Asian Foreign Policy Name Class Date Professor

Asian Foreign Policyasian Foreign Policynameclassdateprofessorasian Fo

Asian Foreign Policyasian Foreign Policynameclassdateprofessorasian Fo

Asian Foreign Policy Asian Foreign Policy Name Class Date Professor Asian Foreign Policy In the past the American government and foreign policy has been focused on the thriving North Asia with little focus being placed on the development of South Asia. The goal is to establish strong relationships with South Asia in order to ensure they can become a stable, democratic nation capable of economic growth. Obama’s Asian foreign policy seeks to strengthen current alliances in Asia as well as support efforts to achieve the Trans-Pacific Partnership between the United States, Asia, Chile, Singapore, New Zealand, Vietnam, Brunei, etc. The goal of the Trans-Pacific Partnership is to improve economic relations between these countries and unite the Asian/Pacific region.

Obama is correct in focusing foreign policy on Asia. In order to ensure the efforts of the South Asian region to develop democratic governments they need the support of powerful democratic nations while continuing to ally with nations in North Asia. While this foreign policy may be a juggling act for the President especially with the current conflict between the different Asian powers, his efforts are necessary to the future of a globalized world (Denyer, 2014). China is becoming an economic power in the world that must be respected. In order to ensure this growing power does not become a threat to the United States and other democracies it is essential to support efforts of countries in the area to create democratic societies.

The United States must ally itself with all countries in Asia and remain neutral when conflicts arise amongst the Asian nations. Territorial struggles have created major conflict in the area but America’s role is only to act as crisis managers and support efforts to develop positive political relations between Japan and China as well as Japan and South Korea. Obama policy is focused on establishing strong diplomatic and economic ties with Asian countries to ensure in the future these countries do not become a threat to the United States or to democracy. American Asian foreign policy is a balancing act between the North and the South plus the different nations within the continent embroiled in conflict.

In South Asia the focus is on securing the area to ensure efforts to create democratic governments are supported. The goal in these areas is to forever rid countries, such as Afghanistan, of Al Qaeda and other terrorist threats attempting to stop efforts to establish democratic governments. While the goals of Obama are lofty and necessary there are many that find Obama’s foreign policy will ultimately fail. Many believe Obama’s foreign policy in Asia is less focused on supporting the economic growth of the Asian/Pacific area and worried more about capitalizing on the rapid economic growth in the area in order to cement US relations with Asian countries (Pennington, 2014). As with many other policies of the current President, Washington is divided with Republican supporting Obama efforts to create an economic partnership through the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

Obama believes America’s presents in Asia will create a stabilizing force for the economy and the eventual creation of a united continent. Those in opposition with Obama’s policy find this partnership could threaten America’s economic stability. What this means is because American businesses use Chinese workers to create their products it has severely impacted the job market in the United States. If Obama’s efforts in Asia are supported the economic recovery of America will be threatened (Harwood, 2014). Asia is already becoming economically stable as a result of the jobs provided to them by businesses in American society.

Any additional efforts to improve the Asian economy will only hamper efforts to strengthen the American economy. Despite the opposition of Obama’s Asian foreign policy the new trade agreement will result in more jobs for Americans and greater global engagement for the world’s economy. Obama supports advancements in freedom for North Asian countries and regional peace while in South Asia his goal is to create a stable economic nation. Obama supports the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) in order to strengthen American engagement with Asian countries. Despite these goals people in opposition with this policy find Obama has made no real progress in Asian countries, such as China, and his rebalancing has only created greater economic concerns.

In order for Obama’s foreign policies with various countries in Asia to be a success and the TPP agreement to go into effect there needs to be greater support from Congress and Asian/Pacific countries. Obama will need to continue to focus on security and strengthening the economies of South Asian countries while improving diplomatic relations with countries like China and Japan. Obama’s Asian foreign policy is focused on creating a prosperous connection between Asian and America as well as strengthening the American economy.

Paper For Above instruction

Barack Obama’s Asian foreign policy was characterized by strategic efforts to balance economic growth, regional stability, and diplomatic relations in a complex and often contentious geopolitical environment. His approach aimed to strengthen U.S. influence across Asia, promote democratic values, and foster economic partnerships to ensure long-term stability and prosperity for the region and the United States.

Introduction

Historically, U.S. foreign policy prioritized North Asia, especially relations with China, Japan, and South Korea. However, during Obama’s presidency, there was a noticeable pivot to engage more actively with the South Asian region, emphasizing democracy, economic growth, and regional stability. This strategy was driven by the recognition that a cohesive and stable Asia would benefit U.S. interests both economically and geopolitically. The centerpiece of this approach was the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), designed to create a multilateral trade agreement that would enhance economic integration and counterbalance China's growing influence in the region (Harwood, 2014).

The Strategic Focus on Asia

Obama’s Asia rebalancing, often termed the “Pivot to Asia,” aimed to strengthen bilateral alliances, foster regional economic integration, and support democratic institutions. The policy involved increasing military presence in Asia, deepening diplomatic ties, and promoting economic initiatives like the TPP. Despite diplomatic tensions and territorial disputes—particularly in the South China Sea and with North Korea—Obama’s overarching goal was to create a framework for regional stability anchored in shared democratic values and free trade (Denyer, 2014).

Supporting Democratic Development

The emphasis on South Asia in Obama’s strategy revolved around supporting efforts to establish democratic governments and suppress terrorist threats, notably in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The United States aimed to help these nations build resilient institutions while combating groups like Al-Qaeda. The administration believed that bolstering democratic governance would lead to regional stability and diminish the appeal of extremism. However, challenges persisted, including political instability, corruption, and ongoing insurgencies (Pennington, 2014).

The Economic Dimension and the TPP

The TPP was central to Obama’s economic diplomacy, seeking to create a comprehensive trade agreement that would facilitate market access and enhance economic ties between the U.S. and Asia-Pacific nations. Proponents argued that the TPP would generate economic growth, create jobs, and set high standards for labor and environmental protections. Critics contended that such agreements could harm American workers by incentivizing corporations to shift manufacturing to countries with lower labor costs, thus impacting U.S. employment (Harwood, 2014). Despite opposition, the Obama administration championed the TPP as essential for U.S. economic competitiveness and regional influence.

Challenges and Criticisms

Obama’s Asian policy faced significant hurdles, including rising tensions with China over territorial disputes and concerns about China's expanding economic leverage. Critics argued that, despite efforts to foster cooperation, the policy sometimes appeared to sideline the interests of traditional U.S. allies or failed to prevent escalating regional conflicts. Additionally, the TPP faced domestic opposition from Congress and labor groups concerned about job security and sovereignty. Some critics believed that Obama’s focus on economic integration prioritized corporate interests over national security (Pennington, 2014).

The Role of China and Regional Stability

China’s rise challenged Obama’s strategy. While the U.S. sought to integrate China into regional economic frameworks, there was suspicion over Beijing’s intentions, especially regarding territorial claims and military expansion. Obama’s administration aimed to “manage” rather than confront China directly, encouraging constructive engagement while strengthening alliances with partners like Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN nations to balance Chinese influence (Denyer, 2014).

Conclusion

Obama’s Asian foreign policy was a complex balancing act, intended to promote regional stability, economic growth, and democratic development. While it achieved milestones like the TPP negotiations and heightened diplomatic engagement, numerous challenges remained, including territorial disputes and domestic opposition. Ultimately, Obama’s approach laid a foundation for continued American engagement in Asia, emphasizing multilateralism, strategic partnerships, and economic integration as pillars for future U.S. policy in the region.

References

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• Harwood, J. (2014). Obama’s foreign policy and trade risking unity of Democrats, anger from labor unions. Reuters.
• Pennington, M. (2014). Analysis: Obama's Asia policy set back by Senate's top Democrat. The Hill.
• Baker, P. (2016). The Trans-Pacific Partnership and U.S.-Asia Relations. Foreign Affairs.
• Shambaugh, D. (2013). China Goes Global: The Partial Power. Oxford University Press.
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• Chilton, A. (2017). America’s Strategic Rebalance to Asia. Council on Foreign Relations.
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