America’s Influence at 250

This conversation was part of the 2026 Meridian Summit: Shaping American Influence.

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The 2026 Meridian Summit opened with a panel discussion on America’s Influence at 250, which examined how the United States can translate its strengths into influence in an increasingly competitive world. The panel featured Ross Perot Jr., Chairman of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Rep. April McClain Delaney, U.S. Representative (MD-06), Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Keith Kellogg, Advisory Board Chair, BGR Group, and Peter Bergen, Vice President for Global Studies and Fellows, New America, moderated by Kylie Atwood, National Security Correspondent. 

The discussion focused on what sustains American influence: a strong economy, technological leadership, clear strategic goals, and allies that trust U.S. commitments. 

Here are the Top Takeaways from the Program:

1. ECONOMIC STRENGTH IS THE FOUNDATION OF AMERICAN POWER

A strong economy supports military capabilities, research, and diplomacy. But prosperity alone does not guarantee influence. Entrepreneurship, trusted commercial relationships, and opportunities that benefit partners help turn economic strength into international leadership.  

2. ALLIANCES AND TRUST MULTIPLY NATIONAL CAPABILITIES

Diplomatic and alliance networks allow the United States to extend its reach and make its economic, technological, and military strengths more consequential. These relationships depend on confidence that American commitments will remain credible and that partners will be treated as reliable collaborators over time. When trust erodes, the consequences can extend beyond immediate disagreements, weakening cooperation and limiting the choices available to future U.S. leaders. Strong alliances are not just a source of American power; they are how that power gets things done. “We need to keep focusing on making sure that those alliances remain strong, especially with Europeans as well as in the Pacific” stated General Keith Kellogg. 

3. STRATEGIC CREDIBILITY REQUIRES CLEAR OBJECTIVES AND A REALISTIC END STATE

Iraq, Afghanistan, and the ongoing war in Ukraine show why strategy needs to account for local realities, potential consequences, and what comes after the initial action. Military action can be easier to begin than to bring to a successful conclusion, as Peter Bergen stressed by quoting Machiavelli, “Wars begin when you please, they do not end when you will.” Clear objectives and a realistic endgame are essential. U.S. credibility also depends on consistency in its principles and its ability to work with allies. Effective leadership means making decisions based on facts and planning for the long-term consequences. 

4. TECHNOLOGY LEADERSHIP DEPENDS ON BALANCING INNOVATION WITH SAFEGUARDS

AI and biotechnology could bring major advances in health, productivity, and national security, but they also carry risks if misused or poorly managed. The challenge is to put sensible safeguards in place without slowing innovation unnecessarily. “We can do both: innovate and have consumer protections. We do it in a lot of other industries” stressed Rep. April McClain Delaney. Clear standards, transparency, and accountability can help build trust and make it easier for new technologies to be adopted. Countries that help shape international standards will also have a say in how these technologies are developed, traded, and used. 

5. GLOBAL INFLUENCE COMES FROM CONNECTING GOVERNMENT, BUSINESS, RESEARCH, AND DIPLOMACY

American strengths are most effective when they reinforce one another rather than operate in isolation. Businesses can contribute technology and industrial capacity to security partnerships and reconstruction; research institutions can advance public health and competitiveness; and diplomacy can help turn innovation into shared standards and durable cooperation. As Chairman Ross Perot noted, “American industry and American economic power has been so important to help the Ukrainians.” These outcomes require active coordination among government, industry, academia, and international partners—not an assumption that U.S. advantages will automatically produce influence. Relationships are the connective tissue that turns national resources into international results.