Panel VIIIb was moderated by Mr. Silviu Nate, Director of the Global Studies Center at Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Romania. The speakers were Mr. James Carafano, Senior Counselor to the President and E.W. Richardson Fellow at The Heritage Foundation, USA; Ms. Kiron K. Skinner, Visiting Fellow, Davis Institute and Presidential Advisor, The Heritage Foundation, USA, USA; and Mr. Thomas Dans, Visiting Fellow at the Allison Center for Foreign Policy, The Heritage Foundation, USA.

Discussions focused on developing an excellent strategy for the US, its transatlantic commitments, and what can the transatlantic community do to enhance its connections. The panelists approached various aspects, such as building prosperity for the American people, finding like-minded partners, and looking at the outcome of the US presidential elections regarding issues (e.g., border security and economy). Speaking about the outcome of US elections, the speakers addressed the topic of Russian and Chinese disinformation campaigns, the expectations and consequences if Trump wins the White House, and what can the transatlantic community do to manage China’s rise.