America's Asian Alliances

Abstract

"America's alliances are the foundation for security and prosperity in Asia. In this book, a stellar group of authors analyzes the future of that foundation, and tells us what should be done."
-- Joseph S. Nye, Jr., Dean, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, and US Assistant Secretary of Defense, 1994-1995

"This timely and cogent volume illustrates the importance— and the potential peril— that Asia represents for America''s future. You may not agree with all of its provocative and far-reaching conclusions— such as the call for an ever more activist and directive U.S. role in managing alliances in the Pacific and Asia— but those interested in Asia will not want to miss them. The right book at the right time on the right area."-- Jim Hoagland, Associate Editor, Washington Post

Unlike the new and largely peaceful Europe, the Asia-Pacific region is fraught with old instabilities and new risks, as well as opportunities. America's Asian alliances face an arc of potential instability, from the divided Korean peninsula in Northeast Asia, to the nuclear confrontation between India and Pakistan on the South Asian subcontinent, to an unstable Indonesia in Southeast Asia. The United States and its allies must also address the rise of Chinese power, slow the spread of nuclear and high-tech conventional weapons, maintain access to energy resources, and expand the world free-trade system.

In this book, nine distinguished US and Australian strategists present systematic and concrete prescriptions for strengthening America's Asian alliances. These policy-driven chapters address the roles that the US-Japan, US-South Korea, and US-Australia alliances can play in ensuring long-term stability and prosperity in the region.