GPI Global Policy Institute

On April 24, 2018 the Global Policy Institute, GPI, held a panel discussion with distinguished US Foreign Policy and International Trade Experts, focusing on the foreign policy challenges facing the Trump administration, also taking into account recent personnel changes in key areas affecting foreign and security policies.

The panelists included: Paula Stern, Founder & Chairwoman, The Stern Group, and former Chairwoman, U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC); John Sitilides, Principal, Trilogy Advisors LLC and consultant, State Department, Foreign Service Institute;  Former Chairman, Woodrow Wilson Center Southeast Europe Project; and Peter Schechter, founder and Co-host, Altamar Podcast, and former Senior Vice President, Atlantic Council.  Paolo von Schirach, President, Global Policy Institute and Professor of International Affairs and Economics, BAU International University, was the Moderator.

The panelists provided a broad overview of the main issues facing the Trump Administration. They focused mainly on the possibility of a ”trade war” with China and the negative repercussions that any sudden disruption of global trade may create. They looked at America’s relations with Iran, looking in depth at Iranian hegemonic ambitions in the Region and what America and its Arab allies can do to counter it. They also described the complexities involved in both, denouncing or trying to renegotiate the Iran Nuclear Deal. Finally they provided a vivid account of the possible deterioration of US relations with Mexico depending on the outcome of the forthcoming presidential elections in Mexico. A lively Q & A with members of the audience followed the conversation among the panelists.