By Mercy A. Kuo and Angelica O. Tang
How might a Republican White House engage Asia?
Eisenhower. Nixon. Reagan. All three statesmen have been seen as representing peerless American leadership in tumultuous times abroad and at home. As astute strategists, they possessed contextual intelligence – the ability to discern trends in the face of complexity as well as adaptability while trying to shape events. The GOP foreign policy record could portend how a future Republican foreign policy might evolve.
In the 2004 presidential race, then-U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel reminded the nation of what U.S. leadership represents:
“A wise foreign policy recognizes that U.S. leadership is determined as much by our commitment to principle as by our exercise of power. Foreign policy is the bridge between the United States and the world, and between the past, the present, and the future. The United States must grasp the forces of change, including the power of a restless and unpredictable new generation that is coming of age throughout the world. Trust and confidence in U.S. leadership and intentions are critical to shaping a vital global connection with this next generation.” (Foreign Affairs 2004)
Hagel further outlined seven principles of a Republican foreign policy: The U.S. must 1) remain committed to leadership in the global economy; 2) not ignore global energy security; 3) recognize that long-term security interests are connected to alliances, coalitions and international institutions; 4) support democratic and economic reform; 5) prioritize relations with the western hemisphere – Canada and Latin America; 6) work with allies to combat poverty and the spread of disease worldwide; and 7) engage in strong and imaginative public diplomacy. Hagel also emphasized that U.S. relations with the European Union, Russia, India, and China would be vital to global security and stability. Three out of four of these relationships are in Asia. How might GOP candidates refashion the rebalance, Republican style?
Read the full story at The Diplomat