Reliability and Alliance Interdependence: The United States and Its Allies in Asia, 1949-1969

Iain D. Henry argues that predictions of disaster are simplistic and that if other allies fear the risks of military escalation more than the consequences of the US abandoning an ally, they will welcome, encourage, and praise such an instance of disloyalty. He also shows how the US can manipulate interdependence to set an example of acceptable allied behavior.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 258 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2022
Publisher: Cornell University Press

In this book, Iain D. Henry challenges the conventional view that the United States' failure to defend an ally would instantly and irrevocably damage US alliances across the globe. Henry argues that such damage is not inevitable and that predictions of disaster are dangerously simplistic. He suggests that if other allies prioritize their concerns about military escalation over the consequences of the United States abandoning an ally, they may welcome, encourage, and even praise such instances of disloyalty.

Henry further demonstrates that alliance interdependence does not limit the United States' policy options but rather provides an opportunity for the United States to shape and influence acceptable allied behavior. To support his argument, Henry utilizes declassified documents to examine five case studies involving US alliances with South Korea, Japan, the Republic of China, the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand.

Through these case studies, Henry highlights the complex dynamics and nuances of alliance interdependence, emphasizing how the United States can leverage its alliances to promote stability, security, and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. The book provides valuable insights into the complex web of relationships and dependencies that shape America's alliances in Asia and offers practical strategies for policymakers and scholars seeking to understand and navigate this complex geopolitical landscape.

Weight: 398g
Dimension: 228 x 154 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501765544