Philip Yun, Executive Director, Ploughshares Fund ­­– Moderator

Advancing Peace and Prosperity in the Asia Pacific Region

The U.S. economy is increasingly intertwined with the economies of the Asia-Pacific region. Regional tensions, particularly in the South China Sea, may pose challenges for U.S. interests.  How can the United States help reduce tensions and support long-term peace and prosperity in the region?  Hear the top U.S. diplomat for East Asia and the Pacific, Assistant Secretary of State Danny Russel, argue that building strong regional institutions contributes to long-term peace and prosperity, and why he believes an immediate freeze on provocative actions is essential for stability in the near term.

Prior to his appointment as assistant secretary in 2013, Russel served at the White House as special assistant to the president and National Security Council senior director for Asian affairs. During his tenure there, he helped formulate President Obama’s strategic rebalance to the Asia Pacific region, including efforts to strengthen alliances, deepen U.S. engagement with multilateral organizations, and expand cooperation with emerging powers in the region.