The Role of the United States in the International Relations of East Asia: Still a Leader?

Although the United States has been the predominant leader in East Asia for the past sixty-five years, the past decade has raised increasing doubts about whether it will continue in its leadership role. China's domestic consolidation and international emergence provide perhaps the most vivid example of the potential challenge to US leadership in East Asia. Given its global concerns - from financial stability to Iran, Afghanistan and Iraq - it is difficult for the United States to make East Asia its top priority. Whether the United States can lead in the Asian century is an open question without a clear answer. Just as important as whether the United States wants to be a leader is the question of whether other countries are willing to follow. The final issue regarding continued US leadership concerns whether China will emerge to compete with the US for regional leadership. Keywords:China; East Asia; international relations; United States; US leadership