One of the many questions that makes my mind itch is how many 'short-terms' make a 'medium term' or a 'long-term'?
This year I have been spending a lot of my time at Lowy both pondering the long–term — the future of the Asia–Pacific security order — and commenting on its short–terms — present events like the sinking of the Cheonan and ASEAN's decision to invite the United States and Russia to join the East Asia Summit. Overall, I think the present discussion about long–term US strategic decline in Asia is often overstated and undervalues the 'win–win' nature of the US alliances and security partnerships in the region.
At the moment, the United States' strategic position in Asia is having a good 'short–term'. As commented on here and in the local media, this year's AUSMIN meeting was more consequential than usual and sent a clear signal that both sides want to strengthen their 'core relationship'. At the same time, Japan's DPJ government is reversing course and looking to strengthen its alliance relationship with the United States rather than undercutting it. Finally, President Obama is presently visiting Asia's three largest democracies and Korea. His three–day stop in India was his longest single country visit as President, and he is finally visiting Indonesia. Not bad for one week.
BTW, congratulations to John Lee from the Centre for Independent Studies for being the subject of a Global Times opinion piece. (Ed's note: here's John's original piece in Foreign Policy.)
Photo by Flickr user skibler, used under a Creative Commons licence.
