The United States Strategy in East Asia-Pacific-Implications for Australia's Defenses
Abstract
The paper begins by establishing that conflict in the East Asia-Pacific region has been a constant reality this century and the potential for large scale conflict is still perceptible. Furthermore, protagonists have varied the characteristics and reasons for fighting, but ethnicity and ideology have been dominant. Although conflicts have generally been isolated and have involved guerrilla type warfare, the increasing economic power of many regional countries, particularly China, is the reason there is still potential for large scale war. After establishing focal points for US security strategy in the region, the paper examines the reasons why the strategy will be unsustainable. Dominant reasons are the declining defense budget, loss and potential loss of forward bases and a dangerous shift to reliance on the other components of national power. Once the paper has established these reasons, it explains why a decreasing US presence, and reduced capability to rapidly respond to crises in the region significantly affects Australia's "continental" defense policy of self-reliance within a framework of alliances. Finally, after establishing the reasons why Australia needs the US to stay regionally engaged the paper examines possible US courses of action. In response to the US situation the paper then proposes a number of adjustments to Australia's security strategy that the Government could make to help the US stay engaged. Conclusion and Recommendation: The paper concludes with several arguments for why Australia needs to shift its alliance focus to the US. For mutual benefit, the paper recommends the establishment of a combined, joint training facility in the north-west of Western Australia. Such a facility will help the US sustain its forward presence, provide a credible backbone to Australia's defense strategy and allow Australia's defense forces to maintain critical interoperability skills with the US.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA529349
Entities
People
- Jonathan P. Black
Organizations
- Marine Corps University