Publication

This brief examines the state of US-ASEAN relations in the wake of US President Barack Obama's attendance of ASEAN's 4th annual leaders' meeting in November 2012. Despite the advances made at the meeting, the initiatives proposed, along with other components of the Asia-related summitry held during President Obama's visit, challenges were highlighted that the US and ASEAN still face in strengthening their relationship. Taking into consideration the ebbs and flows perceived by Asian states of US commitment to the region in the past, the author argues, the sustainability challenge will continue to preoccupy US and ASEAN leaders for the rest of the Obama second term, and beyond.