In this two-part event, the US-Asia Institute hosted diplomats from Asian nations to discuss Congress' and the Administration's focus on issues relating to Asian countries in 2020 followed by a presentation to educate and engage diplomats on the U.S. election process. 

During Outlook for Asia 2020, Michael Schiffer, Senior Advisor on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Bryan Burack, Professional Staff Member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, briefing diplomats on issues of importance and upcoming legislation regarding Asia. In this setting, diplomats and congressional representatives were able to host candid and productive dialogue ways to strengthen the relationship between the United States and Asia.

The first event of USAI's Decision 2020 series, Election 101, gave diplomats an overview of the US election this year, including the electoral process, the primary and presidential races, national party conventions, and a deeper dive into each candidate. The Decision 2020 series will include 6 events to educate diplomats on the complexities of the election process through presentations from experts and allow them to see democracy in action through watch parties and site visits to congressional and presidential campaign offices, get-out-the-vote efforts, voting places, and state and local party offices.