New Political-Military Realities in East Asia: An Assessment of U.S. Interests, Threats and Commitments
Abstract
In the context of U.S. interests in East Asia, this report assesses the interlocking issues of burgeoning economic challenges, the shifting nature of the Soviet threat, and the declining support of the U.S. public for forward U.S. military deployments. The discussion centers on five questions: (1) What are the U.S. national interests in East Asia? (2) What are the threats to U.S. interests in East Asia? (3) What are the military obligations of the United States committed to East Asia? (4) What military resources has the United States committed to East Asia? and (5) What is the relative balance of U.S. national interests, threats, obligations, and committed military resources in East Asia? The report concludes that, although U.S. national interests, in East Asia are growing, the traditional military threat facing the United States has declined. The emergence of new political and economic threats to the U.S. has not standard military response. The public no longer favors sending troops to defend Asian allies, and traditional military alliances are becoming unraveled. With the demise of the strategy of containment, U.S. policy makers must reconsider the costs, benefits and necessity of forward deployment of U.S. forces--especially ground forces stationed in South Korea. (edc)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 25, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA228356
Entities
People
- Alan D. Tompkins
- Bernard D. Tolassi
- David Andle
- Joseph C. Mike
- Robert R. Simmons
Organizations
- United States Army War College