The Diplomat.
Stephen M. Walt discusses American alliances in Asia, U.S. - China relations, Iran and more.
The Diplomat's Zachary Keck spoke with Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government Professor Stephen M. Walt.
You have written a lot about alliances in your academic work.
I am wondering how important you believe alliances will be in U.S. Asia
Policy as Washington seeks to deepen its commitment to the region in
the years and decades ahead?
Alliances will be central to
America’s Asia policy. The United States is a hegemon in the Western
Hemisphere, but our ability to operate in other theatres — including
Asia — depends on support from allies. Furthermore, given that our main
strategic goal in Asia is to maintain a regional balance of power,
supporting key allies is an inescapable element of our entire approach.
