The Lion and the Mouse: The Need for Greater U.S. Focus in the Pacific Islands
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By Laura Keenan
September 02, 2021
The Lion and the Mouse: The Need for Greater U.S. Focus in the Pacific Islands
Marek Okon
Earlier this year, The Strategy Bridge asked university and professional military education students to participate in our fifth annual writing contest by sending us their thoughts on strategy.
Now, we are pleased to present one of our third-place winners, from Laura Keenan, a recent graduate of the U.S. National War College in Washington, D.C.
In World War II, under the leadership of General Douglas MacArthur and Admiral Chester Nimitz, the United States conducted a military strategy of leapfrogging in the Pacific island countries. The leapfrogging approach allowed military forces to bypass heavily fortified islands to reach the Axis powers, preserving time, human capital, and supplies to pursue victory. Access to the geography of the Pacific island countries was necessary during World War II and now in the era of great power competition continues to be necessary for regional security.[1] As a result of the American sacrifice made during World War II, the Pacific island countries, a cluster of fourteen states and home to nine million people, share a profound legacy of appreciation, trust, and shared values with the U.S.[2] The Pacific island countries historically reflected the U.S. preference for diplomatic norms in the way of life and international organizations. Unfortunately, in recent years this congruence has become precarious. The catalyst for this shift can be tied to China actively exerting influence in Pacific island countries through development, economic aid, and security cooperation that endangers the relationship the U.S. shares with them.[3] Chinese diplomatic and economic engagement in the Pacific island countries threatens U.S. influence and values in the region and will become an existential threat to security if not addressed. The U.S. strategy can counter China's power projection in the Pacific island countries by maintaining the existing soft power presence in the region and amplifying the Biden administration's efforts to mitigate climate change. The U.S. can also capitalize on the emerging need for economic development by investing in vaccine diplomacy to fight against COVID-19 to reiterate the U.S. commitment as a partner of choice to the region.
https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2021/09/02/the_lion_and_the_mouse_the_need_for_greater_us_focus_in_the_pacific_islands_792749.html
