European Versus East Asian Security in a Multipolar World of Great Powers

Given the US pivot from Europe to other regions, especially to Asia, Europe needs to be more independent in its own foreign and security policy. This policy should be based on its own interests with less reliance on the US security umbrella. In a multipolar world of great powers, the US has less capacity to provide security for Europe. European leaders need to understand that great powers like the US always give priority to their own interest when making foreign policy decisions. Security cooperation with the US can work when the interests of the US and Europe are similar but is less favorable when the interests differ. Part of Europe’s strategy should be to seek long-term stability in its relations with Russia. While maintaining good relations with the US, Europe should cooperate with China and other Asian countries and engage in mutually beneficial trade and investment based on its own interests. It is notable that the ASEAN countries have not sought as close economic and political integration as the EU member states have done and there is no common military alliance in the region comparable to NATO. Many ASEAN countries seek neutrality in their dealing with great powers. Despite great diversity, Southeast Asia mostly remains a relatively peaceful region while there is a major war going on in Europe.