Media & Reports Directory

Hogogo/Getty Images By Susan A. ThorntonJune 2025 In early May, the NCAFP convened policy experts and former officials from the U.S. and China in New York City for its annual Northeast Asia Security Track II Conference. Participants discussed the strategic direction of the U.S.-China relationship as well as actions to build more constructive relations, mitigate the current zero-sum competition, and avert deepening adversity to reduce the likelihood of crisis. The NCAFP recommends the following: The U.S. should clearly articulate its China policy at the…

Applications Open for the 2025 Next-Generation Korean Peninsula Specialists Program Application Submission Period: Monday, June 2, 2025 – Monday, June 23, 2025Notification of Acceptance: End of July 2025Virtual Roundtables: August through December 2025In-person Conference: Early 2026Completion of Program: April 30, 2026 The ’s (NCAFP) Forum on Asia-Pacific Security (FAPS) is accepting applications from qualified individuals to…

U.S.-Japan Relations in Trump 2.0: Gilt or Golden? By Susan A. Thornton  May 2025  During a recent U.S.-Japan bilateral Track II conference in New York, the NCAFP invited experts, scholars, and practitioners from the U.S. and Japan to discuss and analyze the challenges and opportunities presented by major changes in U.S. foreign policy under the second Trump administration. The NCAFP recommends the following: Rhetoric about a “New Golden Age” in U.S.-Japan relations exaggerates expectations and could be counterproductive if overplayed. There is a need to demonstrate the value proposition of the alliance in both countries. In this regard, the two…

"Dictating the Agenda: The Authoritarian Resurgence in World Politics" with Alexander Cooley With Alexander CooleyThursday, June 12, 2025Moderated by Jacqueline Adams On June 12, 2025, the NCAFP hosted Columbia University Professor Alexander Cooley to discuss his latest  book “” Professor Cooley was in conversation with Jaqueline Adams, NCAFP Trustee, and former CBS News Correspondent. In their conversation, they explored the concept that authoritarian governments and the consistent rise of illiberal populism have repurposed transnational institutions and the mechanisms that once expanded liberalism and…

2025 Northern Ireland Emerging Leaders Discussions: Shaping a Brighter Future and Strengthening Transatlantic Ties   The 2025 NCAFP Northern Ireland Emerging Leaders (NI EL) gathered in New York City for three days of insightful discussions, impactful talks, and unique opportunities for cultural exchange, April 30-May 2. With a mission to strengthen transatlantic cooperation and help shape a brighter future for Northern Ireland, this year’s conference brought together high-level guest speakers, emerging leaders, mentors, and experts from a variety of fields. The event marked the conclusion of the second NI EL cohort, where emerging…

May 2025 The National Committee on American Foreign Policy is pleased to release the Northern Ireland Emerging Leaders 2025 report. Over the past several months, the NCAFP convened a diverse and dynamic group of emerging leaders, scholars, and policy practitioners from across Northern Ireland. Through a series of in-depth discussions, participants examined the most pressing issues facing the region today, ranging from healthcare and education to gender equality and the arts. The result is a forward-looking report that offers innovative policy proposals and actionable recommendations. It reflects…

NCAFP Hosts Annual Northeast Asia Security Track II Dialogue May 12, 2025 From May 5 through May 7, 2025, the NCAFP convened policy experts and former officials from the U.S., China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea in New York City for its annual Northeast Asia Security Track II Conference. On May 5, participants from the U.S. and China engaged in a strategic bilateral dialogue. These distinguished experts assessed the state of the bilateral relationship, discussed domestic and international political dynamics impacting the relationship, reflected…

A “New Golden Age” in U.S.-Japan Relations? Moderated by Susan A. ThorntonHybrid ProgramMonday, March 31, 2025 The U.S.-Japan alliance remains a pillar of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and one of President Trump’s first invitations was for a Washington summit with Prime Minister Ishiba. The two declared a “New Golden Age” of U.S.-Japan relations. Yet, it seems clear that the alliance will need to confront tectonic changes in global security architecture, trade disputes and shifting international norms and institutions in the coming years. Amid an…

Advancing Peace, Progress, and Transatlantic Ties Through NCAFP’s Emerging Leaders Program On March 5, a distinguished group gathered in Manhattan for NCAFP's luncheon, “Next Generation Diplomacy: Redefining Transatlantic Priorities.” The event included engaging discussions on peace and progress in Northern Ireland and enhancing transatlantic relations, all while supporting the impactful work of NCAFP’s Northern Ireland Emerging Leaders Program. The event began with powerful opening remarks from NCAFP President and CEO and , both of whom underscored the critical role of the Emerging Leaders Program in strengthening transatlantic…