He immigrated to the United States from Lebanon in the 80’s and has come to be a very important regional figure for the Detroit Community.  He works with the University’s international students and faculty and helps to facilitate study abroad programs for the U.S. students.

In his free time, he is the president of the International Visitor’s Council of Detroit, a purely volunteer organization under the U.S. State Department, which focuses on the importance of citizen diplomacy and international relations.  This local group encourages authentic relationships between foreign up and coming leaders and Americans through educational programs, hospitality and hosting opportunities as well as cultural dinners.  The philosophy of creating better foreign relations through “one hand shake at a time” is a passion for all those involved in this organization.

Vicente fox’s public speaking and English skills were both captivating and excellent.  His very easy approach to the speech made the crowd very attentive.  After Fox’s phone rang in his pocket (by mistake) the crowd was in the palm of his hand. He began by talking about migration of humans and how the U.S. is founded on migration.  He said migration has been happening since Adam and Eve left the garden of Eden.    He has a point…

His own family story is one of migration.  His great grandparents migrated from Germany to Ohio and his grandfather migrated from Ohio to Mexico. 

So many folks around town talk badly of globalization and outsourcing but often the other side of global business is not talked discussed.  Fox said that Mexico has the 7th largest trading balance with the U.S. and that Mexicans purchase over $250 billion dollars worth of U.S. products annually.  Having Mexico successful as a neighbor would only mean more exports from us. Fox also talked about a very controversial unified North American region with a single currency. 

Fox received a standing ovation and followed up his speech with questions from the audience that were a bit charged.  Overall, he has some interesting thoughts on trade and the Americas.  What do you think?

McCain

I could not find anything related to American Diplomacy on his official site and when I googled the term with John McCain’s name – nothing came up.  If you have information related to this please provide in the comment section below.   I believe the policies on how to improve our name and reputation around the globe will be the next president’s responsibility.

Obama

1.  The problem – He believes the Bush approach to diplomacy doesn’t make us look tough but arrogant. 

2.  Talk to our foes and friends – He is willing to meet with the leaders of all nations. 

3.  Israeli-Palestinian conflict – He will make a sustained push to achieve the goal of two states living side by side in peace and security.

4.  Expand our diplomatic presence – He will open consulates in the tough and hopeless corners of the world, particularly in Africa. 

5.  Fight global poverty – He will cut poverty around the world in half by 2015.

6.  Strengthen NATO – He will rally NATO members to contribute troops to collective security operations.

7.  Seek new partnerships in Asia – He will maintain strong ties with Japan, South Korea and Australia and will work to build relationships with countries in East Asia.