Pivot with a Purpose

The Obama administration has failed to articulate a clear and compelling strategic rationale for why it is pursuing its rebalance toward Asia policy. This failure has exacerbated uncertainties, insecurities, and suspicions among governments and publics about U.S. intentions and staying power in the region. U.S. policymakers have offered a host of justifications for the rebalance to the Asia-Pacific, with varying degrees of specificity and credibility, including that the United States is itself a “Pacific power,”a desire to tap into the enormous economic potential of the Asia-Pacific, and possible strategic justifications.