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You decide. But let me be clear: I assert we are not an Indo-Pacific nation; we are unequivocally a North American nation. North America encompasses Canada, the United States, and Mexico, which share geographical, cultural, and economic ties. In contrast, the Indo-Pacific includes the interconnected maritime regions of the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. It often emphasizes strategic competition with China. Our identity is grounded in geography, economic interests, and cultural realities. The elite policymakers have concocted this Indo-Pacific narrative. They merely look to justify their insatiable craving for global dominance. This is something the American people overwhelmingly reject.
The United States must reaffirm its identity as a North American nation. It should focus on domestic challenges and cultural roots. This approach counters the misguided narrative of being an Indo-Pacific nation. By doing so, the U.S. can enhance national unity and foster more effective and meaningful engagement with global partners.
WHY OUR IDENTITY MATTERS
It is crucial to recognize that who we are must be the starting point for our policies. It’s not about who we think we are or want to be. Our identity shapes our priorities and informs our actions on the global stage. If we accept the narrative that the U.S. is an Indo-Pacific nation, we must question our approach to international relations. Relying on soft power—using our culture and values to influence others—should not be a one-size-fits-all strategy. Genuine engagement requires understanding and respect for the cultural identities of the nations we wish to partner with.
As we dissect this misguided identity, let us confront some hard questions:
- Is the United States genuinely an Indo-Pacific nation, or are we fundamentally a North American nation?
- How do our geographic and cultural distances from the Indo-Pacific obstruct our ability to engage effectively with that region?
- Shouldn’t we tackle our pressing domestic issues before considering international commitments?
- What role do cultural differences play in shaping our partnerships in the Indo-Pacific?
- How can we rank home responsibilities while supporting a global presence?
This essay will challenge the prevailing narrative and reaffirm our identity as a North American nation.
GEOGRAPHICAL AND CULTURAL DISCONNECT
The United States is over 7,000 miles away from the Indo-Pacific. This distance creates significant logistical barriers to meaningful engagement. Our responses to crises in that region suffer due to this physical separation. Moreover, the cultural differences between the U.S. and many Indo-Pacific nations are pronounced. While we pride ourselves on individualism, countries like Japan and South Korea emphasize community and consensus. This disconnect complicates practical cooperation.
I spent many years in Southeast Asia, serving as a U.S. Air Force Officer, and as a U.S. Army enlisted man. Throughout my time there, I never met anyone who believed that America was an Indo-Pacific nation. I also did not feel any connection to that identity. If you asked an American if they know about the Indo-Pacific, you would get a blank look. Most do not consider themselves Indo-Pacific residents. This experience underscores that our national identity is not defined by distant regions but by our North American roots.
THE IMPORTANCE OF DOMESTIC CHALLENGES
We must confront our urgent domestic challenges before we waste time and resources on the Indo-Pacific. The national debt is soaring past $35 trillion. Political divisions threaten our society. We should focus on internal issues like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Addressing these challenges strengthens our economy and equips us to engage meaningfully globally.
Ignoring our domestic responsibilities while pursuing foreign engagements is not only irresponsible; it is hypocritical. The American people deserve leaders who focus on their needs over lofty geopolitical ambitions. Investing in domestic initiatives should come first—this is the foundation for any effective global engagement.
THE PURSUIT OF HEGEMONY
America’s relentless quest for dominance in the Indo-Pacific is misguided and counterproductive. This mindset breeds resentment among nations that wish to forge their paths. The narrative of being an Indo-Pacific nation often conceals a strategy aimed at controlling a diverse region. It prioritizes control over fostering genuine partnerships based on mutual respect.
Historically, our focus has been skewed toward Europe and the Middle East, neglecting the Indo-Pacific. This neglect has damaged our credibility and relationships in a region increasingly vital to global dynamics. To engage meaningfully, the U.S. must reclaim its responsibilities in North America while also understanding the unique contexts of Indo-Pacific nations.
CONCLUSION: EMBRACING OUR IDENTITY
The assertion that the United States is an “Indo-Pacific nation” is riddled with contradictions. Our identity is firmly rooted in North America, and recognizing this truth is essential for shaping future foreign policy. To build stronger international relationships, we must focus on domestic challenges, foster genuine respect, and understand local dynamics.
As the U.S. navigates its role in a changing world, it must focus on its core identity and responsibilities at home. Only then can we engage with the Indo-Pacific effectively. This will genuinely help us and the nations within that region.
CALL TO ACTION
Now, I urge you, the citizens of America, to voice your opinions! Are we more of an Indo-Pacific nation or a North American nation? Your perspective is crucial in this discussion, and I encourage you to share your thoughts below.
Let us engage in a lively debate about our nation’s identity and future direction. Your insights can shape our understanding of what it means to be an American in an interconnected world. Join the discussion today—your voice matters!
AUTHOR BIO
Tom Raquer is a former United States Air Force officer and Army enlistee with extensive experience in Southeast Asia. He spent many years working in Southeast Asia as a Foreign Area Office. He brings a unique perspective on American identity and foreign policy. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing our roots as the foundation for effective strategy and engagement.
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