Featured NBR Publications, Programs, and Activities:

Shock of the New: Congress and Asia in 2009
This latest issue of the NBR Analysis overviews the many immediate challenges and opportunities related to the Asia-Pacific region the 111th Congress faces, while also suggesting a longer term strategic approach. Authors Edward Gresser and Daniel Twining argue that Congress can play a critical role in promoting policies that allow the United States to shape and lead an emerging Pacific century. Download this issue.

Breakfast with Admiral Timothy J. Keating
Admiral Keating, head of U.S. military forces in the Asia-Pacific, presented remarks at a breakfast in Seattle on January 30. Admiral Keating has a broad knowledge of Asia encompassing issues of importance to business, government, and non-governmental organizations. Following the breakfast, Admiral Keating was interviewed by Steve Scher at KUOW. Listen to Remarks by Admiral Keating from the breakfast event.

Asia Policy 7
This latest issue of NBR’s journal Asia Policy features a roundtable of 19 experts from Asia Policy’s editorial board on what the new administration needs to know about Asia, made possible by generous support from the Henry M. Jackson Foundation. The issue includes two articles on North Korea and a double book review roundtable on nuclear proliferation and security in Asia. This issue also introduces the Policymaker’s Library, which presents policy-focused summaries of select books published in 2008. Order or download Asia Policy.

Admiral Dennis C. Blair Named Director of National Intelligence
NBR congratulates Admiral Dennis C. Blair, U.S. Navy (retired), on his appointment as Director of National Intelligence. Admiral Blair has served as the inaugural holder of NBR's John M. Shalikashvili Chair in National Security Studies since September 2007. As the Shalikashvili Chair, Admiral Blair led NBR's efforts to inform and strengthen senior policymakers' understanding of critical U.S. national security interests in Asia. View Press Release.

Research on Afghanistan and Pakistan
In naming Richard Holbrooke as special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, President Barack Obama called the “deteriorating situation” in these countries the “central front in our enduring struggle against terrorism and extremism.” Read recent NBR publications on Post–September 11 Afghanistan-Pakistan Relations: Prospects for Counter-insurgency Cooperation and Challenges Facing Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).

Assessing the Trilateral Strategic Dialogue
NBR has released a report, “Assessing the Trilateral Strategic Dialogue,” which examines the ministerial-level strategic dialogue between the United States, Australia, and Japan and evaluates its implications for the region and security architectures in Asia more broadly. The papers emerged from select presentations delivered at a conference in April 2008 hosted at The Australian National University in Canberra. Order or download this report.

Asia Policy Debate 2008, September 22
Senior foreign policy advisors to Senator John McCain, Michael J. Green and Daniel A. Blumenthal, and senior foreign policy advisors to Senator Barack Obama, Ambassador Robert S. Gelbard and Frank Jannuzi, debated strategies for U.S. foreign policy in the Asia-Pacific. Webcast: (Windows Media Video) or (Flash).

Strategic Asia 2008–09: Challenges and Choices
The eighth volume in NBR’s Strategic Asia series, Strategic Asia 2008–09: Challenges and Choices, assesses the major strategic choices on Asia facing the new U.S. president and administration as well as the broader policy community. Through a combination of country, regional, and topical studies, the book analyzes the impact of U.S. policy and geopolitical developments on Asia’s transformation over the past eight years. The volume’s timely insights provide critical context for the next U.S. administration’s approach toward Asia. Order.

NBR Special Report: Standards, Stakeholders, and Innovation in China
NBR has released its latest report on standards and innovation policy in China, “Standards, Stakeholders, and Innovation: China’s Evolving Role in the Global Knowledge Economy,” by experts Scott Kennedy, Richard P. Suttmeier, and Jun Su. The report examines the implications of China’s efforts to promote its “indigenous innovation” policy, particularly in the information and communications technology (ICT) industry, and China's evolving role in international standards-setting bodies. Order this report or learn more about the initiative.

Emerging Leaders in East Asia
In September 2008, NBR released the project report "Emerging Leaders in East Asia: The Next Generation of Political Leadership in China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan." This report represents the culmination of a year-long initiative launched to provide a better understanding of the qualities and characteristics that define East Asia’s rising leaders and to anticipate the possible implications of their emerging influence for U.S. policy interests. Order the report. Learn more about the project.

China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Annual Conference Volume
The new book The "People" in the PLA: Recruitment, Training, and Education in China’s Military, edited by Roy Kamphausen, Andrew Scobell, and Travis Tanner, was officially released by NBR and the Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S. Army War College at a book launch event co-hosted by and held at the Brookings Institution on September 17. The event featured presentations by PLA experts from government and academia. Read a transcript from the event, learn more about the the conference, and download the book.

NBR Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony in Seattle's University District
NBR hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on August 4 at Eagleson Hall at the University of Washington to celebrate the construction of a building where NBR will be permanently housed. The new structure, to be named George F. Russell, Jr. Hall in honor of NBR’s longtime chairman, will be located at 4201 15th Avenue NE, in close proximity to the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs and the Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies and directly across the street from the University of Washington’s William H. Gates Hall. View Press Release.

Anniversary Reception in Honor of the House U.S.-China Working Group
On July 30, 2008, NBR and The U.S.-China Business Council recognized the U.S.-China Working Group members and founding co-chairs Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Rick Larsen (D-WA) for advancing congressional involvement in the U.S.-China relationship. At this third-year anniversary reception, Ambassador Alan Holmer, Special Envoy for China and the Strategic Economic Dialogue, and Chinese Ambassador Wenzhong Zhou lauded the value the USCWG brings to Washington's understanding of China and the benefits of deepening bilateral cooperation. Congressmen Kirk and Larsen spoke on the growth of the working group, which now boasts over 60 members, thanking NBR for its support through chairing the Academic Advisory Group to the USCWG. View reception photos.

Engaging Asia: U.S. Strategic Interests, Priorities, and Policy Tools
On May 22, 2008, NBR hosted senior policy leaders and experts in Washington, D.C., for the conference “Engaging Asia: U.S. Strategic Interests, Priorities, and Policy Tools.” Discussion focused on the ways that the U.S. might enhance its strategic engagement with this increasingly vital region of the world. Ambassador Christopher R. Hill, Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, U.S. Department of State, delivered closing remarks on challenges and opportunities for U.S.-Asia relations. Learn more about the conference.

The John M. Shalikashvili Chair in National Security Studies
On September 26, 2007, NBR announced the appointment of Admiral Dennis C. Blair to the John M. Shalikashvili Chair in National Security Studies. Admiral Blair will advance the study of national security issues and address critical U.S. interests in Asia through research projects, publications, conferences, and briefings to senior policymakers and business leaders. For more information on Admiral Blair and the John M. Shalikashvili Chair, click here.

Pyle Center for Northeast Asian Studies
On November 17, 2006, NBR dedicated the Kenneth B. and Anne H.H. Pyle Center for Northeast Asian Studies. The Center's inauguration featured a two-day international conference and a formal evening gala. The newly launched Pyle Center will conduct research on Northeast Asia to advance the comprehensive study of the region, particularly as it pertains to its security, political, and economic dynamics. Click on the link to view Professor Pyle’s keynote address.