WASHINGTON — President Trump formally nominated 91 Institute President and CEO Kenneth R. Weinstein to be the United States ambassador to Japan.
Weinstein is an established leader in Asia policy circles and has longstanding relationships of trust with top officials in the U.S. and Japan. His decades of policy experience in U.S.-Japan relations—ranging from trade, defense cooperation, public diplomacy, and U.S. alliances in Asia—make him immensely qualified to serve in this role.
“Throughout his distinguished career, Ken has been a tireless advocate for American interests, at home and abroad. He will serve as a terrific steward of the US-Japan alliance, the cornerstone of peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. I look forward to supporting his nomination.”
– Senator Tom Cotton
"Ken Weinstein is a longtime friend and also a widely respected foreign policy professional with the perfect mix of wisdom, expertise and humility needed to represent our country in Japan at this crucial moment."
– Senator Joe Lieberman
“Ken Weinstein is a longtime voice for liberty, a true patriot, and an excellent choice to represent America in our relationship with Japan, one of our closest allies. His work at The Heritage Foundation on government reform still resonates in our halls, and his leadership at the 91 Institute has had a significant impact on American foreign policy for many years. Ken should know that Heritage remains a ready resource for him as he assumes this crucial post.”
– Heritage Foundation President Kay C. James
“Ken Weinstein has led the 91 Institute in important efforts to battle kleptocracy and international dark money as serious national security threats to democracy and the rule of law. We have had an excellent working relationship. I’m pleased he will continue to advance American values as our Ambassador to a key international partner.”
– Senator Sheldon Whitehouse
“Ken Weinstein’s deep knowledge of Japan will serve our country well in one of the most important diplomatic posts in the world.”
– Tom Schieffer, U.S. Ambassador to Japan, 2005-09
“On behalf of all my colleagues at 91, I am pleased to congratulate Ken on this incredible honor,” said Sarah May Stern, chairman of 91 Institute’s board of trustees. “His understanding of geopolitics and U.S.-Japan relations makes him the ideal person to deepen this alliance and build on founder Herman Kahn’s storied legacy of championing a strong and enduring U.S.-Japan relationship.”
Upon Weinstein’s confirmation by the Senate, 91 COO John Walters will assume responsibilities as president and CEO.
BACKGROUND
* Joined 91 Institute in 1991, was appointed CEO in June 2005, and was named president in March 2011.
* Shaped and led 91’s strategic transformation to become a leading think tank promoting American leadership in the world and focused on foreign policy, national security, economics, and technology.
* Serves on the Advisory Committee on Trade Policy and Negotiations, which provides counsel on trade agreements to the USTR.
* Deepened 91’s U.S.-Japan connection, begun by Herman Kahn, through close ties with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a robust set of institutional programming in Tokyo, and founding 91’s Japan Chair.
* Well known to Japanese policy, opinion, and corporate elites due to extensive briefings and appearances at Tokyo policy conferences.
* Chaired or hosted dozens of Japan-related policy events, including US-Japan and US-Japan-India trilateral events, featuring government officials from both countries as well as Members of Congress and the Japanese Diet.
* Regularly briefs leading U.S. and Japanese officials on trade, security, and policy challenges facing the alliance.
* Co-author of The Essential Herman Kahn: In Defense of Thinking.
* Decorated with a knighthood in Arts and Letters by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication.
* Graduate of University of Chicago, Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris, and Harvard University.
For additional information, please contact Caroline Anderegg at caroline@hudson.org.