In particular, they hoped that the new leader would abandon the “America First” mantra, return to a more multilateral approach, and better treat its allies and partners.

This webinar highlighted the perspective of two key US allies: Japan and France. Speakers from both countries discussed the respective perceptions and expectations towards the new US administration in terms of bilateral relations, and analyzed the opportunities and challenges in developing a coordinated approach in the Indo-Pacific.

Chair and Discussion Leader: John SEAMAN, Research Fellow, Center for Asian Studies, Ifri

Expectations towards the Biden administration for the bilateral relations:

• Japan’s expectations towards the Biden administration and the future of the alliance
  Kunihiko MIYAKE, President of the Foreign Policy Institute; Research Director, The Canon Institute for Global Studies (CIGS) and Special Adviser to Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga’s Cabinet
   
• France’s expectations towards the Biden administration
  Pierre VIMONT, Senior Associate at Carnegie Europe; Former French Ambassador to the United States (2007-2010)

Prospects for a coordinated approach in the Indo-Pacific:

• The Biden administration, NATO and China
  Yoko IWAMA, Professor, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS)
   
• The Japan-Europe-US cooperation in the Indo-Pacific under the Biden administration
  Céline PAJON, Head of Japan Research, Center for Asian Studies, Ifri