The Relationship between Southeast Asia and the United States: A Contemporary Analysis.

FOREIGN relations of the United States; SOUTHEAST Asian history; DIPLOMATIC history; INTERNATIONAL alliances; WORLD history; FINANCIAL crises; PRACTICAL politics; INTERNATIONAL relations

The article analyzes the relationship between the U.S. and Southeast Asian countries. The U.S. has had a long and complex relationship with countries in Southeast Asia. Its interaction with the region was confined largely to the Philippines, which has had the longest ties with the U.S. since its colonization by the U.S. at the end of the nineteenth century. From 1945-1975, the U.S. relation with Southeast Asia has been characterized with the U.S. attempt to curb the rise of communism in some parts of the region. From 1975-1997, the country has established a close relation with most countries in the region. The 1997 financial crisis in Southeast Asia has given rise to suspicions on the economic role of the U.S. in the region. The 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq divided the region's support for the country.