| ID | 188886 |
| Title Proper | Reassurance and Deterrence in Asia |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Mastro, Oriana Skylar |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | US defense strategy has long been predicated on the view that military activities, maneuvers, and deployments are credible conveyers of information to both adversaries and partners about US willingness to fight in specific circumstances. Brian Blankenship and Erik Lin-Greenberg’s article, “Trivial Tripwires? Military Capabilities and Alliance Reassurance,” makes an important contribution by demonstrating that not all military activities are created equal when it comes to reassuring allies and partners. Blankenship and Lin-Greenberg rightfully capture reassurance as a product of resolve and capability—thus a “reassuring” state can provide differing acts of reassurance depending on the degree of resolve it wishes to demonstrate and the capabilities it possesses. The authors evaluate four types of reassurance, which vary according to their strength of signaling resolve and capability: (1) tripwires; (2) fighting forces; (3) transient demonstrations; and (4) offshore presences. Relying largely on surveys of defense experts in the Baltics and Central Europe, they argue that a commitment of fighting forces—such as a permanent overseas base or a large in-country ground deployment—makes countries feel safest. |
| `In' analytical Note | Security Studies Vol. 31, No.4; Aug-Sep 2022 : p.743-750 |
| Journal Source | Security Studies Vol: 31 No 4 |
| Key Words | Asia ; Reassurance and Deterrence |