Washington and the Evolution of the East Asia Summit

Before the end of the fifth East Asia Summit (EAS), Russia and the United States will be made full members of the group effective in 2011. The EAS was created as a counter to Western-dominated trade blocs, but China's increasing influence and assertiveness have led many of the group's members to seek ways to counterbalance Beijing's power. Meanwhile, the United States is seeking to re-engage with Southeast Asia and take part in all multilateral groupings. Although the EAS has thus far served as a talk shop, it is evolving and deserves to be watched carefully.