Challenges to America's Security

• What are the lessons for national security and foreign policy that can be passed from earlier administrations to the incoming Bush administration and new Congress?
• When and how should the U.S. take the lead in resolving international crises?
• To what extent should the next administration consider restructuring the executive branch to bring strategic planing and improved policy implementation into the 21st Century?

On January 17, 2001, the United States Institute of Peace webcast the first of a series of special programs designed to examine these and other challenges to America's security in the new century. Entitled "Passing the Baton: Challenges of Statecraft for the New Administration," this program featured a rich array of seasoned senior foreign policy and national security leaders and former officials. Included throughout the day were remarks by Brent Scowcroft, Robert Rubin, William Perry, Anthony Lake, Strobe Talbott, Senator Joe Biden, and others.

Featured at mid-day was a keynote address by National Security Advisor Samuel Berger on "Foreign Policy in an Era of Globalization." In the afternoon National Security Advisor-designate Condoleezza Rice made a special address on "National Security Challenges for the New Administration."

Other national security and foreign policy issues which were examined included:

• Organizing for National Security Policy;
• Why Partnership with Russia is So Elusive;
• America as Peacemaker;
• Building a Stable Balkans; and
• Securing Peace in Northeast Asia.

This Internet event was webcast all day on January 17th, beginning with the opening remarks at 9:00 AM, and concluded at approximately 6:30 PM EST.

In May 2001, USIP released a Peaceworks highlighting the conversations and presentations of the day.