Session: Session 1 / Regency Room
Date/Time: April 30, 2013 / 12:30-13:45

Panel Description
Throughout late-2011 and early 2012, the Obama administration announced that the United States would be shifting its political, economic, and military focus to the vast Asia-Pacific region. After a decade of wars in the Middle East, this so-called ‘pivot’ to Asia is set to involve strengthening key alliances, building new partnerships, and expanding the overall US involvement in the region. Crucially, the subtext to the ‘pivot’ is clear: the United States will actively shape a regional environment that can accommodate the rise of China while safeguarding its interests. Yet more than a year since its announcement, the ‘pivot’ has been somewhat underwhelming in terms of military rebalancing and trade promotion. It thus remains to be seen what consequences the much-lauded ‘pivot’ will have for the region.

Guiding Questions

1. Is the ‘pivot’ more a case of political marketing and smart politics by the Obama administration than a serious re-orientation of US global strategy?
2. How will the United States shape a regional environment that can accommodate the rise of China while safeguarding its interests?
3. Where do American allies fit into the ‘pivot’? How important will burden-sharing and alliance renegotiation be in an era of diminished US capabilities?