FOREIGN POLICY OF THE UNITED STATES TOWARDS ASIA-PACIFIC UNDER THE PRESIDENCY OF BARACK OBAMA AND DONALD TRUMP: SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES

Abstract

The geopolitical rise of the Asia-Pacific region in the twenty-first century forced powerful countries to make appropriate adjustments in their foreign policies. The "Pivot Policy" of President Barack Obama and the "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" Policy of President Donald Trump reflect the utmost importance of this region in the U.S. foreign policy. Based on the methodology of history - logic and international relations analysis, this paper will clarify the similarities and differences regarding the goal, contents, and the deployment of the Asia-Pacific policy between the two Presidents to affirm the significance of the region in maintaining the leading role of the United States in the future. This paper will complement any research which is relevant to the United States' foreign policy and the international relations in Asia – Pacific in the 21st Century.