The Bush Institute releases new series of global reflections on America called America 250: Through the world’s eyes
Reflections include Nobel Peace Prize winner Nadia Murad, former NATO secretary-general Anders Fogh Rasmussen, and former Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-Wen
Dallas, TX – Today, the George W. Bush Institute released America 250: Through the world’s eyes. In honor of America’s 250th, the series features leading international voices reflecting on what the United States means to them, their countries, and the world, each in 250 words.
“These reflections underscore that America’s story has never been written by Americans alone but has always been shaped by how our principles are interpreted, experienced, and perceived globally, and thus, why America’s founding ideals continue to matter,” said Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau, the Bradford M. Freeman Managing Director of Global Policy at the Bush Institute.
The series opens with Anders Fogh Rasmussen, former NATO secretary-general, former prime minister of Denmark, and founder of the Alliance of Democracies Foundation, who offers a powerful reminder on why alliances are imperative to how America interacts with the world.
Martha Ramos, chief editorial officer of the Organización Editorial Mexicana (OEM), celebrates the ways in which Mexico and the United States shape each other in art, food, history, and culture.
Faith Mang’ehe, an Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) ambassador from Tanzania, recalls the lifesaving impact of the President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR) she and her mother received.
Nadia Murad, human rights activist and recipient of the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize, describes what America meant to her as a child in Iraq and how the American idea can inspire those who ground themselves in compassion and the defense of human dignity.
Djordje Todorović, internationally recognized expert in democracy and governance from Serbia, discusses his perspective of America from childhood memories as a bold defender of freedom, both at home and abroad.
Myo Myint Aung, a dedicated healthcare leader, currently serving as the director of quality and patient safety for CommonSpirit Health, underscores the relationship between good governance and societal well-being and notes that while American ideals are tested, they remain formidable and aligned with opportunity and dignity.
Khaya Dlanga, a South African author and social commentator, highlights how both South Africa and America have the capacity to pursue greatness by actively pursuing democracy and freedom.
Baiba Braže, currently Latvia’s minister of foreign affairs, expressed gratitude toward Americans for the longstanding partnership between our two nations.
Tsai Ing-Wen, who served as Taiwan’s president from 2016 to 2024, asserts how America’s partnership has helped Taiwan emerge as a “leading example of democratic resilience in the Indo-Pacific region.”
Closing out the series, Tae Yong-Ho, a former deputy ambassador of North Korea to the United Kingdom and North Korean defector, reflects on his time as part of North Korea’s elite, his family’s journey toward freedom, and the steadfast beacon of hope that American represents.
To read the full series, visit bushcenter.org/worldA250.
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About the George W. Bush Institute
The George W. Bush Institute is a solution-oriented nonpartisan policy organization focused on ensuring opportunity for all, strengthening democracy, and advancing free societies. Housed within the George W. Bush Presidential Center, the Bush Institute is rooted in compassionate conservative values and committed to creating positive, meaningful, and lasting change at home and abroad. We utilize our unique platform and convening power to advance solutions to national and global issues of the day. Learn more at bushcenter.org.
