Despite concerns that domestic tensions and a renewed focus on the Middle East may be drawing attention elsewhere, Kagan dismissed the notion that the region was being neglected.
“The idea that we’re just going to focus on one region and not others makes no sense. My view is that you’re going to see the (Asean and Indo-Pacific) region continue to be a primary focus for the administration,” he told FMT in an exclusive interview.
Kagan said competing priorities are inevitable for any government, and acknowledged the considerable expectations Indo-Pacific nations place on the US.
“My expectation is that, in classic fashion, no matter what the United States does, it will never be seen as quite enough by countries in the region.
“But I would also note that it is not a zero sum game,” he said, pointing out that Malaysia and its neighbours also value peace and prosperity elsewhere.
For years, regional governments have lamented the strategic vacuum left by the US, with Washington appearing to retreat from global leadership amid ongoing trade wars and rising security tensions, particularly in the South China Sea.
However, Kagan said President Donald J Trump’s latest visit to the region, including to Malaysia, was proof of Washington’s resolve to stay anchored in Asia, with the US choosing the Indo-Pacific as its launchpad for a new wave of reciprocal trade agreements.
“This is a trip that didn’t need to happen. It wasn’t driven by a crisis.
“The truth is, President Trump came because engaging directly is absolutely essential to being able to play the appropriate role in the region,” he said.
During his Indo-Pacific trip, Trump attended the 47th Asean Summit and Related Meetings before visiting Japan and South Korea — two major US allies in the region.
While in Kuala Lumpur, the US hashed out trade deals with Malaysia and Cambodia, as well as joint declarations on trade with Thailand and Vietnam.
“The US recognises that when the history of the 21st century is written, the most important chapters will be about what happens in the Indo-Pacific,” said Kagan.
Trump and Anwar
Malaysia’s bilateral ties with the US reached a new high last month after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Trump signed a landmark agreement to upgrade bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
In a statement, Wisma Putra said the agreement marked a historic advancement in the relations between the two countries, following diplomatic engagement forged in 1957 and formalised as a Comprehensive Partnership in 2014.
Kagan said the improved relations was brought about by recent events, particularly during joint efforts which resolved the Thai-Cambodia border standoff.
“Working together on a common problem really brought out the best in both of our systems.”
Kagan highlighted the personal rapport between Trump and Anwar, noting it was on full display during the recent summit.
“The relationship, clearly, is excellent. What we saw was the two leaders really hit it off and you could see the rapport build over the course of the visit.”
With Malaysia-US ties on an upswing, Kagan believes the key is to now build upon its momentum.
“Where do we go next? The US needs to be thinking about what kind of relationship we want to build with Malaysia in the coming years, and Malaysians should be thinking the same,” he said.
He said both nations have common interests in matters relating to maritime security, critical minerals and emerging economic sectors.
“When you look at technology, you look at digital and you look at AI, there’s tremendous potential to work together. It’s very much the interest of both of our countries to do that.”