The President’s Inbox

The U.S. Pivot to Asia, With Robert D. Blackwill and Richard Fontaine

Jun 25, 2024

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.

37:38

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Episode guests

Richard Fontaine

Robert D. Blackwill

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

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.

Intro

6min

Evolution and Challenges of the U.S. Pivot to Asia

17min

U.S. Pivot to Asia: Navigating Changes and Challenges

9min

Analysis of the Relationship between Ukraine, China, and Taiwan in US Foreign Policy

4min

The Catastrophic Potential of a US-China War and Engagements to Prevent It

2min

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.

Enter the CFR book giveaway by July 8, 2024, for the chance to win one of ten free copies of Lost Decade: The U.S. Pivot to Asia and the Rise of Chinese Power by Robert D. Blackwill and Richard Fontaine. You can read the terms and conditions of the offer here.

Mentioned on the Episode

Robert D. Blackwill and Richard Fontaine, Lost Decade: The U.S. Pivot to Asia and the Rise of Chinese Power

Hillary Clinton, “America’s Pacific Century,” Foreign Policy

Philip Zelikow, “Confronting Another Axis? History, Humility, and Wishful Thinking,” Texas National Security Review

For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The President’s Inbox at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/us-pivot-asia-robert-d-blackwill-and-richard-fontaine