The Senkaku Paradox

Risking Great Power War Over Small Stakes

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, International, International Security
Cover of the book The Senkaku Paradox by Michael E. O'Hanlon, Brookings Institution Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Michael E. O'Hanlon ISBN: 9780815736905
Publisher: Brookings Institution Press Publication: April 30, 2019
Imprint: Brookings Institution Press Language: English
Author: Michael E. O'Hanlon
ISBN: 9780815736905
Publisher: Brookings Institution Press
Publication: April 30, 2019
Imprint: Brookings Institution Press
Language: English

America needs better options for resolving potential crises

In recent years, the Pentagon has elevated its concerns about Russia and China as potential military threats to the United States and its allies. But what issues could provoke actual conflict between the United States and either country? And how could such a conflict be contained before it took the world to the brink of thermonuclear catastrophe, as was feared during the cold war?

Defense expert Michael O'Hanlon wrestles with these questions in this insightful book, setting them within the broader context of hegemonic change and today's version of great-power competition.

The book examines how a local crisis could escalate into a broader and much more dangerous threat to peace. What if, for example, Russia's “little green men” seized control of a community, like Narva or an even smaller town in Estonia, now a NATO ally? Or, what if China seized one of the uninhabited Senkaku islands now claimed and administered by Japan, or imposed a partial blockade of Taiwan?

Such threats are not necessarily imminent, but they are far from inconceivable. Washington could be forced to choose, in these and similar cases, between risking major war to reverse the aggression, and appeasing China or Russia in ways that could jeopardize the broader global order.

O'Hanlon argues that the United States needs a better range of options for dealing with such risks to peace. He advocates “integrated deterrence,” which combines military elements with economic warfare. The military components would feature strengthened forward defenses as well as, possibly, limited military options against Russian or Chinese assets in other theaters. Economic warfare would include offensive elements, notably sanctions, as well as measures to ensure the resilience of the United States and allies against possible enemy reprisal.

The goal is to deter war through a credible set of responses that are more commensurate than existing policy with the stakes involved in such scenarios.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

America needs better options for resolving potential crises

In recent years, the Pentagon has elevated its concerns about Russia and China as potential military threats to the United States and its allies. But what issues could provoke actual conflict between the United States and either country? And how could such a conflict be contained before it took the world to the brink of thermonuclear catastrophe, as was feared during the cold war?

Defense expert Michael O'Hanlon wrestles with these questions in this insightful book, setting them within the broader context of hegemonic change and today's version of great-power competition.

The book examines how a local crisis could escalate into a broader and much more dangerous threat to peace. What if, for example, Russia's “little green men” seized control of a community, like Narva or an even smaller town in Estonia, now a NATO ally? Or, what if China seized one of the uninhabited Senkaku islands now claimed and administered by Japan, or imposed a partial blockade of Taiwan?

Such threats are not necessarily imminent, but they are far from inconceivable. Washington could be forced to choose, in these and similar cases, between risking major war to reverse the aggression, and appeasing China or Russia in ways that could jeopardize the broader global order.

O'Hanlon argues that the United States needs a better range of options for dealing with such risks to peace. He advocates “integrated deterrence,” which combines military elements with economic warfare. The military components would feature strengthened forward defenses as well as, possibly, limited military options against Russian or Chinese assets in other theaters. Economic warfare would include offensive elements, notably sanctions, as well as measures to ensure the resilience of the United States and allies against possible enemy reprisal.

The goal is to deter war through a credible set of responses that are more commensurate than existing policy with the stakes involved in such scenarios.

More books from Brookings Institution Press

Cover of the book Arab Society in Revolt by Michael E. O'Hanlon
Cover of the book Exceptions to the Rule by Michael E. O'Hanlon
Cover of the book The Prince of Counterterrorism by Michael E. O'Hanlon
Cover of the book Promoting the Rule of Law Abroad by Michael E. O'Hanlon
Cover of the book Europe's Crisis, Europe's Future by Michael E. O'Hanlon
Cover of the book Financing the 2016 Election by Michael E. O'Hanlon
Cover of the book The Future of ISIS by Michael E. O'Hanlon
Cover of the book The Medical Marijuana Mess by Michael E. O'Hanlon
Cover of the book Shooting for a Century by Michael E. O'Hanlon
Cover of the book Blind Spot by Michael E. O'Hanlon
Cover of the book What Works in Girls' Education by Michael E. O'Hanlon
Cover of the book The Irony of Vietnam by Michael E. O'Hanlon
Cover of the book Development Aid Confronts Politics by Michael E. O'Hanlon
Cover of the book Managing Global Issues by Michael E. O'Hanlon
Cover of the book Growing Old by Michael E. O'Hanlon
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy