The label of American isolationism breaks down when policy toward Europe is compared with conduct in Asia and South America. Washington often rejected European commitments while still trying to shape events in the Far East. That selective involvement could create enemies without securing dependable partners. By turning away from European powers whose fleets and empires might support Asian policy, the United States made its own strategic position harder to sustain.
Notable Point · 1:19:09-1:20:36
American isolationism was selective in the Far East
Washington resisted European commitments while intervening politically in Asia, weakening the alliances needed to support its Far Eastern policy.