ALI convened its first day-long roundtable with leaders from around the country to talk about the existential challenges to U.S. leadership, values, and democracy. Members of Congress, along with leaders from business, civil society, academia, and local government, had a candid discussion on China; trade and industrial policy; democracy; climate change; and digital governance. |
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Senator Kaine, together with Representatives Casten, Houlahan, Larsen, and Schneider, as well as many other notable speakers, shared their perspectives during the day’s discussions.
Participants recognized that strengthening U.S. competitiveness and shoring up relationships with our allies are two foundational pillars necessary to address the challenges of a new world disorder. Another key theme of the day was that the U.S. can no longer ignore its regional responsibilities without the risk of losing Latin America to China’s authoritarian influence.
The conversation was held under Chatham House Rule; Below are highlights of the day's conversations.
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Managing an Ascendant China
Participants agreed that we need more pragmatism and nuance, as the U.S. is in uncharted territory, without a model for economic engagement with a strategic competitor that is also a national security threat. The U.S. needs to continue its focus on screening investment into and out of China, and advancing export controls on key technologies, while coordinating with allies. A deeper understanding of supply chains is key. While U.S. policy must be tough on China regarding key dual-use and military technologies, further decoupling will be harmful. Addressing subsidized Chinese competition in third markets should be a U.S. priority.
Speakers: Rep. Rick Larsen, Ryan Hass, James McGregor, Myron Brilliant, and Paul Triolo
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Exploring New Trade Paradigms and Industrial Policies
The ideas of worker-centric trade and government support for essential industries have moved to center stage. The U.S. must address issues of a social safety net for workers. Without a better social safety net, it will be hard to reframe the debate on trade. At the same time, the U.S. must onshore and friend-shore critical technologies but be careful not to veer into unwarranted protectionism. The U.S. cannot walk away from its commitments to the WTO and a rules-based international order. Finally, the important role of agriculture in trade and food security needs greater attention.
Speakers: Rep. Ron Kind, Ted Alden, Cathy Feingold, Matt Goodman, and Katrin Kuhlmann
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Global Democracy in Doubt
The group discussed the critical importance of America’s leadership in shoring up global democracy as the underpinning to addressing the larger issues discussed during the day. Participants all agreed that there is no compromise on American democratic values.
Speakers: Rep. Brad Schneider, Ambassador Derek Mitchell, and Andrew Wilson
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Leading on Climate Change
Participants wrestled with questions of subsidies in energy markets and how those should be integrated into our trade policy, while maintaining collaboration with our allies. After years of paralysis on climate action, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is a game changer. Though a green future may create more wealth, workers will still be displaced. Government policies need to prioritize dignity and support. The U.S. must find a way to work on climate issues with China, despite tensions in other areas. Finally, returning to the negotiating table with allies to re-envision an environmental goods and services agreement is another step the U.S. should take.
Speakers: Rep. Sean Casten, Robbie Diamond, Tim Meyer, and Alan Yu
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Developing a Global Digital Strategy
The group emphasized the urgency of the moment for U.S. leadership in global technology policy, despite being behind on passing digital governance legislation at home. There is a window now for the U.S. to lead on a regulatory agenda for AI. Proposals have been made for a global digital agreement to resolve tensions and work on governance issues in a new “digital Bretton Woods.” Immigration remains central to the discussion of technology workforce issues in the U.S.
Speakers: Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, Jeremy Bash, Fred Humphries, Ambassador Karen Kornbluh, and Christine Bliss
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Find more information on Meeting the Challenges of a New World Disorder
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Providing a new vision for American global leadership |
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