What place does “Asia” have in the new US national security strategy?
The publication of the US National Security Strategy by the administration of US President Donald Trump is a political tradition in Washington, but experts believe that the new text deviates from the post-World War II consensus and reflects the analysis of the so-called “Making America Great Again” or “MAGA” movement.
A fundamental shift in the world
By emphasizing the “America First” approach, the document shifts US international policy away from multilateral frameworks and toward a focus on domestic interests. The new strategy also seeks to limit Washington’s global missions and redefine its role in international security arrangements.
Experts say the new document does not provide certainty about the future of America’s role in the world, but it does reflect a new state of affairs in the US’s domestic debates on foreign policy, a development that could also affect Washington’s position in Asia.
The priority importance of Asia
In this strategy, the Asia region or the “Indo-Pacific” is introduced as the main axis of US foreign policy outside the Western Hemisphere. This orientation is described as a continuation of the policies of the Barack Obama era and previous administrations. According to the assessment of this document, the increase in China’s economic and military power and the economic dynamism of the region have led to Washington’s strategic focus on Asia intensifying.
The document also emphasizes that the United States will oppose “the dominance of a single power over Asia,” an issue that, according to experts, is important for many governments in the region in the face of China’s expanding role.
A softer approach to Asia
While the published text has made sharp criticisms of Europe and accused the European Union of “dependence and inefficiency,” Washington has emphasized cooperation and limited intervention in the section related to Asia. Analysts believe this difference is due to the West’s internal conflict over the future of the liberal system, an issue that, according to observers, has no direct connection with Asian countries.
Alignment with countries that want a national approach
Asian authorities have been skeptical of the “rules-based order” approach in recent years, and some governments, including China, have viewed the policy as unfair. The new document, emphasizing state independence and bilateral cooperation, has been welcomed by some Asian governments that are aligned with the “national sovereignty” approach.