Nina Hachigian, Author of The Next American Century

Nina Hachigian, the Senior Vice President at The Center for American Progress and a visiting scholar of the Center for International Security and Cooperation at Stanford University, spoke in Columbia recently at a luncheon hosted by the World Affairs Council.  She is also the co-author of a new book entitled, The Next American Century: How the U.S. Can Thrive as Other Powers Rise.

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MidlandsBiz:
What are the main conclusions of your book?

Nina Hachigian:
Since the 21st century promises to be characterized by multiple and competing sources of global power, America needs to reevaluate its post Cold War foreign policy, and welcome the growing pivotal powers in the world into the discussion: India, Brazil, China, and Russia.  In some instances, we will be forced to sit down with our former enomies.  We also have to be engaged on a different level with our more traditional allies such as the European Union and Japan.

We have to make the American dream compatible with globalization.  That is the greatest challenge that President-elect Obama will have when he arrives at the White House. 

MidlandsBiz:
What are some of the other challenges that America faces?

Nina Hachigian:
We have to ensure that we are competing on a level playing field, that trade rules and agreements are properly enforced, and also that countries such as China are not unfairly manipulating their currency to make their goods cheaper on the international market.  But if Team America is not in shape, it will all be moot anyway.     

We need to improve our ability to innovative.  This has always been a key driver of our economy, but we are starting to fall short in our ability to produce, attract and retain world class scientists and mathematicians.  Typically, we have imported these human resources from other countries, but with the level of innovation that we are witnessing in China and India, now many of these top scientists are being lured back to their home countries.  We have to make it easier for them to stay in the United States, and also to do a much better job of educating our own children in math and science.

We have a health care system that does not control costs for businesses who shoulder the responsibility of delivering health care through corporate plans.  If companies can’t control costs, they will simply look for alternatives and offshore their jobs.   People don’t want to leave their corporate job and start their own business because they don’t want to lose their healthcare.  That is a huge problem.  We need a healthcare system that controls costs and is readily available at affordable rates to people who want to start their own small businesses.

The choices that we make domestically really matter to our international standing.

MidlandsBiz:
What role should America play in the world?

Nina Hachigian:
The message that we are hearing from interviews that we have done is that other countries want the U.S. to lead in the area of world affairs – but not in the way that we have been doing it.  We have to assume the mantle of leadership in the world, but it has to be more geared towards building consensus. 

In order to pressure a country like Iran effectively, we need all the other major countries on board.  If we try the route of negotiation and fail, we will be in a much better position to exert diplomatic pressure.   

MidlandsBiz:
What are some of the critical issues facing the U.S. and the global economy?

Nina Hachigian:
A terrorist attack or a pandemic (like avian flu) are the two most probable crises likely to affect Americans at home.  On a very practical level, America has to cooperate with other countries on these issues on a daily, concrete way in order to prevent such a disaster form happening.  American security did not used to be so dependent on international cooperation, but in an age of globalization and technology, it is inevitable.  Financial stability, climate change, and non-proliferation are other critical issue facing all of mankind and are clearly areas where cooperation amongst all countries will be critical.

MidlandsBiz:
What channels do you recommend that the U.S. take in fostering this international level of cooperation?  Do you suggest organizations such as the United Nations?

Nina Hachigian:
The Presidency, the Executive Branch obviously has a huge say in American foreign policy and will continue to be the best way to engage the world.  I am encouraged that we will have our first Cold War President who seems willing to embrace a more collaborative style of foreign policy.

Americans don’t have a very good track record when it comes to supporting international organizations; that needs to change.  We now have expanded to the incorporate the G-20, not just the G-8 as the main operative body of the global economy.  You can’t fight a world wide epidemic without a body like the World Health Organization.  The International Monetary Fund has stepped up to the plate recently and helped provide assistance in financial issues.  Working through these organizations is actually more efficient and economical for America. 

We have to beef up our diplomatic capacity by putting more resources into non-military national security.