The United States and Asia: Toward a New U.S. Strategy and Force Posture (Project Air Force Report) - Tapa blanda

The past 20 years have been a time of relative peace in Asia and, notwithstanding the 19971998 financial crisis, a period of robust economic growth as well. Currently, however, Asia is beset by a variety of problems that could well imperil the stability it has long enjoyed including territorial disputes, nuclear rivalry, rising nationalist sentiments, and increased military capabilities. This report summarizes the manner in which the United States can best meet these challenges and thereby ensure continued peace and stability in the region. In the interests of this goal, the report outlines an integrated political, military, and economic strategy that the United States can pursue to inhibit the growth of rivalries in Asia and, more broadly, prevent the rise of instability in the region. Also delineated are changes in U.S. military posture that will be made necessary by this strategy.

Zalmay Khalilzad (Ph.D., Political Science, University of Chicago) was formerly the leader of Project Air Force's Strategy and Doctrine Program at Rand. He was assistant undersecretary of defense for policy planning during the Bush administration. Khalilzad joined the White House staff on Monday, May 14, 2001, as special assistant to the president and senior director at the National Security Council. David T. Orletsky (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, SM, Aeronautics and Astronautics) is an associate engineer at Rand, Washington, DC. His research interests include Chinese defense modernization; command and control sensor, weapon, and communication technology; and USAF operational analysis. Abram N. Shulsky (Ph.D., Political Science, University of Chicago) is a researcher at Rand. His research interests include revolution in military affairs and organizational issues in the military with respect to information issues. Ashley Tellis (Ph.D., Political Science, University of Chicago) is a senior policy analyst at Rand with expertise in South Asian security and defense matters, Asian interstate relations, and the theory and practice of international affairs. His current research examines nuclear proliferation and weapons of mass destruction and the future of U.S. security strategy in Asia. Jonathan Pollack is a consultant at Rand. He is widely known for his work on China's political and strategic roles; the international politics of Asia; U.S. policy in Asia; and Chinese technological and military development. Kevin Pollpeter (MA, International Policy Studies, Monterey Institute of International Studies) is a research assistant at Rand whose research interests include Asian and Chinese security issues and nonproliferation issues. Angel M. Rabasa (Ph.D., History, Harvard University) is a senior policy analyst at Rand. He was previously the Deputy Director, Office of Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, and Singapore Affairs at the Department of State and has held numerous State and Defense Department positions. David A. Shlapak (BA, Political Science, Northwestern University) is a policy analyst in Rand's Pittsburgh office. He has a diverse background in national security affairs and has been involved in Project Air Force's ongoing study of Asian security issues since its inception five years ago.