Holding the Line: Denial Defense Along the First Island Chain

About this episode

The episode discusses the significance of the First Island Chain in U.S. strategic thinking and its relevance in the context of China's actions and U.S. deterrence strategies.

Mike joins Toshi Yoshihara, Senior Fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments in Washington, D.C., to explore the significance of the First Island Chain in U.S. strategic thinking on Asia. They trace its historical role in achieving a favourable regional balance of power, unpack its enduring relevance under the Trump administration, and assess how China is contesting its limits, before turning to what the United States and its maritime Indo-Pacific allies must do to reinforce credible deterrence across an increasingly contested region.

People in this episode

Host: Mike

Guest: Toshi Yoshihara

Topics covered

• U.S. strategic thinking
• First Island Chain
• regional balance of power
• China's contestation
• deterrence
• Indo-Pacific allies

Keywords

• First Island Chain
• U.S. strategy
• China
• deterrence
• Indo-Pacific
• regional power
• Trump administration

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments

Places: United States, Asia, Trump administration, First Island Chain, Indo-Pacific, Washington, D.C.

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