The Highland Meeting held on November 16, 2023, in Utah, featured a robust discussion led by David Pyne regarding the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The meeting focused on Pyne's proposed sphere of influence plan, which he argued differs significantly from the World Trade Organization (WTO) framework, emphasizing that his approach is not purely economic but rather a strategic geopolitical initiative.

Pyne asserted that the concept of a sphere of influence has not been explored since the Yalta Conference, suggesting that Russia's actions are driven by self-interest and a desire to avoid war. He emphasized that his peace plan would not concede any Ukrainian territory that has not already been annexed by Russia, framing it as a status quo approach rather than an act of appeasement. He drew parallels to historical events, questioning whether the end of the Korean War could be considered appeasement, and highlighted the importance of accommodating Russia and China in limited ways to ensure U.S. national security.

The discussion also touched on the current state of Russian foreign policy, with Pyne noting that President Vladimir Putin remains the singular voice in this arena. He pointed out that despite the aggressive rhetoric from some Russian officials, including former President Dmitry Medvedev, Putin has shown restraint by withdrawing from certain occupied territories in Ukraine. Pyne argued that this withdrawal contradicts the notion of Putin as an expansionist dictator intent on conquering all of Ukraine or Europe.

Throughout the meeting, participants engaged with Pyne's views, raising questions about the implications of his proposals and the broader geopolitical landscape. The dialogue underscored the complexities of international relations and the varying perspectives on how to approach conflicts involving major powers like Russia and China.

In conclusion, the Highland Meeting provided a platform for discussing critical issues surrounding U.S. foreign policy and the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Pyne's insights and proposals sparked a thoughtful exchange on the nature of power dynamics and the potential paths toward peace and stability in these regions.