International Conference on The U.S. Presidential Election 2016

KOCHI:
The Indo-U.S relations have been going through a roller coaster ride, though the relations are currently on an upswing we can’t be sure if relations whether the relations are on a permanent footing. Whoever wins the relations will be steady and stable, he said while speaking at an International Conference on the US Presidential Election 2016 held at Sacred Heart College, Thevara. On Trump, he added that only in battleground states Trump is making some progress and he will spend money significantly on anti-terrorism by saving money on other things.
Raymond E Vickery Jr, (former U.S Assistant Secretary of Commerce Trade & Development) said that the 2016 Presidential Election is the most unusual election since media is highly intervening in the campaign. Economic prosperity and military strategic security should go hand in hand.
Considering Indo-U.S prospects, he said that the relations are the most important bilateral relations in the world, and India holds more military exercise with U.S than with any other country. On Make In India he added that it should not be at the expense of ex
clusion of imports to India.
Dr. G. Gopakumar (Vice Chancellor, Central University of Kerala) remarked on how the ongoing election campaign in the US had downgraded the quality of policy debates. He speculated that the new US President might perhaps witness the decline of American hegemony in the world order, given the repercussion of the US foreign policies during the tenure of Barack Obama.
Prof. Rajeev Sreenivasan (Member, National Think Tank on Intellectual Property Rights, Govt. of India) stressed on the anti-establishment sentiments that prevailed among the American public due to increasing economic inequality, terrorist threats and dissatisfaction with the policies of the Obama administration. He stated that the rise in terror attacks had damaged the American perception of ‘Fortress America’, indicating the rising levels of insecurity in the country.
The conference analysed the key issues and themes of the US presidential election 2016. It also reviewed the US foreign policy during Barack Obama’s tenure and the Indian prospects with the election of a new leader at the helm of the world’s most powerful nation. It was organised by the Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), Kochi in association with Sacred Heart College and the Kerala Chapter of South India American Studies Network.
Prof. K.C. Abraham (Academic Director, CPPR), Dr. Josukutty C.A. (Assistant Professor in Political Science, University of Kerala), Dr. Stanly Johny (International Affairs Editor, The Hindu) and Dr. Uma Purushothaman (Assistant Professor, Central University of Kerala) spoke at the function. Father Johnson Palkkappallil (Principal, Sacred Heart College) delivered the presidential address, Dr. D. Dhanuraj (Chairman, CPPR) gave the welcome speech and Dr. Sibi Zacharias (Dean, Faculty of Humanities, Sacred Heart College) delivered the vote of thanks.