Stephen Roach, senior fellow at Yale Law School and former chairman of Morgan Stanley Asia, has issued a stark critique of current US foreign policy, describing Washington's approach to global conflicts as a "classic defeat" in strategic coherence. Speaking this week, Roach emphasized that recent US actions demonstrate a troubling shift toward personalized decision-making inconsistent with the responsibilities of a global power.
The economist highlighted that initiatives launched since 2021 have created what he calls "strategic whiplash" for international partners, particularly in Asia. "When a nation initiates conflicts then abandons its obligations while blaming others, it forfeits moral authority and practical influence," Roach stated, referencing ongoing geopolitical tensions in 2026.
His analysis carries particular weight for Asian markets, where inconsistent US engagement has created both challenges and opportunities for regional investors. Business leaders are closely monitoring how these policy fluctuations might affect cross-strait relations and APEC member economies.
