Andrew Yang in Council on Foreign Relations


On Energy & Oil: Provide developing countries alternatives to fossil fuels

The first step to any action on climate change is to rejoin the Paris Accords so that we have the moral authority and allies in order to fight the existential threat that is climate change. In order to combat the development of fossil fuel power expanding to developing countries, we have to provide a viable alternative.
Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2020 presidential primary Aug 9, 2019

On Foreign Policy: Provide model for democratic capitalism, not authoritarians

China obviously has great ambition, and their system of government is becoming increasingly authoritarian as they develop more technologies that allow them to monitor and control their population. It's important that we work with our allies to combat the spread of this authoritarian capitalism and provide a model for democratic capitalism. An ascendant China isn't a direct threat to the United States, as long as we are strong at home and project that confidence to developing nations.
Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2020 presidential primary Aug 9, 2019

On Foreign Policy: Helping Ukraine defend itself against Russia helps US

Russian aggression in Ukraine is a blatant violation of international law, and we have the obligation to work with our allies to act. Helping Ukraine will also help us prepare for Russian aggression. The Russian interference in Ukrainian elections was a precursor to their interference in US elections. By helping neighboring states to Russia defend themselves, we're also learning how to defend ourselves.
Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2020 presidential primary Aug 9, 2019

On Foreign Policy: Let our values lead us: no aid to Saudi Arabia against Yemen

The United States should be providing no aid to Saudi Arabia in its assault on Yemen. We must be pragmatic in our foreign policy in recognizing that we will often have to deal with countries that have bad values. We should also be sure to always let our values lead us. A reset of the relationship with Saudi Arabia under this understanding would prevent us from getting involved in another conflict like the one in Yemen by centering our diplomacy around our values and ideals.
Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2020 presidential primary Aug 9, 2019

On Foreign Policy: Two-state solution is only end to Israel/Palestine conflict

The only acceptable end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict involves a two-state solution that allows both the Israeli and Palestinian people to have sovereign land and self-determination. Israel has been an important ally to the US, and it will continue to be an important ally. It is a democracy in a region where that is rare. I disagree with some of the policies of the current Israeli administration, but I believe the relationship is fundamentally strong and will continue to be.
Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2020 presidential primary Aug 9, 2019

On Free Trade: Partner to help African nations & expand markets

The United States should serve as a partner to the African nations. We should be driven by the motto "African solutions for African problems." We should facilitate American entrepreneurs to partner with African entrepreneurs in technology--especially energy, agriculture, civil society, and beyond. We need to restructure our trade agreements to offer attractive investment opportunity and to expand markets: by going beyond manufacturing and goods to include services, intellectual property, fair labor practices, and sustainable environment standards.
Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2020 presidential primary Aug 9, 2019

On War & Peace: Leaving Iran deal was a massive strategic mistake

Leaving the JCPOA was a massive strategic mistake, and one that only served to increase the likelihood of armed conflict in the country. The American people have no desire for armed conflict with Iran, which would lead to another multi-decade engagement that would spread throughout the region and have no clear benefit for the American people. We need to get Iran back in compliance with the limitations placed on them under the agreement on nuclear materials and enrichment capabilities.
Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2020 presidential primary Aug 9, 2019

On War & Peace: Need to accept incremental gains on N. Korea nukes

You can't find solutions to problems if you're not willing to talk. I would engage with North Korea without preconditions in order to find a path towards complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization. We can't leave any options off the table, and we need to accept incremental gains in order to reach our eventual goal.
Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2020 presidential primary Aug 9, 2019

On War & Peace: Bring combat troops home from Afghanistan, but stay involved

I've signed the pledge to End the Forever Wars. We need to get our combat troops out of Afghanistan. By utilizing our diplomatic options, we can bring our troops home. However, we have to continue our involvement in order to ensure that the rights of individuals--in particular, women and young girls--are protected, and that terrorist organizations can't reform within the borders. We can do this through helping the country to diversify its economy and maintaining diplomatic ties.
Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2020 presidential primary Aug 9, 2019

The above quotations are from Council on Foreign Relations.
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Page last updated: Mar 16, 2022