Indo-Pacific: OVERVIEW

William G. Braun III, et al., (Carlisle Barracks, PA: U.S. Army War College Press, 2016).
USAWC Integrated Research Project - "The context of the Asia-Pacific rivalry between the United States and China has evolved over the last 5 or 6 decades. Issues associated with territorial dispute resolution, response to a bellicose nuclear-armed North Korea, and partner concerns over China’s increasingly assertive foreign policy now challenge the relationship, once characterized by strong elements of cooperation and economic growth. This report examines U.S.-China gray zone competition in the Asia-Pacific, and identifies land forces capabilities and initiatives necessary to advance U.S. national interests in the face of that competition. The report offers nine specific recommendations and a two-tier implementation plan to integrate those recommendations into defense management processes."

David Lai, John F. Troxell, and Frederick J. Gellert (Eds.), (Carlisle Barracks, PA: U.S. Army War College Press, 2018).
USAWC Integrated Research Project: “The challenge for the U.S. administration, and for policy experts writ large, is to build an effective strategy for a whole-of-government action in moving forward from the ‘Rebalance’ in the direction of a free and open Indo-Pacific while avoiding the Thucydides Trap. This U.S. Army War College report provides analysis and policy recommendations on topics regarding the instruments of national power, regional affairs, and key Asia-Pacific countries. The key findings are rooted in the following overarching concepts:
• Strategic Goal: Ensure American leadership, security, and prosperity.
• Strategic Task: Accommodate China’s rise through competition without conflict.
• Strategic Vision: Economy by priority; enabled by military power; tempered by diplomacy.
Getting the Indo-Pacific and relations with China right is the key to a peaceful and prosperous 21st Century.”

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Office of the Secretary of Defense. (Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Defense, 2019).
The “‘2019 Department of Defense Indo-Pacific Strategy Report’ (IPSR) affirms the enduring U.S. commitment to stability and prosperity in the region through the pursuit of preparedness, partnerships, and the promotion of a networked region.
• Preparedness – Achieving peace through strength and employing effective deterrence requires a Joint Force that is prepared to win any conflict from its onset. The Department, alongside our Allies and partners, will ensure our combat-credible forces are forward-postured in the region. Furthermore, the Joint Force will prioritize investments that ensure lethality against high-end adversaries.
• Partnerships – Our unique network of Allies and partners is a force multiplier to achieve peace, deterrence, and interoperable warfighting capability. The Department is reinforcing its commitment to established Alliances and Partnerships, while also expanding and deepening relationships with new partners who share our respect for sovereignty, fair and reciprocal trade, and the rule of law.
• Promotion of a Networked Region – The Department is strengthening and evolving U.S. Alliances and Partnerships into a networked security architecture to uphold the international rules-based order. The Department also continues to cultivate intra-Asian security relationships capable of deterring aggression, maintaining stability, and ensuring free access to common domains.
Advancing this Indo-Pacific vision requires an integrated effort that recognizes the critical linkages between economics, governance, and security – all fundamental components that shape the region’s competitive landscape. The Department of Defense, in partnership with other U.S. Government Departments and Agencies, regional institutions, and regional Allies and partners, will continue to diligently uphold a rules-based order that ensures peace and prosperity for all.”

Sciubba, Jennifer, and Jacqueline E. Whitt.
War Room. May 3, 2019, streaming audio, 25:03.

Freier, Nate, Dana Tucker, and Buck Haberichter.
War Room. May 14, 2019, streaming audio, 29:30.

Poling, Gregory B. (Washington: DC: Center for Strategic and International Studies, 2019)
“Unseen fishing activity. Maritime militias in the Spratlys. Fishers have often been overlooked in the South China Sea disputes. CSIS, in cooperation with Vulcan, Inc., unveils a worrying narrative about the impact fishers and their fleets have in the region.”

Madan, Tanvi, Lindsey Ford, and Jacqueline E. Whitt.
War Room. May 7, 2019, streaming audio, 29:12.

Griffiths, Zachary and Tom Fox.
War Room (May 15, 2019).

Tarapore, Arzan.
Asia Policy 14, no. 2 (April 2019): 34-41.