Overview

This paper addresses the question of how politics, especially in the US Congress, shapes US strategic policy, particularly towards Asia. Asia Pacific countries can use the political environment to influence American strategy. The US Pivot to Asia unfolds against the backdrop of a deeply divided Congress, not given to passing much legislation. Levers available to influence US Asian security strategy are few but important. Refining and sharpening those levers will figure prominently in Australia’s continued success in the American capital.