The national security implications of anti-Asian racism

Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month is a time to commemorate and honor the contributions of the AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) community to the history, culture, and politics of the United States. Yet it is also a time to reflect on the struggles of the AAPI community to gain acceptance in American society. Those struggles have only intensified during the pandemic, as hate incidents targeting the AAPI community have risen precipitously. There is now growing recognition that these incidents, paired with pervasive anti-AAPI rhetoric by prominent leaders and commentators, have strained America’s social cohesion and tarnished America’s international image. While the Biden administration has taken action to combat anti-AAPI violence, the trend lines of anti-Asian racism inside the United States remain troubling. What more can be done to address anti-Asian bias?

On May 11, the Brookings Institution hosted a webinar panel discussion with leading experts, followed by a fireside chat between Brookings President John R. Allen and Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-Fla.), to unpack the implications of the rise in anti-AAPI hate incidents, explore how they affect America’s global standing, and suggest ways to combat this pernicious trend.

Viewers can submit questions by emailing [email protected]  or via Twitter at #AAPI.