University of California Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation

The United States has at least since World War II pursued a consistent set of aims in Asia. The United States faces a broad array of threats to its interests, including a protracted conflict with al-Qaeda and its affiliates, the threat posed by regional rogueswho will increasingly possess nuclear weapons, and the challenge posed by the rise of China. These threats will continue despite increasingly sharp limits on the resources the United States is willing to devote to defense. Because cutting back commitments is easier said than done, the United States is likely to face a growing gap between its aims and its ability to meet them.