Impact Of US Foreign Policy On Southeast Asia Stability: Domination Or Protection?

US President Donald Trump (AP)

YOGYAKARTA - The impact of the United States' foreign policy on Southeast Asian stability has increasingly been in the spotlight in recent years. On the one hand, the United States claims to be the protector of democracy and the guarantor of stability in the Indo-Pacific region. But on the other hand, its political and military measures often trigger new tensions in areas that should be peaceful and neutral.

US foreign policy is often seen as a double-edged sword for Southeast Asian countries. Military aid and diplomatic pressure have indeed increased the bargaining power of some countries, but have also made the region like a chessboard for Washington's interests. The question is, does the US protect the region or actually make peace worse? Here's the analysis.

Historically, the United States has always tried to maintain its influence in Southeast Asia since the Cold War. Through various policies such as defense partnerships and economic assistance, the US tries to instill democratic values and a free market system. However, behind the rhetoric of stability, Washington often uses security issues to strengthen its grip in the region.

One of the most controversial steps is the formation of defense pacts such as AUKUS and Quad. While claimed to keep the Indo-Pacific safe, this policy indirectly raises new suspicions and tensions, especially with China. ASEAN countries are caught in a dilemma between approaching the US or avoiding Beijing's anger.

In this context, the presence of the US military in Southeast Asia is not always considered as protection, but a form of pressure. Military bases, joint war games, and maneuvers in the South China Sea often make the atmosphere worse. Instead of creating stability, the policy actually creates a sense of anxiety among ASEAN countries that have been committed to keeping the region neutral.

The impact of US foreign policy is also felt on regional economic and political aspects. Through selective trade policies, the US is trying to pressure ASEAN countries to be in line with their economic interests. Trade agreements such as the IPEF were promoted as favorable cooperation, but many considered that the goal was more on limiting China's economic influence than helping Southeast Asia.

As a result, ASEAN countries are becoming more careful in determining the direction of their foreign policy. Several countries such as Vietnam and the Philippines chose to strengthen relations with the US, while others such as Indonesia and Malaysia adhere to the principle of being free to be active. This inequality in position actually makes ASEAN solidarity waver and weakens the ability of the region to speak in one direction in the global arena.

Even worse, US political pressure often comes under the pretext of protecting human rights or democratization. In fact, these issues are often used as a political tool to suppress countries that are not in line with Washington's interests. Southeast Asia is also in a difficult position, between maintaining national sovereignty or subject to diplomatic pressure from great powers.

The presence of the US in the region has also accelerated geopolitical rivalry with China, which has become a source of new instability. The South China Sea is now a hot spot where both great powers show off its military power. Every time a US warship patrols, China retaliates by deploying coast guard and military vessels.

Indonesia, although not directly in dispute, was also affected by the increasing military activity around the Natuna Sea. The Indonesian government firmly refuses to be used as an arena for the competition of the two major countries. But unfortunately, this kind of neutral attitude is not always liked by Washington. The US continues to attract Indonesia to be more pro-West, especially through defense and economic cooperation.

In the end, the impact of US foreign policy on Southeast Asia's stability is like a double-edged knife, it can protect, but it can also hurt. On the one hand, America's presence helps maintain a balance of strength and prevents Chinese domination. But on the other hand, the militaristic and political approaches to pressure threaten ASEAN independence and unity.

The Southeast Asian region does not need guards, but partners who are equal and respect sovereignty. If America really wants to support stability, then it must stop its intervention policy and start treating ASEAN as an equal partner, not a geopolitical pawn.