The long-standing characterization of Southeast Asian foreign policy as merely hedging between the United States and China is increasingly viewed as insufficient. While regional states do balance economic ties with Beijing against security partnerships with Washington to navigate great-power competition, this framework fails to capture the full complexity of their diplomatic maneuvers. Instead, the term polytropous, originating from the Greek concept of being many-turned or versatile, better describes the current approach. Rather than simply hedging, ASEAN member states are actively expanding and intensifying a diverse range of strategic options. This shift reflects a sophisticated capacity to adapt and identify multiple pathways in an uncertain global landscape, moving beyond the binary constraints of choosing sides between major powers.
Source : Malay Mail
Photo : Malay Mail
