ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that despite emerging new security and economic challenges in the post-Cold War regional order, the general pattern of US interests and policy strategies towards East Asia has been remarkably consistent over time. This is because it is embedded in a persistent, multidimensional structure that has defined Washington's relations with the region since the early days of American involvement in the Asia-Pacific. From a US perspective, not only are free trade agreements aimed at intensifying moves towards closer economic integration of East Asia, but they are also intended to bind the United States more tightly to the region from a geostrategic and security point of view. From a US angle a firm bilateralism is seen as the most promising insurance against the emergence of a structural situation that would hinder American access to the region. While the threat of terrorism as a destabilizing factor in US–Asia relations is less pronounced today than it was a decade ago.
