Reliability and Alliance Interdependence

This research explores how America’s alliances in Asia function as an interdependent system.

It is often believed that if the United States failed to defend an ally, then this disloyalty would instantly and irrevocably damage US alliances across the globe.

This research proposes that such damage is by no means inevitable and that predictions of disaster are dangerously simplistic. If other allies fear the risks of military escalation more than the consequences of the US abandoning an ally, then they will welcome, encourage, and even praise such an instance of disloyalty. It is often assumed that alliance interdependence only constrains US policy options, but Henry shows how the United States can manipulate interdependence to set an example of what constitutes acceptable allied behaviour. Using declassified documents, Henry explores US alliances with South Korea, Japan, the Republic of China, the Philippines, Australia and New Zealand to show how America’s alliances in Asia function as an interdependent system.

More details about the book here.

Author
Dr Iain D. Henry

Publication year
2022