Changes in US Foreign Policy: Its Impact on Southeast Asia

Changes in United States (US) foreign policy in recent years have had a significant impact on countries in Southeast Asia. One of the main changes is the emphasis on the Indo-Pacific strategy, which focuses on strengthening alliances with allied countries and confronting China’s dominance in the region. This policy reflects active engagement by the US to ensure regional security and freedom of navigation in strategic waters. One impact of this change is increased security cooperation between the US and ASEAN countries. Military training programs, joint exercises, and arms sales have increased the defense capabilities of countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. This aims to strengthen their position in facing threats that may arise from Chinese aggression, especially in the South China Sea. Apart from that, the US is also pushing to strengthen economic relations with Southeast Asia through trade and investment agreements. Initiatives such as the “Blue Dot Network” seek to provide an alternative in infrastructure development that can compete with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). ASEAN countries are given access to more transparent and sustainable investment, which creates opportunities for their economic growth. On the other hand, Southeast Asian countries are trying to balance their relations with these two great powers. Countries such as Malaysia and Thailand are adopting more pragmatic foreign policies, trying to avoid over-dependence on the US or China. Active multilateral diplomacy at the ASEAN level is a way to ensure that their voices remain heard amidst increasing tensions. The global health crisis resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic is also affecting US foreign policy. US assistance in providing vaccines and economic support for ASEAN countries shows efforts to strengthen solidarity and cooperation in facing common challenges. This has an impact on public perception of the US, which is trying to build a positive image in the region. However, US foreign policy is not without criticism. Domestic political interests often influence the consistency and direction of foreign policy, leaving countries in Southeast Asia uncertain. Additionally, China’s aggressive rise creates a dilemma for many countries trying to maintain good relations with both sides. In this context, complex geopolitical dynamics make Southeast Asia an important region to pay attention to. Astute countries need to continually monitor changes in US policy and adapt their strategies to maximize opportunities and minimize risks. Establishing close cooperation between countries in the region will be the key to creating stability and prosperity amidst rapid global change.