“America’s Leadership in the 21st Century” was the focus of the latest Daniel K. Inouye Speaker Series event held last night with guest speaker retired U.S. Marine Corps General John. R. Allen. Allen, who is currently the president of the Brookings Institute, shared his thoughts on challenges and opportunities in the region in a “fireside chat” format event with DKI APCSS Director retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Pete Gumataotao.

Some of the topics covered include strategic competition with China, key role of partners and allies in the Indo-Pacific, the future of Afghanistan, and the role of new and emerging technologies.

The hybrid event, co-hosted by the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies with the DKI Institute and the Foundation for the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies, included more than 200 people joining virtually from 30 countries and territories across the globe and a limited sized live audience due to COVID safety rules.

According to Director Pete Gumataotao, “the intent of this Speaker Series is to invite Indo-Pacific leaders, both civilian and military, who interact with our Center and share their perspectives with our local community. It’s fitting for our local community to benefit from Sen. Inouye’s vision of bringing leaders from around the world here to Hawaii… a gateway for the U.S. to the Indo-Pacific and a gateway for the region to the us and a multi-racial symbol of a free and open Indo-Pacific to discuss important issues to help us build a more secure, stable and prosperous region.”

This event was the fifth iteration of the series. Previous speakers include then Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper, former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo Pacific Affairs Randall Schriver, former Commander, Indo-Pacific Command Pete Davidson and former U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Harry Harris.