The Korea Times
amn_close.png
amn_bl.png
National
  • Politics
  • Foreign Affairs
  • Multicultural Community
  • Defense
  • Environment & Animals
  • Law & Crime
  • Society
  • Health & Science
amn_bl.png
Business
  • Tech
  • Bio
  • Companies
amn_bl.png
Finance
  • Companies
  • Economy
  • Markets
  • Cryptocurrency
amn_bl.png
Opinion
  • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Thoughts of the Times
  • Cartoon
  • Today in History
  • Blogs
  • Tribune Service
  • Blondie & Garfield
  • Letter to President
  • Letter to the Editor
amn_bl.png
Lifestyle
  • Travel & Food
  • Trends
  • People & Events
  • Books
  • Around Town
  • Fortune Telling
amn_bl.png
Entertainment & Arts
  • K-pop
  • Films
  • Shows & Dramas
  • Music
  • Theater & Others
amn_bl.png
Sports
amn_bl.png
World
  • SCMP
  • Asia
amn_bl.png
Video
  • Korean Storytellers
  • POPKORN
  • Culture
  • People
  • News
amn_bl.png
Photos
  • Photo News
  • Darkroom
amn_NK.png amn_DR.png amn_LK.png amn_LE.png
  • bt_fb_on_2022.svgbt_fb_over_2022.svg
  • bt_twitter_on_2022.svgbt_twitter_over_2022.svg
  • bt_youtube_on_2022.svgbt_youtube_over_2022.svg
  • bt_instagram_on_2022.svgbt_instagram_over_2022.svg
The Korea Times
amn_close.png
amn_bl.png
National
  • Politics
  • Foreign Affairs
  • Multicultural Community
  • Defense
  • Environment & Animals
  • Law & Crime
  • Society
  • Health & Science
amn_bl.png
Business
  • Tech
  • Bio
  • Companies
amn_bl.png
Finance
  • Companies
  • Economy
  • Markets
  • Cryptocurrency
amn_bl.png
Opinion
  • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Thoughts of the Times
  • Cartoon
  • Today in History
  • Blogs
  • Tribune Service
  • Blondie & Garfield
  • Letter to President
  • Letter to the Editor
amn_bl.png
Lifestyle
  • Travel & Food
  • Trends
  • People & Events
  • Books
  • Around Town
  • Fortune Telling
amn_bl.png
Entertainment & Arts
  • K-pop
  • Films
  • Shows & Dramas
  • Music
  • Theater & Others
amn_bl.png
Sports
amn_bl.png
World
  • SCMP
  • Asia
amn_bl.png
Video
  • Korean Storytellers
  • POPKORN
  • Culture
  • People
  • News
amn_bl.png
Photos
  • Photo News
  • Darkroom
amn_NK.png amn_DR.png amn_LK.png amn_LE.png
  • bt_fb_on_2022.svgbt_fb_over_2022.svg
  • bt_twitter_on_2022.svgbt_twitter_over_2022.svg
  • bt_youtube_on_2022.svgbt_youtube_over_2022.svg
  • bt_instagram_on_2022.svgbt_instagram_over_2022.svg
  • Login
  • Register
  • Login
  • Register
  • The Korea Times
  • search
  • all menu
  • Login
  • Subscribe
  • Photos
  • Video
  • World
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment & Art
  • Lifestyle
  • Finance
  • Business
  • National
  • North Korea
  • 1

    Disgraced ex-minister's daughter says she feels proud, qualified as a doctor

  • 3

    Ex-gov't employee summarily indicted for alleged attempt to sell Jungkook's lost hat

  • 5

    Coupang reveals Asia's largest fulfillment center in Daegu

  • 7

    'Celebrity forests' emerge as new K-pop trend in Seoul

  • 9

    Korean Peninsula may face fallout from balloon saga

  • 11

    SM founder Lee Soo-man returns home, in hospital to treat arm fracture

  • 13

    Rescuers race against time as Turkey-Syria quake death toll passes 5,000

  • 15

    Apple confirms launch of Apple Pay in Korea

  • 17

    INTERVIEW'Korea, US can create synergy in space industry': NASA ambassador

  • 19

    Seoul narrows in on new slogan

  • 2

    Singer Lee Seung-gi to marry actor Lee Da-in in April

  • 4

    SM in internal feud over founder's exit from producing

  • 6

    Seoul city zeroes in on foreign residents' unpaid taxes

  • 8

    Tiger endures 3 years of solitary confinement in closed zoo

  • 10

    Netflix survival show 'Physical 100' attracts viewers with sweat, muscle and human story

  • 12

    Peak Time: Survival show for lesser-known K-pop boy bands to hit air

  • 14

    Ex-justice minister, daughter blamed for unrepentant attitude over academic fraud

  • 16

    PHOTOSTurkey-Syria earthquake

  • 18

    K-pop stars and dating

  • 20

    South Korea steps up efforts to resolve issue of aging separated families

Close scrollclosebutton

Close for 24 hours

Open
  • The Korea Times
  • search
  • all menu
  • Login
  • Subscribe
  • Photos
  • Video
  • World
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment & Art
  • Lifestyle
  • Finance
  • Business
  • National
  • North Korea
National
  • Politics
  • Foreign Affairs
  • Multicultural Community
  • Defense
  • Environment & Animals
  • Law & Crime
  • Society
  • Health & Science
Thu, February 9, 2023 | 18:49
Today`s Column
Presidential Candidates Overseas Travels
Posted : 2008-07-27 16:02
Updated : 2008-07-27 16:02
Print PreviewPrint Preview
Font Size UpFont Size Up
Font Size DownFont Size Down
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • kakaolink
  • whatsapp
  • reddit
  • mailto
  • link


By Michael R. Czinkota

Barack Obama, a key candidate and the presumptive nominee for the U.S. presidency, is traveling around the globe. Some claim it to be a bit unusual for a non-elected candidate to undertake such a trip.

But such visits should be welcomed ― they are great opportunities for listening and learning. Both candidates should consider regular outreach to the world. If physical travel is not possible, there should at least be virtual contact.

Current outreach differs in major ways from earlier trips by U.S. leaders. For many decades, U.S. leaders toured nations to impart their views, while bearing policy gifts to the countries visited.

The goal was for others to better understand what the United States stood for, and what new policy initiatives meant. When international statesmen came to visit the United States, they typically expected to be briefed on new U.S. positions, demonstrate their closeness with U.S. policymakers and receive special concessions.

In the present economic and political climate, the tables are turned. Now U.S. leaders need to learn and listen in order to integrate global perspectives into their thinking. Their acceptance abroad will influence the U.S. view of a candidate's capability.

Hosts no longer need to rely on intermediaries and be misled in outcome expectations, as was the case in the last U.S. elections. Instead of receiving gifts, they need to consider what policy concessions and support they can offer to the United States.

The world is looking forward to the next U.S. administration. New directions are expected on military, economic and political issues. After eight years, the entrenched policies and approaches of any administration will restrain flexibility. It is as though the ship of state has become weighed down by the many crustaceans attached to its keel. The dislodging of the barnacles may improve its speed and maneuverability.

Now that there is an early opportunity for the addressing of new directions, it is important to consider what world leaders could be prepared to present to their visitors in support of a redefined partnership. Here are some possible offerings:

Canada and Mexico ― the U.S.' largest and closest partners, could provide close collaboration in the energy field.

Mexico's offer could focus on developing its internal market, in order to reduce the emigration pressures on its citizens. Together with other Central and South American partners, it could volunteer increased efforts, aimed at restricting drug production and trafficking.

Europe, an economic superpower, could acknowledge that politics do play a role in economic issues. Of concern are interest rates, the strength of the dollar and energy prices. A greater openness to genetically modified organisms (GMOs) would improve agricultural policies and negotiations.

Stronger enforcement of anti-bribery rules could relieve a major burden for the U.S. There can be much more civilian assistance and financial contribution by the EU in both Afghanistan and Iraq, and more collaboration on Iran.

Greater European investment in Africa, specifically by France and Italy, could demonstrate European commitment to hotspots, such as Sudan, Zimbabwe, and Kenya.

Given global concerns about energy, a new proposal could create a Global Energy Conservation Corps. Building on discussions held in Liechtenstein, young people could spend time learning about the tools, devices, and measurement of energy conservation and then reach out globally.

A hands-on commitment to service and sustainability would increase emotional connections and networking on a global scale.

Asia could offer more defense and more food to the world. Quotas, duties, and export bans of foodstuffs, could be voluntarily reduced.

Vietnam, India, Cambodia, and Japan could divest their stockpiles to increase supply. Others could lead by supporting openness, freedom, and individual liberty and demonstrate to the world that there is a common vision of a human future.

A jumpstart of the Doha Round of trade negotiations could reconfirm global support for trade and investment flows. Currently, only the fierce opposition of those who suffer from globalization is visible.

Vitriolic anti-globalization campaigns are generated, even if only a small portion of troubles emanate from international issues. Initiatives and collaboration from those who gain from international economic activity are crucial. Success needs much greater visibility and continuity, to discourage those worshipping on the altar of protectionism.

African leaders need to prevent cultural conflicts from becoming irreconcilable. They must ensure that societies are cohesive, linked, and ready for collaboration. Joint enforcement of behavioral standards for human dignity would be essential.

Islamic leadership could demonstrate its willingness to be more inclusive and offer an increased commitment to the reduction of discrimination against non-Muslims. Such collaboration should clarify that there is no orchestrated international effort against Islam.

The Bush administration intended to leverage U.S. humility in foreign policy. However, unforeseen events derailed this plan. Getting to know each other more is good, as is ongoing communication.

Right now, there is a need for clear, supportive, and specific actions, which key nations can propose to the U.S., in order to reaffirm a more equitable international partnership. Candidates around the globe should travel more to increase their exposure and understanding.

Michael Czinkota conducts research in international business and marketing at Georgetown University and the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom. He served in trade policy positions in the Reagan and Bush administrations. He can be reached at czinkotm@georgetown.edu.
 
Top 10 Stories
1Korean Peninsula may face fallout from balloon saga Korean Peninsula may face fallout from balloon saga
2[PHOTOS] Turkey-Syria earthquake PHOTOSTurkey-Syria earthquake
3Daughter-centered photos, title of honor reinforce speculation over North Korea succession Daughter-centered photos, title of honor reinforce speculation over North Korea succession
4SM's management dispute to benefit KakaoSM's management dispute to benefit Kakao
5[INTERVIEW] 'Growth slowdown can accelerate depletion of retirement pension fund' INTERVIEW'Growth slowdown can accelerate depletion of retirement pension fund'
6National Assembly votes to impeach interior minister for Itaewon tragedy National Assembly votes to impeach interior minister for Itaewon tragedy
7Philip Morris seeks to surpass KT&G in e-cigarette market Philip Morris seeks to surpass KT&G in e-cigarette market
8Key real estate owned by McDonald's Korea excluded from sale Key real estate owned by McDonald's Korea excluded from sale
9SM6 Feel attracts customers with popular options, low price SM6 Feel attracts customers with popular options, low price
10Korean companies move to support victims in earthquake-hit Turkey, Syria Korean companies move to support victims in earthquake-hit Turkey, Syria
Top 5 Entertainment News
1SM in internal feud over founder's exit from producing SM in internal feud over founder's exit from producing
2Peak Time: Survival show for lesser-known K-pop boy bands to hit air Peak Time: Survival show for lesser-known K-pop boy bands to hit air
3K-pop stars and dating K-pop stars and dating
4Investigation into Yoo Ah-in's alleged drug use likely to affect release of his films, series Investigation into Yoo Ah-in's alleged drug use likely to affect release of his films, series
5Kim Ok-vin, Yoo Teo show enemies-to-lovers dynamic in 'Love to Hate You' Kim Ok-vin, Yoo Teo show enemies-to-lovers dynamic in 'Love to Hate You'
DARKROOM
  • [PHOTOS] Turkey-Syria earthquake

    [PHOTOS] Turkey-Syria earthquake

  • Nepal plane crash

    Nepal plane crash

  • Brazil capital uprising

    Brazil capital uprising

  • Happy New Year 2023

    Happy New Year 2023

  • World Cup 2022 Final - Argentina vs France

    World Cup 2022 Final - Argentina vs France

CEO & Publisher : Oh Young-jin
Digital News Email : webmaster@koreatimes.co.kr
Tel : 02-724-2114
Online newspaper registration No : 서울,아52844
Date of registration : 2020.02.05
Masthead : The Korea Times
Copyright © koreatimes.co.kr. All rights reserved.
  • About Us
  • Introduction
  • History
  • Contact Us
  • Products & Services
  • Subscribe
  • E-paper
  • RSS Service
  • Content Sales
  • Site Map
  • Policy
  • Code of Ethics
  • Ombudsman
  • Privacy Statement
  • Terms of Service
  • Copyright Policy
  • Family Site
  • Hankook Ilbo
  • Dongwha Group