Search
pacific forum History of Pacific Forum

PacNet #13A – Extended Deterrence in Northeast Asia: Keep a Cool Head and Maintain a High Profile

North Korea’s successful launch of a long-range rocket, its third nuclear test, and threats to follow up with even "stronger steps" and the "final destruction" of South Korea are raising serious questions among America’s Northeast Asian allies. So is China’s growing assertiveness over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea. The most fundamental question is this: is US extended deterrence failing?