Right now we are in a strange place politically, no thanks
to the President of the United States. Southeast Asia is home to many sea
lanes, economic growth, a spot with massive amounts of foreign direct
investment, and a development ground for a number of growing democracies. Due
to their growing potential it has been in Unites States’ interest to have a
cooperation between the United States and Japan based on their shared values
and security interests. Right now tensions are high and cooperation has become
a little more complex due to democratic backsliding. Due to these changes it is
very important that the ties between the U.S. and Japan remain strong and
stable.
The keynote speaker, Representative Joaquin Castro
(TX-20) stated that Japan has been their
strongest tie in the Pacific and they have worked with them on important issues
not only centering around democracy but also in economic prosperity and human
rights around the world. He started the U.S. and Japan caucus which now has 110
members from congress/house of representatives including republicans and
democrats. In Texas he and his colleagues have felt the impact of strong
cultural and economic relations between themselves and Japan. Japan is a leader
in foreign investment in Texas and Japanese businesses’ support thousands of
jobs in his hometown of San Antonio.
He introduced a bill with another congress member that if
passed would enable the United States to work with other countries to
strengthen electoral institutions and mechanisms he wants to see a joint U.S.
and Japan effort to support civil society and democratic institutions in South
East Asia. Especially in countries that have stalled or regressed on the path
towards a more inclusive and democratic society. When other countries attack
their own people, such as the dictator of the Philippines ordering the
execution of his people Japan and the United States must stand side by side and
condemn them. This is to pursue regional stability and maintain human rights.
He also makes a good point even though our leaders are not doing a very good
job representing us, but the fundamental character of U.S. policy has not
changed.
This speaker really talked about how relationships between
countries that share the same values as the Unites States. There is a lot of
strain between the U.S. and North Korea, which is making countries nearby such
as China, South Korea, and other South East Asian countries slightly concerned.
There ties are necessary in order to maintain stability, especially with Japan.
The reason why there is so much concern is due to what is being pumped out by
the media. Media is focusing on what Trump is saying and since that is what the
U.S. is showing its citizens this means that this will be shown to the world.
This was a really interesting discussion and panel.
Communication between the United States and other countries have not been at
their best, thanks to who is in office. But we cannot hide behind the
embarrassment and let communication go down the drain. There are still people
in power who have a voice. This is why
they emphasize the importance of strengthening their ties with Japan, not only
to benefit from each other but to also helping multiple countries, to further
develop our fast changing world.
My one curiosity was how this was considered as a Digital
Advocacy campaign. In one regard this is a digitized event, there are plenty of
websites, and it is on the news cycle. But these are things someone has to
actively seek out. I never knew about this relationship, and I found it very
interesting. I don’t think someone such as myself who is not well versed in
politics would go out of their way to seek this information out. This caucus
can really benefit from making more aggressive attempts to make themselves
known on social media. There are so many learning purposes for the public if
there was a way they could make their sight/social media more up to date as
well as interactive.
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