The evolution from the Pivot to Asia to the US's Indo-Pacific strategy: Causes, adjustment process, and impact

Abstract

The US - China competition is always the most concerned issue in the complex context of the world today and has originated from the beginning of the 21st century when China rose to become the second largest economy in the world, directly challenging the global leadership role of the United States. China's strong development has forced the United States to redefine its position and influence in the U.S. foreign policy in particular and in the Indo-Pacific region in general. This is clearly demonstrated through President Barack Obama's Pivot to Asia strategy and President Donald Trump's Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) strategy. By mainly using two qualitative and comparative research methods, the study will focus on comparing and analyzing the transition of two administrations leading to changes in the direction of U.S. action towards the Indo-Pacific region, thereby answering the question: Whether the U.S. foreign policy is consistent in issues related to Asia in general and the Indo-Pacific region in particular or not. The article will also contribute a new approach in studying and evaluating the inheritance and adjustment in the United States’ major foreign strategies towards regions, especially Asia - Pacific.