A Rebalanced Transatlantic Policy Toward the Asia-Pacific Region

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The United States and the European Union share similar interests and objectives in the Asia Pacific. Trade and investment are key components of U.S. and EU policy, and both have launched ambitious negotiations with regional partners to liberalize trade with East Asia’s burgeoning economies. They have also sought to strengthen international norms, legal practices, and institutional capacity in the region. Yet despite these shared goals the United States and European Union appear to have pursued independent—and at times competitive—policies in the Asia Pacific, which have on occasion hindered the realization of mutual strategic interests. As both the European Union and the United States deepen their engagement with the region, how can the transatlantic relationship be used more effectively to accelerate the region’s economic development, ensure the application of robust economic standards, strengthen the region’s institutional architecture, and uphold international legal principles?

In 2014, the CSIS Europe and Southeast Asia Programs embarked on a two-year initiative to enhance transatlantic Asia-Pacific policy coordination and understanding. This report is the culmination of this study and presents the findings of the research while also offering actionable recommendations for U.S. and EU policymakers.