“This is the new abnormal” – Danny Russel, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State

USC IBEAR Business Class

Danny Russel has seen diplomacy in action. As the Assistant Secretary of State under John Kerry, he had a ringside seat. Now, watching punches being traded in the trade war between the U.S. and China he feels he’s watching, “the new abnormal.” Discussing China’s expected response to tariffs, he says, “Trying to body slam the Chinese is not going to make them give in. It will make them dig in.” Overall all he is seeing a strategy that is leading both countries in a difficult direction as, “Strategic rivalries bring out the worst on both sides.” In this Business Class conversation we hear topics covered from IP theft to the weak spot authoritarian regimes have when it comes to public opinion. Danny Russel served in the State Department into the second month of the Trump administration. Danny Russel is the former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State and is currently Vice President of the Asia Society Policy Institute. The interview was conducted by Dick Drobnick, Director of the USC IBEAR MBA Program.