Imperfect Partners : The United States and Southeast Asia

Imperfect Partners is a unique hybrid – part memoir, part foreign policy study of U.S. relations with Southeast Asia, a critically important region that has become the central arena in the global U.S.-China competition. From the People Power revolt in the Philippines to the opening of diplomatic relations with Vietnam, from building a partnership with newly democratic Indonesia to responding to genocide in Myanmar and coups in Thailand, Scot Marciel was present and involved. His direct involvement and deep knowledge of the region, along with his extensive policymaking work in Washington, allows him to bring to life the complexities and realities of key events and U.S. responses, along with rare insights into U.S. foreign policy decisionmaking and the work of American diplomats in the field. IMPERFECT PARTNERS Contents Foreword Acknowledgments Abbreviations Chronology of Scot Marciel’s Assignments on Southeast Asia Introduction Part I. The Allies 1. A Troubled Ally: The Philippines under Marcos 2. A Bumpy Ride: U.S.-Philippine Ties since the People Power Revolution 3. Great and Good Friends: The United States and Thailand Part II. The Former Foes 4. From Enemies to Friends (Part 1): Renewing Ties with Vietnam 5. From Enemies to Friends (Part 2): The Development of U.S.-Vietnam Relations 6. Tragedy and Disappointment: Cambodia since the War Part III. Countries in Transition 7. From Sukarno to Suharto to SBY: Dealing with ASEAN’s Giant 8. Building a Partnership: U.S.-Indonesian Ties since 2010 9. The Cause: Burma/Myanmar under Military Rule 10. When Things Go South: The Aung San Suu Kyi Government Part IV. ASEAN, China, and the United States 11. The Enigma of ASEAN 12. China’s Role 13. Toward a Better Partnership Bibliography Index ""Imperfect Partners"" is former ambassador Scot Marciel's inside account of US relations with Southeast Asia since the Cold War. Combining research, anecdotes and analysis, Marciel offers insights into U.S. approaches toward allies, former foes, and countries in transition, plus practical recommendations for boosting US influence in the region