides Trap” in the Indo-Pacific
The Indo-Pacific has emerged as the global center of economic gravity. So refocusing American attention to it makes sense. But, even though the region’s increased influence at the global level is not political and is only marginally military, the "rebalance" is almost entirely military. It
China and the Economic Integration of Europe and Asia
This gathering has featured lively discussions of investment in various forms of infrastructure, logistics management, and natural resources. Originally, I was going to talk about China's role in commodity market volatility.
Too Quick on the Draw
The late Arthur Goldberg, who served on our Supreme Court and as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, once said that “diplomats approach every question with an open . . .
Responding to Structural Change in the Asia-Pacific
These days, people who talk about the Indo-Pacific region — the arc of Asia from Japan through China to Pakistan — always begin by noting that it's becoming the world's center of economic gravity. That's true. The region's economy is now half again as large as America's or Europe's.
Diplomacy on the Rocks: China and Other Claimants in the South China Sea
For centuries, the islands and other land features of the South China Sea were seen as places to be avoided — valueless hazards to navigation. The waters around them were treated by fishermen as an unregulated regional commons where everybody, regardless of nationality, could find and take what
The United States and Saudi Arabia: Marriage of Convenience on the Rocks?
Saudi Arabia has done it again! On January 23, it dismayed foreign pundits by failing to sink into the anarchy they speculated might follow the death of its king, 'Abdullah. Instead, the Kingdom carried off yet another flawless passing of the leadership baton.
Responding to Failure: Reorganizing U.S. Policies in the Middle East
I want to speak with you today about the Middle East. This is the region where Africa, Asia, and Europe come together. It is also the part of the world where we have been most compellingly reminded that some struggles cannot be won, but there are no struggles that cannot be lost.
The Middle East and China
The Middle East is where Africa, Asia, and Europe come together and where the trade routes between China, India, and Europe converge. It has two-thirds of the world’s energy reserves. It is also the epicenter of this planet’s increasing religious strife.
Saudi Arabia and the Oil Price Collapse
I’ve been asked to speak about the geopolitical aspects of Saudi Arabia’s decision to continue producing petroleum at previous levels despite falling oil prices.
China as a Diplomatic Actor
I became interested in China a bit over five decades ago. Back then, with the notable exception of Zhou Enlai and a few people he’d mentored, China’s diplomacy was all revolutionary bluster and bellyaching with no bottom line.