From January 26th through 31st the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation hosted members of the seventh cohort of the U.S.-Japan Network for the Future for DC Policy week.
The U.S.-Japan Network for the Future gives emerging experts a broad understanding of the bilateral relationship and its workings so that they can most effectively bring their diverse expertise to the field. The cohort, comprised of a wide range of academics, policy practitioners, and more, experienced a packed week of programming with experts from all around Washington, DC. Each speaker discussed their area of work before engaging in dialogue with both cohort and Advisory Group members. This back-and-forth supported wide-ranging conversations across the policymaking process. Each cohort member also moderated a session, allowing them to grow their public speaking skills and shape a conversation that was of interest to them.
Sessions held with government officials helped participants understand the role of different agencies and branches as well as how the jobs of top officials differ from those at the working level of the U.S.-Japan bilateral relationship. With the Policy Week taking place in the first days of the new presidential administration, government speakers explained how government agencies prepare for each new administration and what they expect to change in the coming, in addition to an overview of their typical portfolios. While the moment of uncertainty did complicate the picture of the foreign policy landscape, it underlined the importance of expertise and adaptability as program participants continue to engage with officials for years to come.
Cohort members also interacted with leaders in the business sector. In one panel, representatives from major Japanese companies spoke to the group about their interactions with the U.S. and Japanese governments and how they differ. In another session, participants heard from Asia-focused business consultants on how they advise their clients on how to respond to international developments. The cohort also learned about U.S. trade with ASEAN, including how the United States can provide an alternative to Chinese exports to the region.
In keeping with the mission of shaping a new generation of policy intellectuals, Cohort 7 met with several think tank fellows and independent scholars. Speakers shared their perspectives on the evolving role and nature of think tank work, how academics can become more public-facing and policy-oriented, and how they engage with the media. From these sessions, participants were introduced to a piece of the policy landscape that may be difficult to perceive from outside of DC.
When asked to reflect on the week, cohort members pointed to the opportunity to center themselves within a larger policy conversation rather than being stuck in their bubble, the sheer amount of content they experienced, and an improved understanding of the moving pieces of U.S. policy toward Japan, equipping them continue making an impact in the future.
_________________
Looking Ahead
Up next for Cohort 7 is a weeklong study trip in Japan this June. Cohort members and advisors will meet with key government officials, business leaders, and more over several days in Tokyo before heading to Kumamoto. There, participants will engage with local and/or prefectural governments, trade experts, key companies, and more. Mansfield Foundation staff in Washington and Tokyo look forward to the program’s next gathering and reconnecting with participants soon.
_________________
Find out more about the U.S.-Japan Network for the Future here
