U.S. Military “Deterrence” Strategy in the Indo-Pacific

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This article examines the United States’ military “deterrence” strategy in the Indo-Pacific region and its underlying geopolitical dynamics. The study highlights the 21st-century geopolitical context in which the region has become the primary arena of great-power competition between the United States and China. It emphasizes Washington’s strategic objectives: containing China’s expanding influence, maintaining military and air superiority, strengthening partnership alliances (ASEAN – Association of Southeast Asian Nations; AUKUS – Australia–United Kingdom–United States security partnership; QUAD – Quadrilateral Security Dialogue), and upholding the international order under the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) strategy.

Special attention is given to the significance of AUKUS, which provides Australia with nuclear-powered submarines, cyber capabilities, hypersonic systems, and advanced AI technologies—constituting a direct response to China’s military activities in the South China Sea and the broader region. The study also outlines the importance of economic engagement, support for innovation, and strengthening democratic governance as critical components of the U.S. global strategy, all of which reinforce the traditional military dimension of deterrence.

The research employs a qualitative social-science methodology. This approach enables a comprehensive and multidimensional analysis of the problem rather than focusing solely on isolated manifestations. The key advantage of the qualitative method lies in its capacity for in-depth, holistic examination of complex issues.

The paper discusses the role of U.S. geopolitical interests in shaping the global order of the 21st century. Strategically, Washington focuses on regions that directly or indirectly affect U.S. national security, economic power, and global leadership—with the Indo-Pacific being among the most vital. U.S. military policy for safeguarding these interests is grounded in three core principles: Threat prevention and deterrence through a robust military presence in strategic regions; Strengthening global partnerships via NATO, AUKUS, QUAD, and other regional blocs; Integration of innovative technologies, particularly in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

Geopolitically, the Indo-Pacific constitutes a crucial economic and strategic space in which the United States seeks to maintain vigilance and rapid response capabilities—militarily and economically. At the same time, regional partners such as India, Australia, Japan, and others form integral pillars of America’s deterrence architecture, contributing to a strengthened regional coalition and an increasingly multipolar security structure. The strategy’s effectiveness relies on mobile and flexible military forces, innovative technologies, and the active use of the information domain, all of which enhance the United States’ capacity to respond to regional challenges.