Pacific Polarity Evan Feigenbaum: America's Misperception of Asian Challenges and Aspirations
Jun 17, 2025
Evan Feigenbaum, President for studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and former deputy assistant secretary of state, shares insights on the evolving geopolitical landscape in Asia. He discusses the critical importance of understanding Asian nations as independent actors, the implications of climate change on foreign policy, and the complexities of U.S.-Vietnam relations. Feigenbaum also highlights the need for a nuanced approach to U.S.-China tech perceptions and trade negotiations, pushing for a recalibrated strategy in the Indo-Pacific.
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Asia's Reintegration and U.S. Challenge
- Asia's subregions are reintegrating economically and strategically, returning to historical patterns disrupted by colonial and Cold War divisions.
- The U.S. is currently unprepared to engage with this more Asian and less Pacific-integrated region effectively.
U.S. Economic Influence Waning
- The U.S. remains a security leader in Asia but is losing economic influence as Asian countries increasingly write economic rules without it.
- This shift challenges U.S. leadership and signals a crisis of confidence in its role beyond security.
U.S. Must Align with Asian Goals
- Most Asian countries won't sever ties with China because their development priorities depend on growth and sustainability, where China plays a vital role.
- U.S. policies must offer competitive yet complementary approaches to shape China's regional behavior.