The 6th Tokyo Global Dialogue Final Session: Re-constructing Global Architecture
Final Session: Re-constructing Global Architecture
The panel reviewed the preceding sessions and discussed the implications of Trump Administration 2.0’s foreign policy for global governance, the international community’s response, and Japan’s role.
Advocating an “America First” policy, the second Trump administration will be reluctant to commit to the international order of multilateralism, including UN diplomacy, multilateral trade, and climate change, and will shift to a more transactional approach centered on bilateral relations, with US interests always taking precedence over international involvement. It was also noted that the appointment of many business leaders, including Elon Musk, to the core of the administration could shape a new direction for national security and economic diplomacy. It was also suggested that Trump’s “America First” policy does not mean isolationism, but rather selective engagement based on the US interests, and that in such an international environment, countries will need to have more autonomous strategies and share the burden. It was also noted that as the post-war international order weakens, we should pay attention to alternative international frameworks such as regionalism and minilateralism.
Regarding Japan's international role, it is becoming increasingly important to act as a bridge between new international frameworks that respond to changes in the international environment and existing international systems. It was suggested that Japan should strengthen its cooperation with the United States, while also strengthening its cooperation with Southeast Asia, India, Europe and other countries in international frameworks, and that it should strengthen its position as a leader in regional stability through frameworks such as the QUAD for security cooperation and the CPTPP for economic cooperation. To this end, it was also pointed out that it is important to strategically use not only traditional economic and military power, but also non-traditional soft power.