A Shift in U.S. Strategy: Economics and Vietnam are Key to the South China Sea
Abstract
The key to address US gaps in influence and credibility in the South China Sea is to pull the economic lever and heavily invest, expand trade relations, and broker military sales with Vietnam. Of the countries in the region, Vietnam is the premier partner for the US with its location, history, willingness to act, and economic capacity. For Vietnam to economically thrive and thus expand its regional role, the country requires aid. The US has the position and resources to create a partnership in which both countries mutually benefit. The key to US success in the region is full-throttle employment of economic tools. Leveraging economic might, a historically proven tactic for producing stable countries, directly benefits the American people and sets conditions to open doors for other levers of national power. The US should now swing from military operations toward building economic solutions through a partnership with Vietnam. This partnership will allow the US to influence the direction the region takes and gain much-needed credibility. Opening doors to economic growth is the USs best hope for reaching national objectives and attaining regional stability.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 13, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1178296
Entities
People
- Meghan Kennerly
Organizations
- Naval War College