Sure, deter China—but manage risk with North Korea, too

Abstract

ABSTRACT The United States is undertaking a significant reassessment of its military posture in the Indo-Pacific, largely with deterrence of China in mind. At the same time, the United States is coping with the consequences of the still-new nuclear deterrence relationship that has manifested with North Korea. Many of the envisaged changes to US military posture in the region could exacerbate risks in future crises involving North Korea. As a result, US planners and decision-makers must begin to contemplate possible unintended consequences of these changes and new possible pathways to nuclear escalation with Pyongyang.