The Illusion of Indo-Pacific Dominance

BREAKING FREE FROM THE INDO-PACIFIC ILLUSION

By Tom Raquer

SUMMARY

The Essential American Citizen urges a critical reassessment of U.S. identity and foreign policy in light of a rapidly evolving global landscape. It calls for recognizing America’s foundational roots in North America. It also encourages fostering a deeper understanding of the rich cultural diversity within the Indo-Pacific region. The post critiques hostile containment strategies. It emphasizes the need to focus on domestic issues. This is instead of pursuing misguided ambitions in the Indo-Pacific. Ultimately, it advocates for genuine cooperation and engagement. This is not a means to reclaim a false hegemony. Instead, it aims to foster stability and self-reliance within the naturally evolving multipolarity of the Indo-Pacific.

Let’s get real: this isn’t just another political conversation; it’s about reclaiming our American identity. It’s time we cut through the noise and recognize who we are. We should shift our foreign policy away from outdated ambitions in the Indo-Pacific. Let’s focus back on our North American roots.

Feb 12, 2025 

by Tom Raquer 

in Uncategorized

### WE ARE A NORTH AMERICAN NATION, NOT AN INDO-PACIFIC NATION

BOTTOM LINE

1. Eighty years of military posturing do NOT make us an Indo-Pacific nation. Our identity is deeply rooted in North America. China is 7000 miles from America’s Pacific coast!

2. The Indo-Pacific is a complex mosaic of independent nations, and neither China nor America can assert absolute dominance. The Indo-Pacific presents fixed obstacles to any nation that holds to the illusion that it can impose hegemony.

3. A misguided policy of containment invites hostility and conflict. China is countering our strategies with espionage. This espionage threatens our critical infrastructure.

4. Let’s not kid ourselves—countries like Singapore and the Philippines may have supported the U.S. during the Ukraine conflict. Still, the other nine Southeast Asian nations (SEA) did not! They focus on each other’s national interests and stayed true to their doctrines of non-alignment and non-interventionism. They are not seeking an alliance with America. They aim to modernize, not Westernize.

5. As the world transitions from globalization to a more complex geopolitical landscape, cooperation is crucial. It is not just necessary; it is essential. We must abandon myths of hegemony and redefine our role in a multipolar world to safeguard our national interests.

### DEAR ESSENTIAL AMERICAN CITIZEN

We are at a critical crossroads, standing in the shadow of outdated foreign and defense policies. Our voice must rise again to shape the future of our Republic. If we don’t break free from these antiquated paradigms, we risk repeating the mistakes of the past. Will we continue to let an entrenched oligarchy decide on the all-critical matters of war and peace? Do we want that?

There is hope. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has acknowledged that the world is naturally multipolar. This is not an anomaly. It’s a reality we must recognize. He stated, “It’s not normal for the world to simply have a unipolar power.” 

Consider scholars like Michael Beckley. They caution that China is faltering. It is reverting to a state where it must focus inward to keep order. Are we prepared to assert our imagined hegemony over a nation on the brink? We’ve already seen the consequences of such behavior with Russia, culminating in a disastrous proxy conflict in Ukraine.

### THE ILLUSION OF UNIPOLARITY

Let’s be clear: eighty years of military dominance does NOT equate to a legitimate identity in the Indo-Pacific. Our essence is embedded in North America. The idea that we need to yield control in the Indo-Pacific is a grave misjudgment. True alliances lie much closer to home, and it’s high time we start acting appropriately.

### THE MULTIPOLAR REALITY

The hard truth is that neither China nor the U.S. can command the Indo-Pacific. This region is a tapestry of nations with unique interests and histories. We ignore this multipolar reality, which is a recipe for conflict and chaos. We overlook the reality. Notable geopolitical analysts like Parag Khanna and Rory Medcalf often highlight this fact. They repeatedly emphasize that no nation can achieve total control over the Indo-Pacific. Holding onto this fantasy only fuels conflict and undermines global stability. 

The Indo-Pacific region comprises approximately 40 countries and economies. These countries are often viewed as distinct civilizations within a broader geographic context. Nonetheless, interpretations of “civilization” may vary. Key points about the region include:

– Countries Involved: Notable nations include Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, and Cambodia. Others are China, India, Indonesia, Japan, and Malaysia. New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, and South Korea are also included. Thailand, Vietnam, and various Pacific Island nations are part of the list too.

– Geopolitical Significance: The region is vital for global trade and security due to its significant population and economic strength.

Cultural Diversity: The Indo-Pacific boasts a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and political systems that show its complexity and heterogeneity.

### CULTURAL DIFFERENCES: AMERICAN AND INDO-PACIFIC PERSPECTIVES

Framing our situation as “us versus them”—where authoritarianism is set against democracy—misses the mark entirely. This binary approach contradicts the fundamental values of the Indo-Pacific. Stability and prosperity in this region hinge on cooperation. They also rely on mutual respect for sovereignty. Understanding these cultural nuances is crucial to navigating our foreign policy effectively. We breed hostility with our confrontation positions. We miss the point. Forcing nations to choose between the US or China could lead to us being the odd man out!

### CONTAINMENT: A RECIPE FOR DISASTER

Pursuing a containment strategy is sheer folly. We’re dusting off outdated Cold War tactics and pretending they’ll succeed in today’s complex multipolar landscape. 

China’s response to our containment strategy is to return the hostility. They are building their capabilities in America with cells lurking to destroy our infrastructure. These include water, telecommunications, and power! Boomerang!

### RECLAIMING OUR IDENTITY

We must remember that international conflicts do not define us. Our roots are firmly planted in North America—our geography, history, and shared experiences unite us. Pursuing geopolitical phantoms is a waste of time and resources. We must strengthen connections with our neighbors and focus on what truly matters.

### THE MYTH OF GLOBAL TRADE

Let’s dismantle the fairy tale that America is a global trading powerhouse. In reality, only 12% of our GDP is tied to trade with the Indo-Pacific, and 6% comes of that come from trade with Canada and Mexico. Why aren’t we investing in ourselves? It’s time to focus on repairing our roads, schools, and healthcare systems.

### SECURITY: WHO NEEDS WHOM?

The notion that our safety hinges on the Indo-Pacific is misguided. That region needs us for stability. If we fail to adjust our approach, we risk overextending ourselves and leaving our shores vulnerable to threats. Why can we not understand that Asia has managed Asia, including China, for millennia? Why do we continue to pay to keep our “finger in the dyke”. Let Asia manage Asia.

### REASSESSING OUR COMMITMENTS

It’s time to reevaluate our commitments to the Indo-Pacific. Do these engagements truly serve our national interests? The answer is a resounding NO. We have strayed far from the wisdom of founders like John Adams and John Jay. They warned against entangling alliances and inviting hostility. Our primary focus must be strengthening our national defense.

–### THE UNCERTAIN FUTURE OF THE INDO-PACIFIC

The belief that the Indo-Pacific is primed for growth is an illusion. Countries are looking inward, signaling a shift away from seamless globalization. We must adapt to this reality and focus on stability right at home. Indonesia demonstrates an example of Resource Nationalism. It has taken its nickel off the market. This action encourages investors to come to Indonesia to manufacture.

### A CALL TO ACTION

Let’s be unequivocal: America is NOT an Indo-Pacific nation; we are fundamentally North American. Our economic policies should emphasize self-sufficiency over-reliance on international trade. It’s time to build stronger relationships with our neighbors: Canada and Mexico. We should stop overextending ourselves into regions that do not serve our interests.

What’s next? Here’s how we can take action:

1. Strengthen North American Partnerships: Invest in initiatives enhancing ties with Canada and Mexico. 

2. Revise and reimagine the Monroe Doctrine. This doctrine prevented Europe from establishing its power in North America. Update it to include the Indo-Pacific.

3. Revitalize Domestic Infrastructure: Redirect portions of the defense budget toward improving our roads, schools, and healthcare systems. 

4. Promote Economic Self-Sufficiency: Encourage local manufacturing and self-reliance to reduce dependency on international supply chains. 

5. Engage in Thoughtful Diplomacy: Move beyond the outdated Cold War mentality and foster cooperative relationships built on mutual respect.

The time for hostile rhetoric and attempting to contain the uncontainable is futile and dangerous, inviting war. We must focus on what truly matters—the needs and aspirations of the American people. Let’s dismantle the illusion of global primacy and forge a future grounded in our fundamental identity.

Together, we have the power to demand change and reclaim our narrative!

Tom Raquer

Tom is a retired Southeast Asia Foreign Area Officer who held long and short term assignments in Thailand, Vietnam, Korea, The Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Timor Leste, and Malaysia