Renewing America
Directors: Edward Alden, Bernard L. Schwartz Senior Fellow, and James M. Lindsay, Senior Vice President, Director of Studies, and Maurice R. Greenberg Chair
We are pleased to announce the launch of the new Renewing America blog. Please bookmark this page for updated news and analysis on the domestic challenges facing the United States that have significant consequences for national security and foreign policy.
Renewing America is a special project launched in connection with CFR's 90th anniversary. The Renewing America initiative is supported in part by a generous grant from the Bernard and Irene Schwartz Foundation.
The Domestic Underpinnings of U.S. Global Power
Premised on the understanding that the United States' ability to influence world events rests on a robust, competitive economy, CFR's Renewing America initiative sponsors meetings, research, analysis, recommendations, and outreach on how best to revitalize the country's economic strength and build the foundations for future prosperity and influence. The initiative focuses on six issues that affect the United States' ability to project its power abroad:
Debt and deficits. America's national debt is rising rapidly and the solution will require tackling some of the thorniest issues in U.S. politics—taxes and entitlement spending.
Infrastructure. Upgrading the nation's aging network of roads, bridges, airports, railways, and water systems as well as infrastructure related to energy security is essential to maintaining U.S. competitiveness.
Education and human capital. A troubled education system and a flawed immigration process threaten U.S. capacity to develop a competitive workforce.
Corporate regulation and taxation. Regulatory burdens, offshore employment, and tax-shelter abuses have fed debate over the scope of rules for U.S.-based businesses.
Innovation. The rise of China, India, Brazil, and other emerging markets means the United States must innovate to remain competitive.
International trade and investment. Americans debate whether trade deals send U.S. jobs overseas or spur economic growth and job creation at home.
Research and Publications
As a part of the Renewing America initiative, CFR's David Rockefeller Studies Program will generate innovative policy recommendations on revitalizing the U.S. economy and replenishing the sources of American power abroad. Drawing on the expertise of CFR scholars, along with leading experts and practitioners from around the world, Renewing America publications include:
Policy Innovation Memoranda. Written for policymakers and opinion leaders, these focused and rigorous policy briefs examine challenges to the domestic underpinnings of U.S. national security.
Research papers. In-depth analyses that examine the challenges to U.S. global competitiveness and recommend actionable policy
solutions.
Renewing America Scorecards. Analysis and infographics assessing policy developments and U.S. performance in such areas as infrastructure, education, international trade, and government deficits.
Future of American Manufacturing. Nobel laureate and CFR Distinguished Visiting Fellow Michael A. Spence examines the trends in U.S. manufacturing output and employment and their consequences for the health of American society.
Events
To encourage debate and deliberation on the homegrown challenges to U.S. national security, CFR holds an annual Renewing America symposium. The symposium features keynote speakers and high-level panels of White House and congressional officials, business and union leaders, and CFR scholars as well as other experts to discuss progress and priorities on the principal elements of the initiative's agenda.
The initiative also makes possible a robust Renewing America Roundtable series. The roundtable series draws on the substantial talents of the fellows in the David Rockefeller Studies Program. Meetings in this series examine how policies at home directly influence the economic and military strength of the United States and its ability to act in the world. Meetings are held by invitation both at CFR's New York headquarters and Washington office.
The Renewing America Blog
The Renewing America blog is the initiative's portal for updated news and analysis on the domestic challenges that have significant consequences for U.S. national security and foreign policy.
Some of the blog's features include:
The Morning Brief. Daily roundups on Renewing America issues with "must reads" from around the Web
Renewing America Scorecards. Analysis and infographics assessing policy developments and U.S. performance in such areas as infrastructure, education, international trade, and government deficits
Backgrounders. Succinct explainers on issues related to the Renewing America themes from CFR.org's editorial staff
Expert commentary. Analysis by Alden, other CFR scholars, and guest bloggers
In-depth research. Policy papers written by CFR scholars as well as
some of the nation's top scholars and practitioners
Independent Task Force reports are consensus documents that offer comprehensive analysis and policy prescriptions for major U.S. foreign policy issues facing the United States, developed through private and nonpartisan deliberations among a group of high-level experts.
The CFR-sponsored Independent Task Force on U.S. Education Reform and National Security is part of CFR's Renewing America initiative and asserts that fixing the nation's underperforming education system is critical for strengthening the country's security and increasing its economic competitiveness. The report offers guidance to policymakers and others on education reforms that will transform K-12 public school systems to ensure America's economic and political growth and security. The Task Force is chaired by Joel I. Klein and Condoleezza Rice, former secretary of state and national security adviser. It is directed by Julia Levy, former director of communications for the New York City Department of Education.
President Obama formed the Jobs Council in order to bring together a group of Americans representing diverse perspectives for the purpose of bolstering the economy by fostering job creation, innovation, growth, and competitiveness. This discussion is an opportunity to bring new voices to the table to participate and inform the Council's work and recommendations.
Independent Task Force reports are consensus documents that offer comprehensive analysis and policy prescriptions for major U.S. foreign policy issues facing the United States, developed through private and nonpartisan deliberations among a group of high-level experts.
The CFR-sponsored Independent Task Force on U.S. Education Reform and National Security is part of CFR's Renewing America initiative and asserts that fixing the nation's underperforming education system is critical for strengthening the country's security and increasing its economic competitiveness. The report offers guidance to policymakers on education reforms that will transform K-12 public school systems to ensure America's economic and political growth and security.
As the number of Americans older than the traditional retirement age steadily rises, the United States is poised to revitalize its global economic strength by approaching its aging population not as a crisis, but rather a promising opportunity for economic growth. Please join Joseph Coughlin, Robert Hormats, and Kelly Michel to discuss the core of this approach, healthy and active aging, which will require serious public policy reform, new business strategies, and profound sociological shifts in views on aging.
On the occasion of CFR's 90th anniversary, we will examine through a series of meetings and other projects how policies at home will directly influence the economic and military strength of the United States and its ability to act in the world.
**Please note this meeting was previously scheduled for January 12, but will now be held on February 14.**
**For further analysis on the U.S. aging population, please see CFR Adjunct Senior Fellow Michael Hodin's blog post, Why 'Gray' is the New Golden Opportunity.
Tasked with helping to finance the export of U.S. goods and services to international markets, the Ex-Im Bank of the United States has a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing American companies and economic policies. Please join Fred Hochberg to discuss these issues and U.S. competitiveness in global markets.
The Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction was due to submit a recommendation, by November 23, of more than a trillion dollars in deficit reduction measures to be undertaken over the next ten years. Given the group's failure to reach an agreement, a series of automatic spending cuts is set to take effect. Please join Evan Bayh and Vin Weber to discuss the impact of this process, congressional action moving forward, and ramifications for the U.S. fiscal position.
Please join Michael Barber and Margaret Spellings to discuss the state of elementary and secondary education in the U.S., focusing on workforce development and the preparedness of American students in comparison to others around the globe.
On the occasion of CFR's 90th anniversary, we will examine through a series of meetings and other projects how policies at home will directly influence the economic and military strength of the United States and its ability to act in the world.
Session One: An Overview of the Global Debt Crisis
Alan Greenspan, President, Greenspan Associates LLC; Former Chairman, Federal Reserve Board
Presider: Sebastian Mallaby, Director of the Maurice R. Greenberg Center for Geoeconomic Studies and Paul A. Volcker Senior Fellow for International Economics, Council on Foreign Relations
8:00 to 8:30 AM Breakfast Reception
8:30 to 9:30 AM Meeting
Session Two: Addressing the U.S. Deficit Problem
Jacob J. Lew, Director, White House Office of Management and Budget
Presider: Gillian Tett, U.S. Managing Editor, Financial Times
9:45 to 10:45 AM Meeting
Session Three: The Future of the Eurozone
Jacob F. Kirkegaard, Research Fellow, Peter G. Peterson Institute for International Economics; Senior Associate, Rhodium Group
Thomas Philippon, John L. Vogelstein Faculty Fellow and Associate Professor of Finance, Leonard N. Stern School of Business, New York University
Benn Steil, Senior Fellow and Director of International Economics, Council on Foreign Relations
Presider:Frank Brosens, Founder and Principal, Taconic Capital Advisors
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Meeting
12:00 to 1:00 PM Lunch Reception
With continued volatility in financial and housing markets, is the real economy a better indicator of prospects for economic growth and domestic job creation? Please join corporate chief economists Gene Huang and Marco Annunziata as they discuss the economic outlook for the real economy both globally and in the United States.
On the occasion of CFR's 90th anniversary, we will examine through a series of meetings and other projects how policies at home will directly influence the economic and military strength of the United States and its ability to act in the world.
**For further analysis, please visit CFR.org's Renewing America project page.
In advance of the 2012 elections, please join Scott Keeter and Steven Kull to discuss trends in public opinion throughout the United States, focusing on the potential of public attitudes to shape U.S. domestic and foreign policy.
**For additional analysis of politics and foreign policy, please visit "The Water's Edge" blog by CFR Senior Vice President, Director of Studies, and Maurice R. Greenberg Chair James M. Lindsay, by clicking on the link below:
http://blogs.cfr.org/lindsay/category/campaign-2012/
As policymakers debate ways to improve infrastructure in the United States, please join Kurt Nagle and Russell Roberts for a discussion on the state of U.S. infrastructure and its impact on the global competitiveness of U.S. industry.
On the occasion of CFR's 90th anniversary, we will examine through a series of meetings and other projects how policies at home will directly influence the economic and military strength of the United States and its ability to act in the world.
Please join Eric Hirschhorn for a conversation on the Obama administration's Export Control Reform Initiative, which intends to reform the current system to enhance U.S. national security and strengthen the ability to counter threats such as the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and broader export control issues.
The report of the Independent Task Force on U.S. Trade and Investment Policy calls for a “pro-America” trade policy that brings to more Americans more of the benefits of global engagement, within the framework of a strengthened, rules-based trading system.
The Task Force recommends a new U.S. trade and investment strategy based on seven pillars: a trade negotiation strategy to open markets for the most competitive U.S. sectors, especially within emerging markets; the implementation of a National Investment Initiative to coordinate investment policy and attract good jobs to the United States; a renewed effort to bolster trade enforcement; increased government promotion of American exports; the expansion of trade to foster development in the world’s poorest countries; comprehensive worker adjustment and retraining programs; and the establishment of a presidential mandate to negotiate trade-opening agreements with an assurance of timely congressional action.
**Please note special time.**
Related readings: The Dangerous Mirage of Washington Deficit Plans by the Center for Geoeconomic Studies; The Folly of U.S. Debt Brinkmanship by Sebastian Mallaby; Hard Slog-the Real Future of the U.S. Economy by Peter R. Orszag
Please join Karen Mills for a conversation on the role of small businesses in expanding economic development, focusing on the efforts of the U.S. Small Business Administration in driving job growth, promoting access to capital, and confronting the challenges of the current economic environment.
On the occasion of CFR's 90th anniversary, we will examine through a series of meetings and other projects how policies at home will directly influence the economic and military strength of the United States and its ability to act in the world.
On Wednesday, June 15, 2011, the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) will hold a half-day, multisession symposium in Washington, DC, on U.S. immigration policy. The symposium will include a keynote address by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who co-chairs the Partnership for a New American Economy, a coalition of mayors and business leaders from across the country making an economic case for immigration reform. Additionally, the event will focus on the importance of immigration for the economic future of the United States and the prospects for political cooperation on immigration-related legislation. The symposium will convene policymakers, Council members, the media, and other opinion leaders to have a candid discussion on new options for immigration policy reforms, using the CFR Independent Task Force on U.S. Immigration Policy as a launching pad.
The symposium is scheduled from 9:15 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For further details, please refer to the agenda below.
For more information on the CFR-sponsored Independent Task Force on U.S. Immigration Policy, please click the following link: http://www.cfr.org/immigration/us-immigration-policy/p20030
This event is made possible through generous support from the Ford Foundation.
Symposium Agenda:
9:15 - 9:45 a.m. Registration and Breakfast Reception
9:45 - 10:00 a.m. Welcoming Remarks
10:00 - 11:15 a.m. Session One: Immigration as an Economic Engine
Alejandro Mayorkas, Director, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Vivek Wadhwa, Senior Research Associate, Labor and Worklife Program, Harvard Law School; Edward Alden, Bernard L. Schwartz Senior Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations; Presider: Matthew Winkler, Editor in Chief, Bloomberg News
11:15 - 11:25 a.m. Break
11:25 a.m. - 12:40 p.m. Session Two: Political Pathways for Progress
David Price, U.S. Representative from North Carolina; Alfonso Aguilar, Executive Director, Latino Partnership for Conservative Principles; Andrew Kohut, President, Pew Research Center; Presider: Edward Schumacher-Matos, Ombudsman, NPR
12:40 - 1:15 p.m. Lunch Buffet
1:15 - 1:45 p.m. Session Three: Keynote Address
Michael Bloomberg, Mayor, City of New York Presider: Julia Preston, National Immigration Correspondent, New York Times
1:45 - 2:00 p.m. Closing Remarks
Please join Douglas Holtz-Eakin and Richard Jackson as they discuss the role of nondiscretionary spending in the overall U.S. debt picture, as well as potential avenues for addressing entitlement expenditures moving forward.
On the occasion of CFR's 90th anniversary, we will examine through a series of meetings and other projects how policies at home will directly influence the economic and military strength of the United States and its ability to act in the world.
For related CFR work, please see:
http://www.cfr.org/financial-crises/dangerous-us-government-debt/p22408
Related Readings: Obama's Remarks on "A Secure Energy Future," March 2011; Blog: Energy, Security, and Climate, by Michael Levi; Energy Innovation, CFR Report by Michael Levi, Elizabeth Economy, Shannon O'Neil, and Adam Segal
As members of the "gang of six" on Capitol Hill wrestle with the federal debt challenge, several U.S. states continue to struggle with their own serious budget problems. Please join Robert Ehrlich, Robert Kurtter, and Edward Rendell for a conversation on the political and financial implications of state debt for the United States.
On the occasion of CFR's 90th anniversary, we will examine through a series of meetings and other projects how policies at home will directly influence the economic and military strength of the United States and its ability to act in the world.
Please join John Engler and Andrew Stern to discuss the current state of the U.S. job market, options to address job creation and unemployment, and the capacity of the U.S. to continue to compete globally.
On the occasion of CFR's 90th anniversary, we will examine, through a series of meetings and other projects, how policies at home will directly influence the economic and military strength of the United States and its ability to act in the world.
Fundamental fiscal challenges and a fragmented political system are fueling concerns about the United States as an investment destination. Yet, Volkswagen, an iconic brand worldwide, is nearing completion of a billion-dollar U.S. manufacturing plant in Tennessee, with a production goal of 150,000 vehicles annually. Please join Mr. Browning as he shares his views on his company's aggressive investment in the United States as well as the future of manufacturing, the global automobile market, and other topics.
On the occasion of CFR's 90th anniversary, we will examine through a series of meetings and other projects how policies at home will directly influence the economic and military strength of the United States and its ability to act in the world.
This meeting is part of the CEO Speaker Series, which provides a forum for leading global CEOs to share their priorities and insights before a high-level audience of CFR members. The series aims to educate the CFR membership on the private sector's important role in the policy debate by engaging the global business community's top leadership.
As new information on the demographic composition of the United States becomes available from the 2010 Census, please join Jack A. Goldstone and Carl Haub to discuss long-term population trends and the impact of these changes on the ability of the U.S. to compete internationally.
On the occasion of CFR's 90th anniversary, we will examine through a series of meetings and other projects how policies at home will directly influence the economic and military strength of the United States and its ability to act in the world.
On the occasion of CFR's 90th anniversary, we will examine through a series of meetings and other projects how policies at home will directly influence the economic and military strength of the United States and its ability to act in the world.
As the International Trade Administration prepares to release its 2011 National Export Strategy, please join Francisco J. Sánchez to discuss elements of the report and other pressing global trade issues.
On the occasion of CFR's 90th anniversary, we will examine through a series of meetings and other projects how policies at home will directly influence the economic and military strength of the United States and its ability to act in the world.
As Congress debates discretionary spending reductions and prepares for potential showdowns on the statutory debt ceiling and entitlement reform, join Richard Haass and Peter Orszag to discuss the implications of debt for the future of U.S. power.
On the occasion of CFR's 90th anniversary, we will examine through a series of meetings and other projects how policies at home will directly influence the economic and military strength of the United States and its ability to act in the world.
Related reading: The Municipal Debt Bubble by Veronique de Rugy
The emergence of India and China as economic powers has shifted the global landscape and called into question the ability of the United States to compete and maintain its technological lead. In his new book, "Advantage," Adam Segal sorts out the challenges the United States faces and focuses on what drives innovation, what constrains it, and what advantages can be leveraged. Dr. Segal makes the compelling case for the crucial role of the "software" of innovation and suggests that by strengthening its politics, social relations, and institutions that move ideas from the lab to the marketplace, the United States can play to its greatest economic strengths and preserve its position as a global power.
On the occasion of CFR’s 90th anniversary, we will examine through a series of meetings and other projects how policies at home will directly influence the economic and military strength of the United States and its ability to act in the world.
For more information on Advantage, visit:
http://www.cfr.org/publication/22710/advantage.html
On the occasion of CFR's 90th anniversary, we will examine through a series of meetings and projects how policies at home will directly influence the economic and military strength of the United States and its ability to act in the world.
The Renewing America initiative explores the major domestic challenges facing the United States that have significant consequences for national security and foreign policy.
CFR Board member James W. Owens discusses the importance of competitiveness and free trade with CFR's Camille Massey.
Roger Altman, former Treasury deputy secretary, discusses the prospects for the U.S. debt and deficit with The Wall Street Journal's John Bussey.
No One's World
by Charles A. Kupchan
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The US-South Korea Alliance
edited by Scott A. Snyder
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