This conference will consider how allies of the US can best handle the potential outcomes of the US presidential elections in November.
Although some trends in US political, economic and defence thinking seem likely to remain regardless of the results, in key areas where collective action is necessary, these scenarios promise quite different futures. Responses of allies might well need to be similarly different. How can allies of the US work most effectively with it in these different scenarios, and with each other, on economic and trade issues and on climate goals? How can we sustain US support for Ukraine’s existential war against Russian aggression? And how do we make US and allied policy towards China as coherent as possible, whilst protecting our shared economic interests?
No matter how fraught American politics might become, the US will remain everyone’s special relationship. Its global weight in economic, defence and cultural terms ensures that. But allies will need to consider whether they should also increase coordination between themselves, working alongside rather than necessarily through the US. They will need to consider what channels are available and what new fora might be needed. How can allies of the US coordinate East to West, linking the Indo-Pacific and the Atlantic? What are the implications for defence production and capabilities, economic and trade arrangements, and climate groupings? If the world is splitting into blocs what do want them to look like, and what should the offer be to countries that don’t want to be forced to choose between them? And finally, what should be done if there is a period of uncertainty? We are used to US democratic institutions being tested but, in the end, holding and delivering a definitive transition of power. What’s the role of allies and how can they help if this time is different and there is a disputed victory followed by a disputed Supreme Court judgement?
Detailed Terms of Reference for the discussion can be found in the links below together with a draft programme.
Terms of Reference
Programme
Travel guidance
Ditchley Rule:
Participants are reminded of the confidential basis on which Ditchley conferences are held. All those participating do so in their personal capacities, not as spokespeople for any country or institution. The discussions are subject to the ‘Ditchley Rule’: all contributions are unattributable and interventions are made in strict confidence; this also applies to conversations outside the formal sessions. Those present are, however, free to draw on the substance of what has been said, but not under any circumstances to disclose who it was that said it. The Rule will be scrupulously observed in any post-conference reports.
Attire:
Ditchley conferences are informal (business casual) throughout, except for dinner on the second evening. It is a Ditchley tradition that dress for the formal dinner on the second evening is Black Tie. However, this is not at all a requirement - please be assured that you will feel entirely comfortable in a business suit or another form of evening attire, whether modern or traditional. It is worth noting that, although Sir David Wills, the founder of the Ditchley Foundation, instigated the tradition of Black Tie dinners, he never wore Black Tie himself. He wanted to ensure that no one would feel uncomfortable if they had not come with formal clothes. That captures the Ditchley spirit.