Managing Escalation and Limiting War in a Conflict in the Western Pacific

Abstract

Objective: China is modernizing, expanding, and improving its conventional weapons. At the same time, U.S. military capabilities in the region are under considerable pressure for a number of reasons, including budget cuts and competing demands for resources. As China continues to modernize its arsenal, including its nuclear weapons, the question of how the United States could favorably manage escalation in a conflict with China while achieving its own political objectives is becoming increasingly important. This project will examine the implications of China’s growing military power as it pertains to the U.S. ability to effectively deter conflict or, if need be, prevail in a manner that controls escalation. By analyzing the dynamics of limited war as applied to the U.S.-Chinese context and identifying weaknesses in U.S. strategy and posture, the study will provide new knowledge to analysts, academics, U.S. officials, and others who discuss, monitor, and contribute to U.S. policy on these matters.