Originally published on the CGS blog on June 23, 2009.
On June 22nd, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) hosted a summit for Next America, an organization of young professionals who are just beginning their careers in the foreign policy arena. Discussion at the summit revolved primarily around the challenges that the new generation will be forced to confront as they advance into positions of leadership in foreign policy.
Keynote Speaker Derek Chollet of the State Department opened the summit by briefly talking about the new administration’s efforts to combat the obstacles that the younger generation is just starting to deal with. Issues such as climate change, nuclear proliferation, and economic integration were at the top of the list. Most welcome among Mr. Chollet’s talking points was his emphasis on President Obama’s strong desire both to engage the world through organizations like the UN, and to work cooperatively with other nations.
Mr. Chollet was followed by a panel of six prominent members of Next America, who discussed their ideas for the future. The panel ranged from the very liberal, to the very conservative. Yet while the political viewpoints among the speakers may have varied, there was one idea they all had in common. The panel agreed that America must confront its challenges by working with the world, not against it. All seemed to view themselves not only as young Americans, but as citizens of the world.
