Part of: Jefferson Fellowships

Program

Theme: Partnerships, Postures and Perils: Assessing East Asia Security and Economic Environments
Dates: December 1-18, 2024
Destinations: Honolulu, Manila, Taipei

The broad purpose of the Jefferson Fellowships is to enhance public understanding through the news media of issues in the United States and the Asia Pacific through a three-week dialogue, study, and travel program that focuses on a particular theme.

This year’s Jefferson Fellowships program will explore growing concern about political and economic stability in the Indo-Pacific region in light of China’s aggressive behavior towards other claimants in the South China Sea and heightened tensions in the Taiwan Straits. For both the Philippines and Taiwan, China is their dominant trade partner, while the United States (US) is their principal security partner. Both countries have new leadership. Intensified Chinese actions have pushed the current Marcos government toward strengthening its security relationships with the US, Japan, Australia, and other partners. Elections in Taiwan reaffirm continuation of a Democratic Progressive Party president, and one the Chinese government regards as particularly committed to seeking formal Taiwan independence despite his stated commitment to stay the course. The Ukraine war and the influence of the U.S. election on American foreign policy add to the complications and uncertainties of the East Asian security and economic environments. US-China economic and technological tensions and the slowdown of the Chinese economy are other important factors, especially for Taiwan, a vital supplier of the world’s most sophisticated chips.

All these considerations promise the 2024 Jefferson Fellows a rich opportunity to explore different perceptions of these interlocking dynamics and issues, and their broader impacts on the regional Indo-Pacific and global orders. The program will provide journalists with a first-hand opportunity to talk with government and political leaders, business and academic specialists, and local journalists for their assessments of future scenarios and policy options. The Fellows will begin their program at the East-West Center in Honolulu for round table discussions with one another and perspectives from countries around the region, as well as meetings with US officials and analysts for views on how the US sees the security picture, its role in maintaining the regional order, its relationships and alliances, and the implications of the November elections. They will then travel to the Philippines and Taiwan for first-hand perspectives on these changing and conflicting security and economic pressures, and the new relationships that are forming as a result of these dynamics, especially in light of US election results. Other perspectives, especially those of China and Japan as resident large powers, will be brought in where possible virtually.

Funding

Funding for the Jefferson Fellowships is provided by the Freeman Foundation, the Mary Morgan Hewett Fund, the East-West Center, and cost-sharing contributions by Fellows and their news organizations. These funds provide for 10-14 full or partial scholarships, including approximately 2-4 for qualified American journalists and 8-10 for Asia Pacific journalists. A full scholarship for the 2024 Jefferson Fellowships includes: 

• Roundtrip airfare to and from participant’s home country and throughout the study tour 
• Lodging in each of the cities 
• Program meals and a modest per diem to cover meals not provided 
• Ground transportation and airport transfers 
• Cultural activities and networking opportunities 
• Interpretation as needed 
• Speaker honoraria, partner organization costs, and meeting rooms 
• Experienced escort and professionally organized program of meetings and visits, often with unique access to speakers and communities.