Whatever the outcome of the US presidential elections in November 2008, the change in administration will bring about a reorientation of US foreign policy. George W. Bush's successor will inherit a number of acute international crises and a country whose military power and economic dominance have been weakened in an increasingly multi-polar world. This world, which does not fit into the post Cold War framework, requires a serious rethinking of many of the premises of American foreign policy.
The session brings together high-level decision-makers and analysts to examine the foundations that underlie American foreign policy; to look at possible agendas for the first 100 days; to assess the long-term challenges, opportunities and risks the US is likely to face in its foreign policy; and to critically examine the implications for the rest of the world.
Consideration will be given to the following questions:
Participants will grapple with these and other issues, with a view to drawing up a series of foreign policy recommendations to be shared with the new foreign policy team in Washington and with their foreign counterparts.