SMU, in partnership with Channel NewsAsia, hosted a panel discussion which tackled the provocative topic “Is America ready to be Number 2?”. The panel comprised SMU Associate Professor John Donaldson, Associate Dean (External Relations), School of Social Sciences; Mr Kirk Wagar, US Ambassador to Singapore; Mr Manu Bhaskaran, Chief Executive Officer, Centennial Asia Advisors; and Thomas Magnanti, Founding President, Singapore University of Technology and Design. Associate Prof Donaldson said that power has to be dealt with multidimensionally, and GDP may not be the best indicator. Besides looking at military and economics, one should also consider ideas and human capital. He added that he worries much more about whether America will continue to stand up for human rights and other values, as this would say a lot more about whether American remains true to itself and is really a player in term of global ideas.