Asia's New Regionalism (review)

[ 162 ] asia policy Asia’s New Regionalism Ellen L. Frost Boulder: Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2008 • 293 pp. This analysis of Asian regionalism describes both the government-driven integration movement and the spontaneous integration reconnecting Asia’s maritime regions. main findings Asia’s new regionalism is slow-moving but real. It reflects (1) the reintegration of a “maritime Asia”—the sweep of ports, coastal zones, and trading hubs clustered along ocean-accessible rivers, (2) the government-driven quest for closer integration and community-building among the governments of Asia Major, and (3) peaceful competition for influence between China and Japan and between China and the U.S. Driven by a handful of ASEAN governments, the integration movement now extends to 16 countries, including China, Japan,India,andAustralia.Despiteitsslowpaceandseriousinternaldivisions, the effort amounts to more than a “talk shop.” Its vague, open-ended nature corresponds to Asia’s fluid regional environment and varying economic needs. The U.S. does not need a “seat at the table” but still remains indispensable. policy implications • For the U.S., taking Asian regionalism seriously, listening instead of preaching, and sending high-level representatives to trans-Pacific meetings would signal renewed engagement and constructive competition with China. • Reiterating Defense Secretary Robert Gates’ assertions that the U.S. is an “Asian power” and a “resident power” in Asia would send a much-needed message of continuity and reassurance. • Signing ASEAN’s Treaty of Amity and Cooperation would be a tangible expression of re-engagement and support while not requiring any changes in the U.S. military posture. • Rescheduling the U.S.-ASEAN summit, cancelled in 2007, would have the same positive effect. Convening the summit in Asia is important for diplomatic reasons, and it could be scheduled alongside the APEC summit to minimize the U.S. president’s travel time. • Revitalizing APEC is important for strategic as well as trade reasons. ...