SABES Presents: The World Order in Transition -What Comes Next?

Proudly co-sponsored by the Lewis Center of the Americas and the World Affairs Council, Dr. Wescott will present on global trade. For the past 80 years, the world economy has been structured around the globalization business model—built upon the free flow of goods, services, and capital across countries. The United States has been the essential builder and supporter of this system with its strong military, defense of the rule of law, open financial markets, support for free trade, receptivity to foreign workers and students, and support for key international institutions like NATO, the United Nations, the G-20, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank. A series of changes now threaten key pillars of this world order—from military action (Iran, Russia, Ukraine, etc.), to a breakdown in diplomatic relations among historical allies, to a surge in new tariffs and trade barriers. Some observers worry that American “soft power” may be dissipating. In this session, former White House international economic advisor Robert F. Wescott will offer a tour of the horizon, share his assessment of areas of concern, and provide insights about how American businesses might try to position themselves to deal with the impacts.