US Policy in Southeast Asia in the context of the "turn in the Asia-Pacific Region"

The article "US Policy in Southeast Asia in the context of the "turn in the Asia-Pacific region"" analyzes Washington's strategic reorientation towards the Asia-Pacific region, aimed at strengthening its position in the face of China's growing influence. Key aspects of American policy are considered, including the military-strategic presence, economic initiatives (the Indo-Pacific Strategy and participation in the CPTPP), as well as diplomatic cooperation with regional partners, including the ASEAN countries. Special attention is paid to the goals of the United States: curbing Chinese ambitions in the South China Sea and supporting multilateral cooperation. The author explores the evolution of approaches of various administrations (from B. Obama to D. Biden), emphasizing the changes in the implementation of the "U-turn". Challenges are highlighted, including balancing between allied commitments, internal political contradictions in the United States, and the ambiguous reaction of Southeast Asian countries to increased competition between the great powers. The study is based on a comparative analysis of the approaches of the three American administrations (Obama, Trump, Biden) to the implementation of the strategy in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as on the basis of official documents (National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy), public statements by the presidents and diplomatic initiatives). Institutional analysis of the role and effectiveness of the multilateral structures and alliances created by the United States as tools for deterring China The scientific novelty of the study lies in a systematic and comparative analysis of the evolution of the "pivot to Asia" strategy over the course of three US administrations, demonstrating not a paradigm shift, but a tactical adaptation of a single strategic goal. Despite tactical and stylistic differences, all three administrations (Obama, Trump, Biden) pursued a common strategic goal – to contain China's growing influence and preserve American leadership in the Asia-Pacific region. Obama relied on multilateral economic (TPP) and diplomatic instruments. Trump moved to open confrontation, protectionism, and an emphasis on bilateral power and trade deals. Biden synthesized approaches, returning to the rhetoric of multilateralism and working with allies, but preserving and strengthening the tough anti-China core of Trump's strategy, as well as institutionalizing the QUAD format. The deepening US-China rivalry poses serious challenges for ASEAN, forcing it to maneuver and threatening its unity and central role in the regional architecture.

USA, Southeast Asia, Japan, DPRK, Asian-Pacific region, PRC, ASEAN, Trans-Pacific Partnership, East-China Sea, North-East Asia