The East Asian Community: An Idea Whose Time has Come?

Although separated by the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, historical, economic, and political ties connect Asia, Oceania, and the United States. The Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center (Shorenstein APARC) is committed to promoting relations within the Asia-Pacific region and between the region and the United States. In keeping with this mission, it established the Stanford Kyoto Trans-Asian Dialogue in 2009.

The annual Dialogue addresses timely issues of mutual concern and interest to Asia-Pacific countries and the United States. Shorenstein APARC held its second annual Dialogue in Kyoto, Japan, September 9–10, 2010. The first Dialogue, held in September 2009, examined the interplay between energy, the environment, and economic growth in Asia. This second annual Dialogue addressed questions related to the regional integration of East Asia, both present and future. Shorenstein APARC brought together scholars and subject experts from nine countries in the Asia-Pacific region and the United States for an exchange of diverse views on this important topic.

To facilitate more open dialogue, the presentations and discussions during the two-day event were closed. The following report summarizes the proceedings of these sessions.