Background slides re: grand bargain proposal

Drew these up as a way of putting my head in the right space before we attempted the first drafts of the proposal.

Comments

[Rob Johnson]

The analysis and presentation has that smack of "simplicity" that I "felt" in The Pentagons New Map. If an average educated person can get it, maybe elite political thinkers can too.

A GSGT while teaching how to build a battle plan, once said. "Keep it simple. If I can get the idiot from across the passageway to come in here, read it, understand it and take action without any training, you succeed."

[Thomas P.M. Barnett]

Thin line between naivete and openness/honesty.

We have a tendency to talk down to the Chinese or to flatter them. They want to be understood in their fears and dreams like anybody else.

I would rather look simplistic doing that then to appear sophisticated in my deadlock.

So you just try. You would be surprised how senior Chinese take that approach.

[Dan Hare]

I've been anticipating this cross roads for several years now.
I hope there is traction to this approach.

[Rob Johnson]

The power of empathy.

It's a great communication tool as long as we are seen to be influencing the behavior of others for EVERYONES benefit and not seen as manipulators looking to only benefit ourselves.

[Thomas P.M. Barnett]

Rob,

I deeply resemble that remark. Consider yourself on notice!

Tom