United States-China Rivalry in Southeast Asia

United States-China Rivalry in Southeast Asia

Zoom – Thursday 1:10 pm – 2:50 pm

July 10, 17, 24, 31 August 7

The long rivalry between these two powers has intensified, relative to the eleven countries of Southeast Asia (from Myanmar/ Burma to Timor-Leste). We explore this rivalry from the following perspectives: history, military (including the South China Sea clashes), aid, trade, foreign direct investment, soft power and diplomacy. 

  • Week 1- The eleven countries and a brief history of China’s involvement
  • Week 2- Continuation, and a brief history of United States’ involvement
  • Week 3- The Rivalry in the South China Sea
  • Week 4- Foreign aid and trade
  • Week 5- Direct private investment, soft power and diplomacy

Paul Sarno is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the Columbia Law School.  Through wide-ranging readings, sixteen visits since 1971, and membership in both the Association for Asian Studies and the Burma Studies Group, he has pursued a better understanding of these countries and has taught about this region for many years at LLI and other venues.