The U.S. is on a mission to contain China and it hopes to accomplish this by forging enough agreements with and among partners and allies to create a security hedge against Beijing. The problem is, Washington seems to be tone-deaf and doesn't get it that a number of countries, particularly in Southeast Asia, have no interest in getting on board the anti-China train. Sarang Shidore, director of studies at the Quincy Institute and expert in Asian geopolitics and global geopolitical risk, sets the table for what could be a serious foreign policy tripwire in 2022. In the first segment, Kelley & Dan talk about the 2-year anniversary of the assassination of Qassem Soleimani and its reverberations today.

More from Sarang:

New Japan-Australia military pact takes anti-China coalition to new level -- Responsible Statecraft -- Jan. 6, 2021

The U.S. should stop coddling abuser allies -- Dec. 13, 2021 -- Washington Post

Why South and Southeast Asia must cooperate to prevent a new Cold War amid US-China rivalry -- Oct. 5, 2021 -- SCMP

De-Risking the India Relationship: An Action Agenda for the United States -- March 10, 2021 -- Quincy Institute

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit crashingthewarparty.substack.com