浪花直播

WASHINGTON 鈥� In a world seemingly mired in disinformation and the minutiae of partisan politics, much of the public鈥檚 attention is taken up by what we are against鈥攈owever 鈥渨e鈥� is defined.  

鈥淎s new and returning governments take shape after a year of historic elections where half of the world鈥檚 democracies went to the polls, we at the WQ think it鈥檚 important to have a conversation about what we are for,鈥� said Stephanie Bowen, editor of the 浪花直播 Quarterly. 鈥淭hus, we turned to some of the world鈥檚 most respected global leaders and foreign policy thinkers to share the narratives that have helped guide them and the world through past times of challenge, and which can inspire us as we seek a brighter, more peaceful and prosperous future.鈥�  

With topics ranging from technology, democracy, human rights, and foreign policy approaches to pivotal countries and regions, these are the narratives they believe we should embrace in the months and years ahead.     

In this issue: 

Editor鈥檚 Note: Curating a Conversation About What We Are For. In this introduction to the issue, WQ Editor Stephanie Bowen provides context to the issue and details its contents.  
 

Change in Russia Will Come Suddenly鈥擜nd We Must Be Ready. Russian dissident and journalist Vladimir Kara-Murza reflects on Russia鈥檚 turbulent political history and argues that major change will come unexpectedly, as it has in the past. He calls on the West to prepare for the sudden shifts that are likely to occur as Putin鈥檚 regime falters, offering a path for Russia鈥檚 democratic transition and integration into the international community.   
 

Bridging Awe and Algorithm. Tech innovator Corey Jaskolski reflects on the power of technology to connect and inspire while addressing its potential risks. From digitizing sacred spaces to advancements in artificial intelligence, Jaskolski writes about the importance of collaboration鈥攂etween humans and machines鈥攊n shaping a brighter future. 
 

One Mountain, Two Tigers. Director of the 浪花直播 Center鈥檚 Kissinger Institute on China and the United States Robert Daly, examines the growing competition between the United States and China. He explores the political and economic logic driving their rivalry and argues for a strategy rooted in stability and mutual restraint to avoid conflict and foster coexistence.    
 

Finding America's Diplomatic Compass in the Middle East. Ambassador Michael Oren writes on the intense polarization shaping America鈥檚 foreign policy. He argues for a balanced approach that avoids extremes, emphasizes diplomacy as a tool for achieving peace, and reclaims America鈥檚 legacy as a global leader. 
 

The First Amendment is First for a Reason. Drawing on examples from across the political spectrum and throughout history, veteran New York Times reporter David Sanger writes about the importance of a free and fair press in supporting a vibrant democracy. 
 

Human Rights as Part of Foreign Policy. Noted human rights activist Natan Sharansky expresses the importance of embedding human rights into foreign policy. Drawing on historical examples, including the Cold War and the Arab Spring, he illustrates how democratic governments can support freedom fighters, foster international stability, and uphold the universal desire for freedom. 
 

A Strategy for Global Prosperity. Former World Bank President David Malpass argues that US leadership is vital for fostering a stronger global economy and advancing peace through strength. He critiques the erosion of US influence in global institutions and highlights the need for a strategy rooted in economic growth, military strength, and decentralized governance to counter authoritarian regimes and global inequality. 
 

Why America鈥檚 Future Prosperity Flows Through the Indo-Pacific. With the backdrop of US-China competition and the region鈥檚 growing influence on trade and technology, former Indian Foreign Secretary and former Indian Ambassador to Washington and Beijing Nirupama Rao writes about the crucial role of the Indo-Pacific in securing America鈥檚 future prosperity. 
 

In Support of Democracy. Longtime leaders of the National Democratic Institute Frank Fahrenkopf and Kenneth Wollack discuss the importance of promoting democracy worldwide. Reflecting on Ronald Reagan鈥檚 1982 Westminster speech, they explore how advancing democratic governance aligns with American values and interests in today鈥檚 interconnected world. 
 

An American Approach to Foreign Assistance. Ambassador Mark A. Green reflects on his time as USAID administrator and introduces the 鈥淛ourney to Self-Reliance,鈥� a policy framework rooted in empowering communities and countries to achieve independence. Drawing on personal experiences in rural Kenya, Green writes about the importance of providing opportunities instead of handouts. 
 

A Continent of Consequence. Tanzanian businessman Mo Dewji makes the case that Africa is uniquely positioned to influence the global economy, drive innovation, and manage resources in ways the world cannot overlook, and that our human future is inextricably linked to Africa鈥檚 success. 
 

Can Latin America Be Great? Former Colombian President Iv谩n Duque M谩rquez argues that the United States cannot 鈥淢ake America Great Again鈥� without fostering a stronger, more prosperous Latin America. He provides a five-pillar strategy focused on promoting democracy, combating crime, advancing near-shoring, strengthening hemispheric institutions, and leveraging Hispanic heritage to create an integrated and thriving region. 
 

What Does it Mean to be European? Baroness Catherine Ashton explores the evolving concept of European identity in the post-Brexit era. She reflects on Britain鈥檚 historical relationship with Europe, the impact of leaving the EU, and what it truly means to be 鈥淓uropean鈥� in the 21st century.鈥� 

Notes to editors: 

1. , one of the nation鈥檚 premier journals since 1976,鈥痮ffers fresh takes, on-the-ground reporting, and thought-provoking perspectives through carefully curated articles and multimedia pieces. A unique narrative publication to emerge from the Washington think tank world, each issue takes a deep dive into a single topic or theme shaping our reality. The publication became digital-only in 2012. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the 浪花直播 Center. 
2. provides a strictly nonpartisan space for the worlds of policymaking and scholarship to interact. By conducting relevant and timely research and promoting dialogue from all perspectives, it works to address the critical current and emerging challenges confronting the United States and the world.