Thursday, 11 April
The final day of NAFAC began with a keynote from Dr. Hal Brands. He built on the conversation of the past two days, speaking to implications for bilateral relations with Russia and China. Dr. Brands explained that in the 90s it was assumed that China and Russia would be enthusiastic and responsible fixtures in global politics. This was optimistic, and Dr. Brands asserted that as a result, the 21st century will be marked by authoritarian persistence and spread of power among geopolitically diverse players. He also warned that a U.S. dominated world order cannot coexist with the goals of Russia and China.
In panel moderated by Midshipman First Class Luka Bakic, Dr. Kendall-Taylor, and Dr. Economy delved into the specifics of relations with China and Russia. Dr. Kendall-Taylor explained that U.S. recognition of Israel’s control over Golan Heights set a precedent that annexation of territory will eventually be recognized by international community. Illustrating the geopolitical landscape from the Russian perspective, Dr. Kendall-Taylor stated that the rise of populist movements and authoritarian regimes in Europe suggests a bright future for Russian influence. She concludes from all of this that Russia sees role as confronting U.S. unilateralism, and prioritizes Russian autonomy and influence above all else.
Dr. Economy focused on the Chinese vision for the future: China moving toward center stage, becoming essential to international order. She explained that Chinese leadership hopes to transition the nation from being a manufacturing center to a global center of innovation. She touched on the Belt and Road initiative, emphasizing China’s goals of using it to influence world values, not just economics. Dr. Economy highlighted China’s focus on ending the U.S.-led alliance system.
The afternoon was dominated by the NAFAC simulation. The simulation offered delegates an exciting and engaging opportunity to apply the lessons learned in various panels and roundtables to challenging strategic scenarios. This year’s simulation was split into three concurrent instances which each offered different lessons learned. In one instance, smaller powers turned quickly to the development of nuclear weapons in order to increase their global standing; in another, an eccentric monarch left his own state to form a new and independent island-state which attracted defectors from around the world for its neutral strategic posture. Throughout, it was clear that strong leaders had the opportunity to either uphold the rule-based order through multilateral engagements and the proper use of international organizations, or to undermine the order through unilateral actions and deceptive behavior. Overall, delegates walked away from the simulation energized and excited about all they had learned.
The Foreign Affairs Conference Staff would like to thank all speakers, panelists, and delegates for their contributions to this year’s conference, as well as the Naval Institute for their continued support of NAFAC and the Brigade of Midshipmen.