Summary

This thoughtful and deeply informed book assesses the background, status, and outlook of U.S. relations with the Asia-Pacific. Noted expert Robert G. Sutter takes issue with the “declinist” school of thought that he sees as overstating U.S. weaknesses while at the same time underplaying its strengths in the region. He provides a balanced inventory of the major strengths and weaknesses in American relations with Asia and weighs the significant points of agreement and disagreement between the United States and the governments and peoples of the region at the end of the George W. Bush administration.

Sutter carefully considers widely held views of the United States in decline, with its leadership role in regional affairs threatened by a range of political, economic, and security problems. The author finds that recent U.S. difficulties have not fundamentally undermined the main foundations of the leadership, power, and influence that America has exerted in the region for many years. Instead, he convincingly argues for U.S. policy options that will help to remedy prevailing difficulties while sustaining U.S. interests and leading role in Asian and Pacific affairs.