Extending U.S. theater Missile Defense to Northeast Asia: ramifications for regional security

Abstract

The absence of a formidable U.S. and allied Theater Missile Defense (TMD) capability in the East Asian region has encouraged a build-up in offensive missile capability on the part of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). This build-up has destabilized a region of vital importance to the national interest of the United States by encouraging the idea that offensive military action can be utilized to attain national ambitions at a relatively acceptable cost. This thesis shows that the introduction of a layered missile defense capability will serve to enhance regional security for the United States and its allies by raising the costs associated with using missiles in an offensive manner and by underscoring the level of commitment the United States maintains in guaranteeing the security of its allies in the face of a growing regional threat. The political benefits associated with such a tangible defensive obligation on the part of the United States should not be underrated.