The Effects Of Big Power Relations On America's Southeast Asia Policy Since World WarⅡ

The relation between America and other big powers is an important factor whichinfluences the change of America's Southeast Asia policy in the post World Warâ…¡. Since thepost World Warâ…¡, America's Southeast Asia policy has changed several times, and the mainreason for this change is due to the relation between America and other big powers. It showsspecifically on the following points: Firstly, Early in post World Warâ…¡(between 1946 and1949). During this period, the factor of big powers which influence the Southeast Asia policywas mainly concerned with the relations with France, England and Holland. Considered withthe good strategic relations with such countries, America adopted the policy of intervention in alow degree towards Southeast Asia which was shown on supporting the returning to SoutheastAsia of England, France and Holland but ensuring it open to American; Secondly, in ColdWar(between 1950 and 1991). In the early cold war, the crucial factor to America's SoutheastAsia Policy was the relation with Soviet Union and China. The failure of France in SoutheastAsia and the influence of Communism China and Soviet Union made America adopt the policyof intervention actively which is mainly shown on intervention on Vietnam's independence andreunification in a large scale and a long time, while the detente between America and SovietUnion, China also made America have adopted the policy of intervention in a low degreerelatively. Thirdly, in the post cold war (from 1992 to present). During this period, the factor ofbig powers mainly involved with China and its influence. To contain China's rise, Americabegan to intervene in Southeast Asia again. The analysis of the thesis proves that: although thedegree of America's intervention in Southeast Asia is different in different periods, there is stilla clear clue that is to contain other big powers' influence towards Southeast Asia and to ensureAmerica's control on Southeast Asia.