MULTIPOLAR APPROACH TO GLOBAL STABILITY: “EAST IS EAST, AND WEST IS WEST” – BRIDGING THE DIVIDE IN U.S.-INDO-PACIFIC RELATIONS 

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FEB 4, 2025 

BY TOM RAQUER

DEAR ESSENTIAL AMERICAN CITIZEN,

Wake up! The time for complacency is over. U.S. foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific has become outdated, clinging to military power like a lifeboat in a sinking sea. This approach, driven by misguided fears and the ambitions of policy elites, contrasts sharply with the connections among Indo-Pacific nations. The real question is: Are we genuinely part of the Indo-Pacific or merely a reflection of elites seeking global dominance? It’s time to face the truth: our identity lies in North America, and our policies must show this reality.

THE ELITE DISCONNECT

Let’s get straight to the point: foreign policy elites have lost touch with Americans’ everyday lives. Take Elbridge Colby’s proposal for an anti-hegemonic coalition against China. This plan assumes that pushing back against China in the Western Pacific will solve our issues. But what happens if this leads to war in the South China Sea and Southeast Asia? The ties between these regions and allies like Japan, Korea, and India are crucial for survival. We do not need a presence in the Indo-Pacific to survive and prosper. We can achieve economic prosperity and security right here. We have all that in America.

Does this proposed coalition align with our values of national self-determination? Are we willing to sacrifice the needs of ordinary Americans for the ambitions of the elite? History is filled with wars fueled by the delusions of those in power. Colby does not understand a fundamental truth expressed by Rudyard Kipling. Kipling said, “East is East and West is West, and never the twain shall meet.” Instead of bridging this natural divide, his approach deepens it, creating tension in relationships that could foster cooperation. It’s time to stop allowing our Republic to be a pawn in their geopolitical games.

THE REAL THREAT: RIGHT HERE AT HOME

The most pressing threats to American security are not thousands of miles away; they are at home. Former FBI Directors, including Christopher Wray, have warned about Chinese cells operating within the U.S. that attack critical infrastructure, like telecommunications and power grids. This is an immediate threat that requires action. While policymakers focus on the Indo-Pacific, they ignore the dangers within our borders. The priority must shift from countering China overseas to addressing domestic threats.

THE ROLE OF THE U.S. NAVY

The U.S. Navy plays a vital role in ensuring global trade. Yet, it is essential to recognize that China has greatly benefited from this security. If the U.S. decides to pull back, it risks cutting off China’s economic lifeline. This action will turn an adversary into a destabilized entity. It would create new challenges. We are at a turning point, moving from globalization to a strict geopolitical reality where national survival matters most. What choices must we make to thrive in this strategic environment?

COMPLEXITY AND CULTURAL DIFFERENCES

The world is not black and white; it is filled with gray areas that policymakers often ignore. Colby’s “Strategy of Denial” assumes that the U.S. can rally allies against China while overlooking the internal challenges China faces. Geopolitical analyst Michael Beckley points out that China is nearing a geopolitical reversal. Why pursue aggressive strategies when cooperation will yield better results?

Insights from analysts like Parag Khanna and Rory Medcalf remind us that neither China nor America can dominate the Indo-Pacific. So, what exactly are we trying to contain? The Indo-Pacific is complex, and no single power can claim hegemony. Maintaining dominance through military means will only deepen divisions and escalate tensions.

SHIFTING REGIONAL ALIGNMENTS

Indonesia’s decision to join BRICS is significant. Declaring no maritime disputes with China is another crucial move. These actions by Indonesia serve as a wake-up call. Thailand and Malaysia gaining observer status in BRICS highlight a significant shift in regional alignment that challenges U.S. influence. These developments show that the geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific is returning to its natural multipolarity. The U.S. must reevaluate its approach to stay relevant and respected.

A STRATEGIC PIVOT TOWARD COLLABORATION

A successful U.S. foreign policy must focus on building partnerships over enforcing containment. Engaging with regional organizations like ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) fosters stability. The U.S. cannot shape the Indo-Pacific future by simply participating in discussions. This shift does not mean abandoning national interests. Instead, it means integrating them into a strategy that respects the sovereignty and autonomy of Indo-Pacific nations. We should work towards regional stability instead of cornering China’s rising power.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, Colby’s “Strategy of Denial” is a fundamentally flawed approach that misunderstands the complexities of the Indo-Pacific region. A successful U.S. foreign policy must prioritize the well-being of American citizens while building respectful relationships with regional nations. The U.S. can create meaningful partnerships that promote stability and mutual interests by shifting focus from confrontation to collaboration. The future of our global standing does not lie in dominating a single nation. Instead, it lies in engaging in constructive dialogue and cooperation.

CALL TO ACTION

The Essential American Citizen must stay vigilant about policies created behind closed doors. These policies often slip into National Security Strategies (NSS) without public assessment and approval. Policymakers need to focus on the needs of our Republic. They must stop serving elite ambitions and delusions. Elected representatives must hold all policymakers accountable; those who fail to do so should be voted out of office. If America is to be a true republic, its future responsibility must lie with the American Citizen!

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### About the Author

Tom Raquer is a retired U.S. Air Force Southeast Asia Foreign Area Officer. He has held long-term and short-term assignments in Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, and Timor-Leste. He was also assigned to USPACOM as a Southeast Asia Political-Military Affairs officer for over seven years.