Pulling back to the Second Island Chain would be strategic folly

In a recent report, Jennifer Kavanagh of Defense Priorities called for the U.S. to end its formal security commitments to Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines and to withdraw nearly all of its forces in those countries to the Second Island Chain. This shift, Kavanagh argues, would leave the U.S. “more secure” with a “more sustainable military footprint.”The report deserves credit for diversifying debate in Washington. However, we disagree with Kavanagh’s recommendations. A Second Island Chain strategy would not protect vital U.S. interests or enhance regional stability. U.S. regional domina