U.S. Foreign Policy

The landmark meeting encapsulated both the strengths and weaknesses of U.S. strategy in the region.

The increasingly stark language of competition with China will alarm countries like Bangladesh, who want to remain friendly with both sides.

“Competition with China and Russia is a means, not an end,” Wyne reminds policymakers.

A preoccupation with showing resolve has long been hard-wired into U.S. foreign policy. But conspicuous restraint would reinforce the United States’ position as a responsible power – and head off an escalating crisis.

Participation in the new U.S. initiative could advance Vietnam’s aspiration for economic gains and a firm status in the regional economic architecture, but its full-fledged engagement is unlikely.

IPEF’s evolution and prospects will partly hinge on how U.S. and regional partners define its value add in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Since its unveiling under the Obama administration, the U.S. “pivot” to Asia has constantly been derailed by emergencies elsewhere. The Ukraine war is just the latest example.

How has U.S. commitment to Southeast Asia changed over time? What do Southeast Asian states want from the United States?

The U.S. military and its civilian leaders are overemphasizing militarized responses to what is largely an economic and diplomatic challenge.

What does the new U.S.-UK-Australia trilateral cooperative partnership entail?

With the pandemic causing economic devastation, the stage is perfectly set for political crises.

U.S. legislators have a long and storied history of meeting North Korean leaders. Time to dust off that legacy.