Trilateral Commission
International Political Organization
CLASSIFICATION: Unknown
LOCATION
Tokyo, Japan
TIME PERIOD
1973
VICTIMS
0 confirmed
The Trilateral Commission, an international organization founded in July 1973 by David Rockefeller and Zbigniew Brzezinski, aims to enhance cooperation among Japan, Western Europe, and North America in response to growing political and economic interdependence. The organization, which has over 390 influential members from politics, business, media, and academia, holds annual meetings that rotate among its three regional headquarters in Tokyo, Paris, and Washington, D.C. Currently, the commission is led by regional chairs Takeshi Niinami, Jean-Claude Trichet, and Meghan O'Sullivan, focusing on discussions that address global challenges and promote democratic principles. The commission continues to play a significant role in fostering dialogue and collaboration among its member regions, reflecting their collective political and economic strength.
There is a belief among some that the Trilateral Commission operates as a secretive elite group that influences global policy and governance behind the scenes, potentially undermining national sovereignty. Conspiracy theories suggest that its members are part of a broader agenda to establish a new world order, manipulating economic and political systems to benefit their interests. Critics argue that the organization's focus on cooperation among powerful nations may prioritize corporate and political agendas over the needs of ordinary citizens.
The Trilateral Commission: A Nexus of Global Influence
Origins and Purpose
In the summer of 1973, amidst a backdrop of growing political and economic interdependence, a group of visionary private citizens from Japan, Western Europe, and North America laid the foundation for what would become the Trilateral Commission. Spearheaded by the renowned American banker and philanthropist David Rockefeller, this nongovernmental organization was born out of a pressing need to address the increasingly intertwined fates of the U.S. and its allies. Rockefeller, a committed internationalist, envisioned a forum for fostering close cooperation among these pivotal regions. The commission steadfastly aimed to return to the roots of shared values, emphasizing the rule of law, open economies, and democratic principles.
The founding declaration of the Trilateral Commission eloquently expressed the necessity of this alliance: "Growing interdependence is a fact of life of the contemporary world. It transcends and influences national systems." The document argued for closer consultation and cooperation on an equal footing to develop coordinated policies, highlighting the special responsibility these regions bore due to their significant weight in the global economy. The commission sought to be a creative conduit for the free exchange of opinions, intending to address common problems and enhance East-West relations.
Founding Figures and Organizational Structure
David Rockefeller was not alone in his endeavor. Aided by Zbigniew Brzezinski, a specialist in international affairs who would later serve as President Jimmy Carter's National Security Advisor, the commission attracted a cadre of influential thinkers and leaders. Among them were Edwin Reischauer, former U.S. Ambassador to Japan; George S. Franklin, former executive director of the Council on Foreign Relations; and Gerard C. Smith, a key negotiator in the SALT I talks. Other notable figures included Henry D. Owen from the Brookings Institution and Max Kohnstamm from the European Policy Centre.
The commission's structure is meticulously organized, with an executive committee and three regional chairs representing Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific. These chairs are based in the strategic cities of Paris, Washington, D.C., and Tokyo. Meetings are held annually, rotating between these regions, with additional regional and national gatherings throughout the year. The focus of these meetings is primarily on discussing reports and developing strategies to achieve the commission's objectives.
Evolution and Influence
Since its inception, the Trilateral Commission has expanded its reach and influence, with membership growing to approximately 400 leading figures from politics, business, media, and academia by 2021. Membership quotas are assigned to countries based on their political and economic significance, ensuring a balanced representation across the regions. The North American group includes 120 members, while the European group has reached its cap of 170 members. Initially limited to Japan in the Asia-Pacific region, the representation expanded in 2000 to include a broader Pacific Asia group with members from South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, ASEAN nations, and even China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
The commission's bylaws prohibit public officials from active membership, drawing instead from a pool of influential figures in various sectors. The leadership as of September 2021 includes Jean-Claude Trichet as the European Chairman, Meghan O'Sullivan as the North American Chairman, and Akihiko Tanaka as the Asia Pacific Chairman. These leaders are supported by an array of deputy chairpersons and directors who guide the commission's activities.
Meetings and Publications
The Trilateral Commission's gatherings are pivotal events where influential minds converge to deliberate on pressing global issues. The first biannual meeting took place in October 1973 in Tokyo, Japan, and by 1976, the commission hosted its inaugural plenary meeting in Kyoto. Since 1978, these plenary meetings have become an annual fixture, complemented by regional meetings within each of the three groups. The discussions and findings from these meetings are disseminated through the commission's official journal, "Trialogue."
Notable Members and Legacy
The commission's roster of members reads like a who's who of global influence. From U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, its members have shaped policies and opinions on a global scale. The commission has counted among its ranks leaders like Jimmy Carter and George H. W. Bush, as well as prominent figures in academia, business, and diplomacy.
Despite its influential status, the Trilateral Commission remains an enigmatic organization, often the subject of speculation and intrigue, with its records meticulously archived at the Rockefeller Archive Center in New York. As the world continues to grapple with complex interdependencies, the Trilateral Commission stands as a testament to the enduring need for dialogue and cooperation among the world's most powerful regions.
Sources
For further details, refer to the Wikipedia article on the Trilateral Commission.
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The Trilateral Commission, an international organization founded in July 1973 by David Rockefeller and Zbigniew Brzezinski, aims to enhance cooperation among Japan, Western Europe, and North America in response to growing political and economic interdependence. The organization, which has over 390 influential members from politics, business, media, and academia, holds annual meetings that rotate among its three regional headquarters in Tokyo, Paris, and Washington, D.C. Currently, the commission is led by regional chairs Takeshi Niinami, Jean-Claude Trichet, and Meghan O'Sullivan, focusing on discussions that address global challenges and promote democratic principles. The commission continues to play a significant role in fostering dialogue and collaboration among its member regions, reflecting their collective political and economic strength.
There is a belief among some that the Trilateral Commission operates as a secretive elite group that influences global policy and governance behind the scenes, potentially undermining national sovereignty. Conspiracy theories suggest that its members are part of a broader agenda to establish a new world order, manipulating economic and political systems to benefit their interests. Critics argue that the organization's focus on cooperation among powerful nations may prioritize corporate and political agendas over the needs of ordinary citizens.
The Trilateral Commission: A Nexus of Global Influence
Origins and Purpose
In the summer of 1973, amidst a backdrop of growing political and economic interdependence, a group of visionary private citizens from Japan, Western Europe, and North America laid the foundation for what would become the Trilateral Commission. Spearheaded by the renowned American banker and philanthropist David Rockefeller, this nongovernmental organization was born out of a pressing need to address the increasingly intertwined fates of the U.S. and its allies. Rockefeller, a committed internationalist, envisioned a forum for fostering close cooperation among these pivotal regions. The commission steadfastly aimed to return to the roots of shared values, emphasizing the rule of law, open economies, and democratic principles.
The founding declaration of the Trilateral Commission eloquently expressed the necessity of this alliance: "Growing interdependence is a fact of life of the contemporary world. It transcends and influences national systems." The document argued for closer consultation and cooperation on an equal footing to develop coordinated policies, highlighting the special responsibility these regions bore due to their significant weight in the global economy. The commission sought to be a creative conduit for the free exchange of opinions, intending to address common problems and enhance East-West relations.
Founding Figures and Organizational Structure
David Rockefeller was not alone in his endeavor. Aided by Zbigniew Brzezinski, a specialist in international affairs who would later serve as President Jimmy Carter's National Security Advisor, the commission attracted a cadre of influential thinkers and leaders. Among them were Edwin Reischauer, former U.S. Ambassador to Japan; George S. Franklin, former executive director of the Council on Foreign Relations; and Gerard C. Smith, a key negotiator in the SALT I talks. Other notable figures included Henry D. Owen from the Brookings Institution and Max Kohnstamm from the European Policy Centre.
The commission's structure is meticulously organized, with an executive committee and three regional chairs representing Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific. These chairs are based in the strategic cities of Paris, Washington, D.C., and Tokyo. Meetings are held annually, rotating between these regions, with additional regional and national gatherings throughout the year. The focus of these meetings is primarily on discussing reports and developing strategies to achieve the commission's objectives.
Evolution and Influence
Since its inception, the Trilateral Commission has expanded its reach and influence, with membership growing to approximately 400 leading figures from politics, business, media, and academia by 2021. Membership quotas are assigned to countries based on their political and economic significance, ensuring a balanced representation across the regions. The North American group includes 120 members, while the European group has reached its cap of 170 members. Initially limited to Japan in the Asia-Pacific region, the representation expanded in 2000 to include a broader Pacific Asia group with members from South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, ASEAN nations, and even China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
The commission's bylaws prohibit public officials from active membership, drawing instead from a pool of influential figures in various sectors. The leadership as of September 2021 includes Jean-Claude Trichet as the European Chairman, Meghan O'Sullivan as the North American Chairman, and Akihiko Tanaka as the Asia Pacific Chairman. These leaders are supported by an array of deputy chairpersons and directors who guide the commission's activities.
Meetings and Publications
The Trilateral Commission's gatherings are pivotal events where influential minds converge to deliberate on pressing global issues. The first biannual meeting took place in October 1973 in Tokyo, Japan, and by 1976, the commission hosted its inaugural plenary meeting in Kyoto. Since 1978, these plenary meetings have become an annual fixture, complemented by regional meetings within each of the three groups. The discussions and findings from these meetings are disseminated through the commission's official journal, "Trialogue."
Notable Members and Legacy
The commission's roster of members reads like a who's who of global influence. From U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, its members have shaped policies and opinions on a global scale. The commission has counted among its ranks leaders like Jimmy Carter and George H. W. Bush, as well as prominent figures in academia, business, and diplomacy.
Despite its influential status, the Trilateral Commission remains an enigmatic organization, often the subject of speculation and intrigue, with its records meticulously archived at the Rockefeller Archive Center in New York. As the world continues to grapple with complex interdependencies, the Trilateral Commission stands as a testament to the enduring need for dialogue and cooperation among the world's most powerful regions.
Sources
For further details, refer to the Wikipedia article on the Trilateral Commission.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
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Join the discussion
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