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Books > Professional & Technical > Other technologies > Military engineering
The paradox of U.S. involvement in Southeast Asia The Obama
administration's pivot-to-Asia policy establishes an important
place for Southeast Asia in U.S. foreign policy. But Washington's
attention to the region has fluctuated dramatically, from the
intense intervention of the cold war era to near neglect in more
recent years. As a consequence, countries in Southeast Asia worry
that the United States once again will become distracted by other
problems and disengage from the region. This book written by an
astute observer of the region and U.S. policy casts light on the
sources of these anxieties. A main consideration is that it still
is not clear how Southeast Asia fits into U.S. strategy for Asia
and the broader world. Is the region central to U.S. policymaking,
or an afterthought? Ambivalent Engagement highlights a dilemma that
is becoming increasingly conspicuous and problematic. Southeast
Asia continues to rely on the United States to play an active role
in the region even though it is an external power. But the
countries of Southeast Asia have very different views about
precisely what role the United States should play. The consequences
of this ambivalence will grow in importance with the expanding role
of yet another outside power, China.
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