The U.S. Pivot to Asia, With Robert D. Blackwill and Richard Fontaine
Jun 25, 2024
auto_awesome
Robert D. Blackwill and Richard Fontaine discuss the U.S. response to China's rise. Topics include historical background of U.S pivot to Asia, challenges faced, diplomatic strategies with China, and the potential catastrophic impact of a US-China war.
The US pivot to Asia faced challenges in execution due to lack of clarity and interagency coordination.
China's rise in power coincided with the US 'Lost Decade' in Asia, leaving America in a weaker position.
Deep dives
The Concept of the Lost Decade and the US Pivot to Asia
The podcast delves into the concept of a 'Lost Decade' in relation to the US pivot to Asia. Despite the lofty aspirations of making Asia a primary strategic focus, the actual pivot did not materialize as envisioned in the Obama-Clinton administration. This failure to execute the pivot coincided with China's significant rise in power, leaving the US in a weaker position in Asia.
Origins of the Pivot and Reception by Allies
The episode discusses the origins of the pivot, tracing it back to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's article in 2011. While the pivot was met with enthusiasm internally, the reaction from America's allies globally was mixed. European and Middle Eastern nations expressed concerns about being overshadowed by the pivot to Asia, while Asian countries questioned the tangible implications and actions accompanying the shift.
Implementation Challenges and Lack of Clarity
The podcast highlights the challenges faced in implementing the pivot, with a lack of clarity on the practical details and division among government agencies on the execution. Ambassadors seeking specifics on the pivot were met with confusion and abstract responses, indicating a weak interagency process. The episode points out the disconnect between the grand strategy and actual operational details.
Progress, Intellectual Shifts, and Strategic Impulses
The discussion delves into the progress made in the pivot over the years, emphasizing shifts in intellectual approaches and military strategies against the backdrop of China's rise. While there were efforts to enhance diplomatic engagement and economic initiatives, various factors, including budget constraints and changing leadership priorities, led to a partial realization of the pivot's objectives. The episode explores the complexities of aligning strategic goals with practical outcomes in US foreign policy towards Asia.
Robert D. Blackwill, the Henry A. Kissinger senior fellow for U.S. foreign policy at CFR, and Richard Fontaine, the chief executive officer of the Center for a New American Security, sit down with James M. Lindsay to discuss the U.S. response to the rise of China.