The islands that make up Micronesia include Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, and the U.S. territories of Guam, Midway Islands, and Wake Island. The islands were fiercely contested and valued as military assets during World War II. They continue to be of interest to the larger powers, including the US, China, and Japan.
What other role can these islands play apart from “Military Assets,” to sustain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region? The forum will examine topics such as U.S. policy toward Micronesia; economic development; relations with China and Japan; relations among the other Micronesian nation states; and Micronesia’s military and economic alliances.
The Office of Peace and Security Affairs hosts monthly forums on volatile areas around the world and explores ways in which lasting peace can be established with emphasis on “soft power” solutions.
Co-moderators:
Dr. Satu P. Limaye, Director, East-West Center in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Mark Borthwick, Director, U.S. Asia Pacific Council, Washington, D.C.
Host:
Dr. Antonio Betancourt, Director, Office of Peace and Security Affairs, UPF-Washington, D.C.
