Integrating Deterrence: What Role for Allies in the Indo-Pacific?

As China fuses its economic, diplomatic, military and technological might to carve out a sphere of influence in the Indo-Pacific theatre, the United States is in the process of bolstering its defence strategy and alliances across the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific theatres. The US is developing a constellation of alliances and partnerships such as AUKUS, the Quad and the Camp David Trilateral Agreement to respond to the rise of China, but it is also investing in new multi-domain capabilities and doctrines. To further the discussion about integrated deterrence, Jedidiah Royal – Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs (PDASD) – outlined America’s vision of integrated deterrence in supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific, with a special focus on the role of allies.

This event fed into CSDS’ Bridging Allies Initiative, formally launched in January 2023 with the support of NATO’s Science for Peace and Security (SPS) programme and the Australian Department of Defense’s Strategic Policy Grants Program (SPGP). This CSDS flagship initiative zooms in on the growing geo-strategic connectivity between the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific theatres and explores ways to strengthen practical cooperation between allies and partners in both regions.