Rahm Emanuel, the former mayor of Chicago and current U.S. ambassador to Japan, shares his insights on international diplomacy and policy. He discusses the interconnectedness of geopolitical tensions involving China, Russia, and the Middle East. Emanuel also highlights Japan's strategic role in U.S. defense and the complexities of U.S.-China relations. Reflecting on his Jewish identity, he tackles the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and emphasizes the importance of national service in unifying diverse societies.
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volunteer_activism ADVICE
Serving the President
When a president offers you a position, accept it.
Consider the strategic importance of the role and the potential for impactful contributions.
insights INSIGHT
Importance of Japan
Japan is a crucial ally and the largest foreign direct investor in the US.
It is essential for US security and economic interests in the Indo-Pacific.
insights INSIGHT
Military Industrial Base Weakness
The US military industrial base is weakened and unable to meet current demands.
Allies like Japan can help bridge this gap through collaborative efforts.
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In 'Judgment at Tokyo', Gary J. Bass provides an authoritative and detailed account of the Tokyo war-crimes trial, which followed World War II. The book delves into the complexities of the trial, including the political tensions, the debate over Emperor Hirohito's guilt, and the failure to prosecute key figures like Shirō Ishii. Bass examines how the trial reflected the postwar geopolitical landscape, including the rise of communism in China and the onset of the Cold War. The book is a result of a decade of research and offers a riveting narrative of wartime actions, courtroom battles, and the formative years of the postwar era in the Asia-Pacific region.
Asia's Reckoning
Richard McGregor
Asia's Reckoning delves into the intricate dynamics between China, Japan, and the United States, highlighting historical conflicts and domestic politics that shape their relationships. The book examines how these dynamics are reshaping the global order, particularly as U.S. influence in the Pacific wanes. McGregor draws on extensive archival research and interviews with key figures to provide a nuanced understanding of these critical international relationships.
The Politics of Diplomacy
Revolution, War, and Peace, 1989-1992
Thomas M. DeFrank
James Addison Baker III
In 'The Politics of Diplomacy', James A. Baker III provides a candid account of his tenure as U.S. Secretary of State, covering significant events such as the collapse of Communism, the reunification of Germany, and the Gulf War. The book offers insights into the art of diplomacy and portraits of key leaders like Gorbachev, Thatcher, and Bush.
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Our interests in the Indo-Pacific, Russia-Ukraine, and the Middle East are all interconnected. A regional war in one, could easily trip into a regional war in another — and in some cases actors in one region are already being supported by regional actors from another. Just follow the moves of Beijing, Moscow and Tehran.
Rahm Emanuel has been an energetic diplomat in one of those regions — the Indo-Pacific. He is the U.S. ambassador to Japan. In addition to being a diplomatic and policy practitioner, he has also been an often astute — and sometimes provocative — analyst of the Chinese Government and its moves.
Rahm also has deep roots in American Jewish life and with Israel. He has a lot to say about the lessons he took away from serving in the Clinton administration, where he was involved in President Clinton’s efforts at a two-state solution during the Oslo and Camp David processes.
Rahm also served 4 terms in Congress, where he was a member of the House Democratic Leadership. He was President Obama’s chief of staff for the first two years of the Obama administration, before returning to Chicago to run for mayor, where he served for two terms.
To read Rahm’s piece mentioned in the episode: https://japan-forward.com/lessons-from-israel-timely-for-japan/
Follow Rahm on X: https://x.com/USAmbJapan
Register for Call me Back Live at the Streicker Center: https://streicker.nyc/events/tibon-senor
Call Me Back - with Dan Senor 
