Asian Changes of Global Power The U.S.

S. as super power is declining and it is inevitable All imperial powers embark on military adventures (Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya) were unnecessary wars and had created burdens (financially) which caused an economic crisis and had developed an unemployment burden which then had caused a serious income disparity which resulted to a social movement called Occupy Wall street China holds lots of U.S. treasury bills There has been serious political and social problems in the U.S. the right wing party (tea party movement) has a policy is leaning towards free taxes and regulations. The U.S. is declining because other powers are emerging (China is an economic power, Russias political military power, etc.) The power shift is affecting the ASEAN o The ASEAN is close to the U.S. because it was formed as a response to communism during the 70s. There are also a lot of military bases in ASEAN countries. o China has always been ASEANs neighbor (geographically) There is a complication in this issue as U.S. wants to contain China o The clearest evidence is the U.S. presidents speech in Honolulu wanting to be at the helm of the Pacific Power (In WWII , they considered themselves as an Atlantic Power) o The center of global economic power is the Pacific Power is in the pacific because o Of its economic dynamics o Asian countries are rich in natural resources o It has important water ways (Melakas straits) which carries 1/3 of the worlds oil and of the worlds trade. o Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia have rights to the straits of Melaka and not the U.S. o The U.S. wants control of the straits of Melaka in order to impact Chinas economic development. o U.S. image of itself as a military power (it has 1000 bases all over the world) There is 1 possible flashpoint- The Question of Spratlys China is the most powerful claimant and is doing bi-lateral talks. It shouldnt be doing bi-lateral talks; it should stick to international law. The only way out for ASEAN is to strengthen ASEAN and develop a collective identity Shifted powers is good, dont be hysterical on Chinas rise to power China never sought to dominate the world (coming from a historical perspective even when China had the most powerful fleets) Unlike China, the U.S has bases and even has an unmanned base for drones.