EAI co-hosted a conference with the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., on November 22, 2024, titled “The Future of Alliances, Partnerships, and the Indo-Pacific Regional Order.” The event brought together 11 experts from Korea, the U.S., and Southeast Asia to examine how the incoming Trump administration’s approach to managing relationships with allies and partners will influence stability and order in the Indo-Pacific region. Key topics included the sustainability of ROK-U.S.-Japan trilateral cooperation, China’s response to Trump’s return, and the U.S. economic policy outlook, along with strategies for allies to adapt. A detailed summary of the discussions will be published on the EAI website soon.

Andrew Yeo, a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, emphasizes that despite Trump`s unconventional views on alliances, many GOP members continue to strongly value these partnerships, suggesting that his perspective alone will not dictate the future of U.S. foreign policy. Yeo also points out the inherent paradox between Trump’s "peace through strength" rhetoric and the "isolationist" narrative, noting that this contradiction fosters uncertainty and concern among U.S. allies. Regarding the Indo-Pacific, Yeo observes that Trump’s nomination of several China hawks signals a likely continuity with his predecessor’s approach, prioritizing collaboration with allies to address regional challenges.

[Global NK Commentary] Iron Curtain Ironies