Assurance of U.S. Allies

Abstract

Japan and South Korea_s (ROK) concerns about the reliability of the U.S. deterrent are increased by Chinese nuclear modernization and the North Korea nuclear weapons development program. As the United States embraces defense realignment and moves to reduce its nuclear stockpile, Japanese and South Korean thinking about extended deterrence is profoundly affected. It is increasingly important for the United States to assure its alliance partners on the long-term role the United States intends to play in the region during a fiscally constrained time. The project objective is to provide a better understanding of allied thinking about the U.S. extended deterrent, the positions of Japan and the ROK, and joint policy on shared responsibilities. The project will also address each country_s specific questions surrounding U.S. extended deterrence and harmonize allied approaches to perceived WMD/WME threats emanating from elsewhere in the region. Initial reassurance and trilateral cooperation is important to deal with the North Korean contingency.