In this webinar, Ira Shapiro, Former U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador, gave a speech on how the recent severe partisanship has affected U.S. democracy and foreign policy. Kenichiro Sasae, President of JIIA, and Glenn S. Fukushima, Senior Fellow of the Center for American Progress, discussed the impact of the polarization of U.S. politics on American foreign policy from both Japanese and American perspectives. Satoshi Machidori, Professor of Kyoto University, who specializes in analyzing American political parties and the relationship between the administration and Congress from a theoretical framework of comparative politics, moderated the discussion. The speakers engaged in a multifaceted debate, focusing on the significant influence of Congress, especially the Senate, on the U.S. domestic politics as well as the role of the president in the formation of U.S. foreign policy. A lively discussion ensued with many questions from the audience, reflecting strong interest in the upcoming midterm elections.