Publication

This paper discusses the potential impact of Donald Trump’s electoral victory on Southeast Asia. The concern in the region is that the president-elect will pursue a protectionist and isolationist foreign policy, which will then undermine existing alliance systems and trade relations. Despite these potential negatives, one benefit of a minimally engaged America is that it might encourage ASEAN countries to reduce their reliance on great powers and reinforce their commitment to the idea of “ASEAN centrality.”