Sleepwalking into War: The Allied Entry into the Pacific Theater of WWII
Abstract
Allied intelligence indicated the likelihood of imminent and coordinated Japanese attacks on Pearl Harbor on 7 December, the Philippines on 8 December, and British Colonies and key Royal Navy capital ships between 8-10 December 1941. However, strategic paralysis, influenced by political distrust following World War 1 (WW1) and economic competition with colonial powers, resulted in the U.S. sleepwalking into World War 2 (WW2) and, initially, an uncoordinated Allied military response. China's ambitions are dismantling the bedrock of the democratic world order, threatening the long-standing peace among major powers. The implications of the U.S. and its Allies not achieving information advantage, being unable to interpret conflict indicators, and not having a coordinated and integrated coalition response are stark. The U.S. and its Allies must understand that a lack of a coordinated and immediate response would likely cause it to concede the great power competition to China. While deterrence through a credible coalition remains the priority, the U.S. and its Allies need a credible and prepared joint forces warfighting capability.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 04, 2024
- Accession Number
- AD1227856
Entities
People
- Michael Knapton
Organizations
- National Defense University