Sharpening the Blunt Layer: Addressing Shortfalls in the Indo-Pacific with Smart Solutions

Abstract

As the United States modifies its security posture in the Indo-Pacific according to the four layers of the 2018 National Defense Strategy, several short-term and long-term challenges arise. Rather than attempt to patch together a blunt layer composed of ill-suited legacy systems in the near-term, the U.S. should instead reinforce its contact layer while simultaneously shaping a credible blunt layer consisting primarily of allied and partner forces. This contact-heavy approach, made up of three principles, considers U.S. advantages and disadvantages, improves escalation dynamics while maintaining a credible deterrent, and fosters the critical strategic objective of promoting a regional network of partnerships.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 15, 2021
Accession Number
AD1147758

Entities

People

  • Michael Harper

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Acquisition
  • Addressing
  • Aircraft Carriers
  • Aircrafts
  • Amphibious Operations
  • Budgets
  • Competition
  • Department Of Defense
  • Deployment
  • Deterrence
  • Dynamics
  • Geographic Regions
  • Geography
  • Governments
  • Gray Zone
  • Information Operations
  • Law
  • Military Budgets
  • National Security
  • Platforms
  • Regional Security
  • Security
  • Southeast Asia
  • Surveillance
  • Training
  • United States
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • Fluid Mechanics and Fluid Dynamics.
  • Strategic Security Studies