What Awaits Southeast Asia Following Donald Trump’s Victory in the US Presidential Election?

Expectations and fears

Southeast Asia is no exception. As soon as the votes were counted, some people began to question what would happen to import tariffs in the United States, others started calculating potential benefits, while still others celebrated the fact that someone committed to traditional values, rather than the much-maligned radical liberalism, had come to power. Meanwhile, others worried about America’s future participation (or lack thereof) in international climate agreements. Although the US presidential inauguration is still months away, this region – well-acquainted with the realities of American expansionism – has already been swept up by the full spectrum of emotions.

Transnational fraud

In the United States, such a situation could hardly go unnoticed. Enterprising overseas players have always been renowned for their cunning and resourcefulness. And now, across Southeast Asia, a completely new informational campaign is beginning to take shape, one that the US is actively promoting.

Interviews with American “experts” or local figures deeply invested in fostering relations with Washington have started appearing in the media of ASEAN countries. These individuals comment on Donald Trump’s election and speculate about its implications for the region. Generally, the........

© New Eastern Outlook