The United States and Asia in 2009: Public Diplomacy and Strategic Continuity

Abstract

In crafting an Asia policy during the first year of his presidency, Obama has faced the dilemma of continuing much of his predecessor's policies while answering public expectations for change. A military surge in Afghanistan after a long debate, an attempt to enhance strategic cooperation with China, a disappointing result for climate change policies, a better disposition toward regional organizations, and a growing concern with the course of Japan's alliance policy have been the main threads of a deeply pragmatic approach.