Editor's Note: This is the first piece in a series that explores how key countries in various regions have interacted with the United States in the past, and how their relationships with Washington will likely be defined during the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama. As the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama takes office, much of East Asia expects Washington to continue the existing U.S. policies in the region for a year or two, while Obama focuses on more pressing issues such as Afghanistan, Iraq and Russia. Some gradual shifts in U.S. East Asia policy are likely, though these will be driven more by overarching national interests and changing international circumstances than by the specific desires of Obama. Key Drivers and Strategies Historically, relations between the United States and East Asia have been driven by two key concerns: economics and defense.