When it comes to globalization, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb and President Donald Trump have very different views.
Speaking Thursday afternoon at Indiana University, Holcomb touted the benefits of international travel for individual advancement, and maintaining relationships with partners overseas for the success of the state. Indiana’s 51st governor headlined the final session of the second annual America’s Role in the World Conference at IU’s School of Global and International Studies.
For about 20 minutes, he answered questions from IU President Michael McRobbie that were focused on Indiana’s role in the world.
After briefly discussing Holcomb’s own international experience, which includes time living in Portugal when he was serving in the Navy, McRobbie asked the Republican governor to address globalization and international trade in the context of the state’s economy.
Holcomb’s response to this and other questions seemed a world away from the isolationist views of the new Republican president, who has moved to restrict international travel and commerce.
“Well, globalization is a fact of life, and it’s led to so many advances that, to think that you can retreat from that, would be in a state of denial,” Holcomb said.
Relationships with foreign partners have led to tremendous investment in the state, he continued, noting that Indiana has more than 800 foreign-owned companies, employing more than 152,000 Hoosiers. He plans not only to continue cultivating existing relationships, but also to create new ones in countries such as India, to which he hopes to travel during his term.
“I wake up every morning trying to bring the world to Indiana and Indiana to the world,” Holcomb said.