The Asia-Pacific region has long been an important focus of U.S. policy. Trade between both sides of the Pacific is intrinsic to worldwide economic prosperity, and the stability of the Asia-Pacific region has proved vital for U.S. strategic and security interests. However, the rise of China, tensions on the Korean Peninsula, and competition between regional powers have posed challenges to regional stability. How can the U.S. employ smart diplomacy to bolster stability in the Pacific rim? What is the future of the Korean Peninsula following the death of Kim Jong-Il? How can the United States work with its regional partners to ensure security in East Asia?

Join us for a discussion of these issues with U.S. Army War College fellows with extensive experience in the region.

Ms. Saiko Miyamoto, Department of the Army. From 2008-2011, Ms. Miyamoto was Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Host Nation Activities (G5), U.S. Army, Japan, at Camp Zama. She provided recommendations to the Command Group about Japan as well as regional trends that could impact U.S. – Japan bilateral relations and relevant security arrangements. Before joining the Department of the Army as a civilian employee in 2006, she worked as a freelance interpreter. She has completed a variety of assignments dealing with bilateral defense and trade negotiations, international economic talks, national security issues, and bilateral military, political, and legal conferences.

Colonel Michael “Scotty” Patton, U.S. Army. COL Patton enlisted in the Oklahoma Army National Guard and has risen to the rank of Colonel in the Army. From 2010-2011, he was the Chief of Fires (Field Artillery) for the 2nd Infantry Division at Camp Red Cloud in Korea. Previously, he was Battalion Commander for 1st/19th Field Artillery at Fort Sill, OK. COL Patton has served in Operations Desert Shield/Storm, Operation Desert Strike, and Operation Iraqi Freedom I and II. He also participated in NATO missions in Hungary in 2002 and assisted the South Korean Army during the Yeonpyeong Island artillery attack by North Korea in November 2010. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal and the Army Achievement Medal.

Costs
JASP Members: $15 | Non-Members: $25
Food and drinks included.

Seating is limited. Please register by February 8, 2011 to attend. No-shows and cancellations after February 10, 2012 will be charged.

Questions?
Call 412-281-7970 or email welcome@worldpittsburgh.org.

With thanks to SandPresso Coffee