11/12/2025
The diplomatic relationship between the United States and Japan has frequently been described as “the most important bilateral relationship in the world, bar none” (Mansfield 2024). While much of the broader focus has often been on the security and trade components of the bilateral relationship, the two countries have been working together on environmental and climate issues in innovative ways. Cooperative initiatives are occurring at the global, national, and local levels. U.S.-Japan cooperation on environmental and climate can serve as a model for how other countries might build multi-level, muti-sector, positive-sum relationships across national borders.
Professor Mary Alice Haddad is the John E. Andrus Professor of Government and Professor of East Asian and Environmental Studies at Wesleyan University. Her current work concerns city diplomacy and environmental politics with a focus on East Asia, especially China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. A Fulbright and Harvard Academy scholar, her earlier research focused on civic engagement, democracy, citizenship, volunteering, and nonprofit organizations.
Professor Haddad’s prepared remarks will be followed by a discussion/audience Q&A. This public event is open to all students, faculty, staff, and members of the community. Please join us!
