Singapore: Asia Sees US as a Rent-Seeking Landlord
In a shift from its post-World War II image, the United States is now viewed by some in Asia less as a moral force and more as a self-interested power. This change, highlighted by Singapore’s defense chief Ng Eng Hen at the Munich Security Conference, reflects a fundamental alteration in perceptions since the Kennedy era. The U.S. is now seen as a “landlord seeking rent,” rather than a liberator, contrasting sharply with its historical role. This altered perception stems from a reassessment of US actions and their impact on the region.
John Q. Hosedrinker