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Trade and Economic Policy in a Global Era
AMBASSADOR RAHM EMANUEL’s deep experience at the highest levels of government, including as U.S. Ambassador to Japan and Chief of Staff to President Obama, offers unparalleled insight into the complexities of trade, tariffs, and taxation. As Chief of Staff, Ambassador Emanuel was instrumental in advancing major legislative initiatives, including economic recovery measures that shaped U.S. fiscal policy during a critical period. His diplomatic role in Japan further enhanced his understanding of international trade dynamics, providing him with firsthand knowledge of how tariffs and trade agreements influence global partnerships, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. Ambassador Emanuel is uniquely equipped to analyze the impact of President Trump’s trade policies, offering a thoughtful critique based on his own leadership in crafting strategies to drive economic growth and strengthen U.S. competitiveness. Ambassador Emanuel's perspective connects domestic and international policy, providing a roadmap for balancing national interests with global cooperation in today’s interconnected economy.
Building a Stronger America: Leadership Lessons in Domestic Policy and Urban Innovation
AMBASSADOR RAHM EMANUEL’s tenure as Mayor of Chicago and his service in the Obama Administration provide a compelling lens through which to examine U.S. domestic policy. In this speech, Ambassador Emanuel discusses the critical role of cities as laboratories for innovation and their influence on national policies, highlighting his work to improve public infrastructure, expand access to education, and create economic opportunities in Chicago. He reflects on his time in the White House, focusing on efforts to stabilize the economy during the Great Recession, expand healthcare access through the Affordable Care Act, and invest in workforce development. By weaving together insights from these experiences, Ambassador Emanuel presents a vision for addressing the pressing challenges facing America today, emphasizing the importance of pragmatic leadership, public-private collaboration, and bold investments in the nation’s future.
Asia's Role in the 21st Century Geopolitical Landscape: Strategic Alliances in an Evolving World
AMBASSADOR RAHM EMANUEL, drawing on his experience as U.S. Ambassador to Japan and his role in the Obama Administration, provides unique insights into the evolving dynamics of Asia's influence on global power structures. In this speech, he explores the critical importance of strengthening U.S.-Asia alliances in response to China's growing influence, highlighting Japan's leadership in regional security and economic cooperation, as well as the role of multilateral trade agreements and innovation hubs in fostering economic resilience and collaboration across the region. By reflecting on the Obama Administration's "Pivot to Asia" strategy, Ambassador Emanuel offers lessons learned and discuss their modern implications for ensuring stability, shared growth, and a prosperous future in this pivotal region of the world.
Point/Counterpoint: Navigating American Political Discourse
AMBASSADOR RAHM EMANUEL’s deep understanding of American politics, honed through decades of public service, makes him a formidable participant in point-counterpoint discussions. Drawing from his experiences as a senior adviser in the Clinton Administration, Chief of Staff to President Obama, and Mayor of Chicago, Ambassador Emanuel demonstrates an unparalleled ability to dissect complex issues with clarity and precision. His sharp wit, pragmatic approach, and commitment to results allow him to address polarizing topics while fostering constructive dialogue. Whether debating policy solutions or unpacking the nuances of political strategy, Emanuel thrives in high-pressure environments, bringing depth, insight, and actionable ideas to the table. Ambassador Emanuel's ability to blend real-world experience with brilliant foresight in collaborative discussions makes him uniquely suited to provide meaningful contributions to any point/counterpoint conversation on current American politics.
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Ambassador Rahm Emanuel's exemplary leadership and effectiveness as Mayor of Chicago
As a former mayor of Chicago, U.S. congressman, and White House Chief of Staff, AMBASSADOR RAHM EMANUEL offers unique insights into leadership, governance, and decision-making based on his in-office achievements. By sharing how he turned ambitious goals into tangible achievements, Ambassador Emanuel showcases how to balance vision with practical execution.
As Mayor of Chicago, Ambassador Emanuel's comprehensive public safety strategy focused on expanded prevention programs for at-risk youth, smarter policing strategies, and empowering parents and communities to reduce violence. The Ambassador made it a priority to bring global companies to the city, helping Chicago to lead the U.S. in corporate relocations and foreign direct investment for seven consecutive years. The Ambassador added four years to a student’s education, taking Chicago from having the least educational time of any large school district in the country to being on par with its peers. He implemented universal pre-kindergarten and full-day kindergarten for every Chicago child and made Chicago the first city in America to provide free community college. His administration invested in infrastructure, public transportation, open space, and cultural attractions. From the $8.5B O’Hare International Airport modernization program that is cementing Chicago’s status as a global leader in travel, tourism, and trade to the development of the iconic 1.25-mile Chicago Riverwalk, the City’s investments are creating thousands of good-paying jobs and making Chicago a better place to live, work, and play.
When he speaks, Ambassador Emanuel draws on real examples from these high-stakes situations, providing practical insights into how to navigate political complexity, manage crises, and make tough decisions. His personal stories bring his expertise to life in a way that theory alone cannot.
Ambassador Rahm Emanuel is uniquely qualified to speak on U.S.-Asia relations
As U.S. Ambassador to Japan until 2025, AMBASSADOR RAHM EMANUEL is an expert on the current state of U.S.-Asia relations. Ambassador Emanual has been directly involved in strengthening U.S.-Japan relations, advancing economic and security partnerships, and navigating tensions with China and North Korea. He understands how economic policies, trade agreements, and military alliances impact U.S. interests in the region; he can offer a pragmatic view on U.S.-China relations, semiconductor supply chains, and the future of global commerce.
Known for his sharp wit and no-nonsense delivery, Ambassador Emanuel delivers engaging and insightful talks that cut through political rhetoric. He provides actionable takeaways rather than just high-level policy discussions. If you're looking for a speaker to break down the geopolitical and economic dynamics of U.S.-Asia relations with authority and clarity, Ambassador Emanuel is a top-tier choice.
Rahm Emanuel was confirmed in a bipartisan vote as the 31st United States Ambassador to Japan on December 18, 2021.
Previously, Ambassador Emanuel was the 55th Mayor of the City of Chicago, a position he held until May 2019. During that time, he made the critical choices necessary to secure Chicago’s future as a global capital.
As Mayor, the Ambassador added four years to a student’s education. He increased the school day by 75 minutes and added more than 200 hours to the school year, marking the largest single increase in educational time by any city and taking Chicago from having the least educational time of any large school district in the country to being on par with its peers. He implemented universal pre-kindergarten and full-day kindergarten for every Chicago child, and made Chicago the first city in America to provide free community college.
The Mayor’s comprehensive public safety strategy focused on expanded prevention programs for at-risk youth, smarter policing strategies, and empowering parents and communities to reduce violence. The Ambassador made it a priority to bring global companies to the city, helping Chicago to lead the U.S. in corporate relocations and foreign direct investment for seven consecutive years. His administration invested in infrastructure, public transportation, open space, and cultural attractions. From the $8.5 billion O’Hare International Airport modernization program that is cementing Chicago’s status as a global leader in travel, tourism, and trade to the development of the iconic 1.25-mile Chicago Riverwalk, the City’s investments are creating thousands of good-paying jobs and making Chicago a better place to live, work, and play.
Prior to becoming Mayor, from November 2008 until October 2010, Ambassador Emanuel served as President Barack Obama’s Chief of Staff. In addition to being the President’s top advisor, the Ambassador helped the Obama administration secure the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and the landmark Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
Ambassador Emanuel was elected four times as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois’s 5th Congressional District (2002-2008). As Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, Emanuel helped pass legislation to raise the minimum wage and authored the Great Lakes Restoration Act.
From 1993 to 1998, Ambassador Emanuel was a key member of President Bill Clinton’s administration, rising to serve as Senior Advisor to the President for Policy and Politics. During this time, Emanuel served as a legislative liaison to Congress and spearheaded efforts to pass several of President Clinton’s signature achievements, most notably the Federal Assault Weapons Ban, the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, and the historic Balanced Budget Act, which created the Children’s Health Insurance Program that expanded health care coverage to 10 million children. The Ambassador also worked closely with President Joseph R. Biden Jr., then a U.S. Senator, to shepherd the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 through Congress.
As a former Senior Counselor at Centerview Partners and former Managing Director at Wasserstein Perella & Co., Emanuel brings a depth of financial experience to the post.
Ambassador Emanuel graduated from Sarah Lawrence College in 1981 and received a Master’s Degree in Speech and Communication from Northwestern University in 1985. He is married to Amy Rule, and they have three children.
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