We are currently in the middle of a great geo-political shift, and it will require fresh thinking from the East Coast foreign policy community and the Obama administration in order for the United States to remain regionally relevant.
These facts clearly aren’t being lost on everyone though.
Hillary Clinton’s first trip as Secretary of State was rightly to Asia. And President Obama’s Pacific-identity with his Indonesian and Hawaiian heritage provides an opportunity of understanding that is yet to be fully embraced.
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Prime Minister Rudd, respected in the US as an expert on Asia, has impressed the President and become one of his most trusted counterparts on the world stage. The President’s in-principle support of Rudd’s Asia Pacific community idea shows he is keen to engage further if given the chance.
Until that happens, the question everyone should be asking is: what about Asia, Mr President?
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About the Author
Thom Woodroofe, 21, is a foreign affairs analyst combining journalism, research, teaching and community work to advance an understanding of Australia's place in the world.
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