The Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) concept is central to American grand strategy in Asia. Intended to challenge China’s hegemonic and territorial ambitions, FOIP requires the U.S. and its allies to balance differing conceptions of inclusivity and freedom, prioritize competing national interests, and mitigate unintended consequences. This can pose challenges to meeting America’s commitment to promoting human rights—for instance, the Biden administration is working closely with Vietnam and the Philippines as part of FOIP, despite serious human rights concerns in both countries. Should human rights be central in promoting FOIP? How should U.S. policymakers meet the challenge of China’s growing political and economic influence in other critical non-democratic nations in the region such as Thailand and Myanmar? Please join Hudson Institute for this timely discussion.
