Partners in a Rules-Based Order – or Collateral Damage? : Southeast Asia and the U.S. Geo-Economic Strategy

The U.S. is pursuing a geo-economic strategy largely aimed at constraining China as a global rival. This includes weaponization of the dollar in the global financial system, and weaponization of supply chains such as semiconductors. This could backfire, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, which is a primary area of strategic focus for the U.S. It is likely to prompt China to accelerate its challenge to the U.S., especially in the Indo-Pacific region. In the process, the rivalry is inflicting damage on Southeast Asian economies