Power, Influence, and the Evolving International Landscape

This conversation was part of the 2025 Meridian Summit: Shaping Geopolitical Futures.

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As global power dynamics continue to shift, the United States faces consequential choices about how to lead, compete, and cooperate in an increasingly complex world. In this bipartisan fireside conversation, Representative Ami Bera, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, joined Heather Nauert, Meridian Trustee and Acting Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs and U.S. Department of State Spokesperson (2017–2019), to discuss what U.S. strategic leadership means in an era of geopolitical uncertainty—from strengthening alliances and ensuring economic resilience to balancing domestic considerations with global leadership.  

Here are the Top Takeaways from the Program:

1. ALLIES' KEY ROLE IN U.S. GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT

 As American voters and policymakers increasingly prioritize domestic issues—from jobs and affordability to opportunities for future generations—the United States’ sustained engagement abroad depends on stronger contributions from its allies and partners. If other nations want the U.S. to remain a leader in global affairs, they must shoulder greater responsibility for maintaining international stability. 

“Our alliances are changing” explained Nauert,  “and our allies are having to shift their thinking and their actions as they work with the new Trump administration.” From investing in security and defense to mediating conflicts and supporting regional stability, deeper partnerships will demonstrate to the American people and policymakers that allies seek more than just America’s resources and capabilities; they seek its leadership and vision.  According to Bera, this allied renewal is already taking place: “I don’t think it’s a Republican or Democratic thing. You’re watching Japan step up and increase its defense spending. You’re watching Korea do the same thing. You’re seeing the Quad Coalition coming together, and AUKUS. So, I think the relationships are going to change, and they’ll probably be more values-based.”  

2. STRONGER FOREIGN PARTNERSHIPS BEGIN WITH BETTER DOMESTIC COOPERATION

Many of America’s core foreign policy priorities—strengthening alliances in the Indo-Pacific, reinforcing supply chains, and advancing economic security—enjoy broad bipartisan support in both Congress and among voters. While the rhetoric may differ, “Democrats and Republicans are pretty much on the same page” stressed Bera. However, limited coordination between the executive branch and Congress has constrained policy effectiveness, with the legislative branch often deferring to the administration. Renewed dialogue and collaboration at home would create a stronger, more unified foundation for America’s engagement abroad. 

3. PEACE AND PROSPERITY IS NOT GUARANTEED

“America’s role in the world is changing. We really do have to pay attention to domestic concerns of a younger generations, and it's not just isolated to America,” explained Bera. Economic pressures, rising inequality, and generational anxieties are global phenomena, not limited to the United States. Nations that share democratic values must work together to preserve the peace and prosperity that have defined recent decades. Continued collaboration both domestically within the United States and internationally among partners is essential to ensuring that future generations inherit a world of stability, opportunity, and shared progress. “We all want our children and grandchildren to enjoy the same peace and prosperity that we did,” Bera added.  

Next Steps:

The path forward for U.S. global engagement lies in balancing domestic renewal with sustained international leadership. Policymakers should prioritize deeper collaboration between Congress and the executive branch to ensure coherent, bipartisan foreign policy strategies. At the same time, America’s allies and partners must take on greater responsibility in advancing shared security and economic resilience. Strengthening these partnerships will reinforce global stability while addressing voters’ desire for policies that deliver tangible benefits at home. As the international landscape grows more complex, continued dialogue among policymakers, diplomats, and citizens will be essential to sustaining America’s role as a trusted, engaged, and values-driven leader on the world stage.