Why Southeast Asia isn’t buying the US’ offer of ‘flexible realism’

Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby talked up US partnerships with Asean nations during his trip to the region, but Washington’s actions contradict its ‘Asia first’ rhetoric

Through burden-sharing, mutual capacity-building and diplomatic reciprocity, Colby essentially argued, the United States was in a historic position to reassert its leadership and strategic primacy in the region. By all indications, however, Southeast Asia remained sceptical of American strategic commitment.

Battered by US tariffs and the energy shock of the ill-conceived Iran war, there is widespread discontent with Washington’s foreign policy. Moreover, key regional states have doubled down on their strategic cooperation with China. The US has yet to provide its closest Southeast Asian ally, the Philippines, with sufficient military and economic assistance despite mounting challenges.

Colby is no ordinary apparatchik. A scion of the American strategic elite, the Ivy League-educated strategist has enjoyed support across key constituencies within the Republican Party. This includes the more nationalist-populist wing represented by Vice-President J.D. Vance, who personally pitched for Colby’s Senate confirmation last year.