The U.S. Army in Asia, 2030-2040
Abstract
This research looks at the security challenges in Asia defined here as the U.S. Pacific Command s area of responsibility in 2030-2040. It develops concepts for U.S. and Chinese interests and national policy and then examines U.S. national strategy in light of these policies. Only then does it consider the U.S. Army s roles and requirements. The research shows that the United States and China have largely overlapping interests globally, but the potential for conflict persists regionally. Therefore, U.S. strategy should seek to balance common U.S. and Chinese goals with the U.S. need to support and protect treaty allies and other partners in Asia. Such an approach would result in a U.S. policy that recognizes China s increased and expanding importance in the world, as well as its legitimate interests, while also keeping China on a path toward international cooperation. This report rejects the perspective that China should be treated as a 21st-century Soviet Union, recognizes China s increasingly capable military, and looks for ways to work cooperatively with China. The goal of this research is to promote a military strategy that puts a high value on security cooperation with regional states, the need for flexible capabilities and a posture that supports allies without antagonizing China, and the need to reach out to the People s Liberation Army to build connections that could lead to improved relations and be used to defuse tensions in times of trouble. The U.S. Army, for its part, needs to focus on security cooperation and the ability to protect U.S. and allied bases, support the joint force, and project forces into the region, if needed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA608824
Entities
People
- David A. Shlapak
- David C. Gompert
- Eric Heginbotham
- James F. Dobbins
- Lloyd Thrall
- Peter Chalk
- Terrence K. Kelly
Organizations
- RAND Corporation