The United States of America, as a global superpower, had more victories than defeats in the 20th century. It triumphed in the two world wars, and the Cold War, along with a few defeats like Vietnam and Somalia. This was owing to the US’s strong, proactive, and long-term policies based on tactical prowess, which also made it the world’s most powerful economy. The 20th century was indeed the ‘American century’.
In the 21st century, however, the US has faced more losses, especially in South Asia. To overturn these setbacks, Washington needs to retrace its policy towards the region on the 20th century lines — with a few changes.
The American foreign policy mainly stands on liberal democratic principles, human rights, financial aid, along with seeking the requisite security and stability. The factors that have contributed to American failure in South Asia — which the US considers its ‘strategic backwater’ — include an absence of pro-America social capita and inability to attain its primary policy objectives.
The US has failed to strengthen democracies in the region, as exemplified by the hybrid regime in Pakistan. Terrorist attacks in the region have continued throughout the past two decades, spiking post-US withdrawal.
In Sri Lanka, while the US has played its part in refugee rehabilitation via economic aid, it has failed to form strong bilateral relations. The US has provided services to address infant mortality rate, food security, and climate change, in Bangladesh as well, but these South Asian states are falling under Chinese influence.
Today, prosperous diplomatic ties can’t be built on mere economic assistance. Bilateral relations in the 21st century demand trade not aid.
The US policies haven’t worked out in India either. Barack Obama pledged trade worth $500 billion with India, but they barely reached $100 billion during his tenure. The two countries haven’t come close to fulfilling the ‘Civil Nuclear Deal’ and other agreements.
Indeed, Americans have also completely failed to persuade Pakistan to provide them air bases after the Afghanistan withdrawal. Previously, in 2011, Pakistan's free trade facilities were transferred to Bangladesh, deteriorating Pak-America relations. Under the Donald Trump regime, Americans started emphasising on the “do more” mantra, to which Pakistan responded with the “partners in peace, not in war” policy.
New Zealand and England pulling out of tours also seems to be the “diplomatisation of cricket” of the America-led Western bloc against Pakistan. This would further exacerbate US-Pakistan relations.
China today holds more sway than America in South Asia today. It has successfully created pro-China social capita through CPEC and BRI projects. Recently, the Taliban government showed a desire to join CPEC, also receiving aid from Beijing.
US losses in South Asia are also rooted in a reactive and conflicting foreign policy. Washington developed close relations with Islamabad from 2001 to 2006 to get a safe passage for NATO supplies, but simultaneously also allied with New Delhi just as Pakistan started negotiating with the TTP.
Today, the US even lacks high calibre intellectuals like diplomatic giants Alfred Mahan, Walter Lippmann and William Jennings Bryan who helped shape the American foreign policy in the 20th century. Even though America today has Richard Haass, Francis Fukuyama and Noam Chomsky today, they are critics more so than policymakers.
To undo its failures in South Asia, the US needs to go back to the drawing board and strengthen bilateral relations based on 21st century realities, while upholding American diplomatic strengths from the 20th century.
In the 21st century, however, the US has faced more losses, especially in South Asia. To overturn these setbacks, Washington needs to retrace its policy towards the region on the 20th century lines — with a few changes.
The American foreign policy mainly stands on liberal democratic principles, human rights, financial aid, along with seeking the requisite security and stability. The factors that have contributed to American failure in South Asia — which the US considers its ‘strategic backwater’ — include an absence of pro-America social capita and inability to attain its primary policy objectives.
The US has failed to strengthen democracies in the region, as exemplified by the hybrid regime in Pakistan. Terrorist attacks in the region have continued throughout the past two decades, spiking post-US withdrawal.
In Sri Lanka, while the US has played its part in refugee rehabilitation via economic aid, it has failed to form strong bilateral relations. The US has provided services to address infant mortality rate, food security, and climate change, in Bangladesh as well, but these South Asian states are falling under Chinese influence.
Today, prosperous diplomatic ties can’t be built on mere economic assistance. Bilateral relations in the 21st century demand trade not aid.
The US policies haven’t worked out in India either. Barack Obama pledged trade worth $500 billion with India, but they barely reached $100 billion during his tenure. The two countries haven’t come close to fulfilling the ‘Civil Nuclear Deal’ and other agreements.
Indeed, Americans have also completely failed to persuade Pakistan to provide them air bases after the Afghanistan withdrawal. Previously, in 2011, Pakistan's free trade facilities were transferred to Bangladesh, deteriorating Pak-America relations. Under the Donald Trump regime, Americans started emphasising on the “do more” mantra, to which Pakistan responded with the “partners in peace, not in war” policy.
Today, prosperous diplomatic ties can’t be built on mere economic assistance. Bilateral relations in the 21st century demand trade not aid
New Zealand and England pulling out of tours also seems to be the “diplomatisation of cricket” of the America-led Western bloc against Pakistan. This would further exacerbate US-Pakistan relations.
China today holds more sway than America in South Asia today. It has successfully created pro-China social capita through CPEC and BRI projects. Recently, the Taliban government showed a desire to join CPEC, also receiving aid from Beijing.
US losses in South Asia are also rooted in a reactive and conflicting foreign policy. Washington developed close relations with Islamabad from 2001 to 2006 to get a safe passage for NATO supplies, but simultaneously also allied with New Delhi just as Pakistan started negotiating with the TTP.
New Zealand and England pulling out of tours seems to be the “diplomatisation of cricket” of the America-led Western bloc against Pakistan, which would further exacerbate US-Pakistan relations
Today, the US even lacks high calibre intellectuals like diplomatic giants Alfred Mahan, Walter Lippmann and William Jennings Bryan who helped shape the American foreign policy in the 20th century. Even though America today has Richard Haass, Francis Fukuyama and Noam Chomsky today, they are critics more so than policymakers.
To undo its failures in South Asia, the US needs to go back to the drawing board and strengthen bilateral relations based on 21st century realities, while upholding American diplomatic strengths from the 20th century.