The United States and Southeast Asia have had a complex relationship dating back to the 19th century, marked by a tumultuous history of conflicts, alliances, economic ties, and shifting geopolitical priorities. While the US has played a significant role in shaping the region’s destiny, its engagement has often been characterized by a mix of strategic interests, self-interests, and humanitarian objectives. Despite the growing economic interdependence between the two, the history of US-SE Asia relations can be described as a story of ‘imperfect partners’- a relationship marked by mutual misunderstandings, mistrust, and missed opportunities. In this article, we explore the roots of this perennial dynamic and its implications for the future of the region.
With much attention focused on the United States (US)-China rivalry in the Indo-Pacific, there is concern that the Southeast Asian countries may be overlooked. Scot Marciel’s latest book, “Imperfect Partners: The United States and Southeast Asia,” is a timely reminder of the importance of this dynamic and complex region. The book provides a chronicle of Marciel’s diplomatic career in the region for over 30 years, while analyzing US policies towards the 10 countries in Southeast Asia since the mid-1980s.
From his postings in the Philippines during the expulsion of Ferdinand Marcos from power and in Vietnam during the normalization of diplomatic relations with the US, to his time as the ambassador to Indonesia during the visit of then-president Barack Obama and Myanmar during Aung San Suu Kyi’s government, Marciel has witnessed critical turning points in Southeast Asia. In the book, he highlights discussions with Suu Kyi and the military commander who now runs Myanmar, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, on the treatment of Rohingya minority residents.
One of Marciel’s key recommendations for the US is to reinvigorate its economic role in the region. Although US companies remain important trade and investment partners, China’s share of global trade continues to grow while the US is absent from the region’s increasing number of multilateral trade agreements, such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership that include China. Marciel urges the US administration to look for congressional support to rejoin the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement on the Trans-Pacific Partnership that Trump pulled out of in 2017.
Marciel also emphasizes that the US should not view the region primarily through the lens of countering China, but rather on its own merits. As Southeast Asia is one of the US’s largest trading partners and plays a critical strategic role in the Indo-Pacific and South China Sea, the former ambassador calls on the US government to invest in time and resources to ensure that the region views Washington as a reliable and consistent partner.
Moreover, Marciel suggests that the US should not isolate countries that backslide on human rights and democracy, such as Thailand’s situation in 2014. He argues that sanctions are ineffective in engineering changed behavior and instead enhance China’s relative influence in that country.
In conclusion, Marciel’s book reminds us of the significance of Southeast Asia in the Indo-Pacific and its role as an important strategic partner for the US. The book offers valuable insights and recommendations for US policymakers to consider when dealing with future diplomatic challenges in the region.
