Alec Dionne was the External Relations Manager at The New Lines Institute. He has worked on issues of public affairs and national security for the past seven years, focusing on projects in Northern Syria, Malaysia, Iraq, Ukraine, and Australia. Alec holds a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Government with an Emphasis on International Relations from the University of Puget Sound. He is pursuing a Masters of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School at Tufts University. He tweets at @Alec_Dionne.
Improved energy grids for Washington’s partners in Southeast Asia would guard against climate change challenges, energy market volatility, and any effects of an escalation of U.S.-China competition while supporting U.S. security operations in the region.
By fostering deeper engagement with the Pacific Islands to facilitate information and communications technology development, the United States can both address increasing Chinese influence in the region and improve the health and stability of Pacific democracies.
With Chinese influence growing, now is the time for Washington to earn the region’s long-term trust.
