The Strategy of Denial: American Defense in an Age of Great Power Conflict

Elbridge A. Colby, the lead architect of the 2018 National Defense Strategy, argues that America's defense strategy must change to address China's growing power and ambition. He offers a clear framework for what America's goals in confronting China should be, how its military strategy must change, and how it must prioritize these goals over its lesser interests. This book is the most informed and in-depth reappraisal of America's defense strategy in decades and outlines a rigorous but practical approach to deterring a war with China.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 08 November 2022
Publisher: Yale University Press

Elbridge A. Colby, the lead architect of the 2018 National Defense Strategy, is a renowned realist who provides a comprehensive analysis of the changing geopolitical landscape and the challenges posed by China's power and ambition. In his book, "Strategy of Denial: How America Can Still Win the Twenty-First Century," Colby argues that the United States must adapt its defense strategy to confront China's growing influence in Asia and the world.

Colby begins by examining the historical context of U.S.-China relations and the lessons learned from past conflicts. He highlights the importance of deterrence as a key strategy in maintaining peace and stability in the region. He also emphasizes the need for the United States to maintain its military superiority over China and to build a strong network of allies and partners to support its objectives.

One of the key themes of Colby's book is the importance of understanding China's military strategy and capabilities. He argues that China is pursuing a comprehensive military modernization program that aims to enhance its ability to conduct both conventional and unconventional warfare. Colby highlights the challenges posed by China's military modernization, including its increasing range of ballistic missiles, its advanced cyber capabilities, and its ability to conduct joint operations with other countries.

To address these challenges, Colby proposes a range of strategic adjustments for the United States. He advocates for a more proactive and assertive approach to China, including the development of a more robust military presence in the Asia-Pacific region, the expansion of military alliances, and the promotion of regional cooperation. Colby also emphasizes the need for the United States to invest in advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and space warfare, to enhance its military capabilities and maintain its edge over China.

In addition to his strategic recommendations, Colby also offers practical insights into how the United States can implement these changes. He discusses the challenges of managing relations with China, including the need for diplomatic engagement and the importance of avoiding military conflict. He also highlights the importance of building a strong and resilient domestic economy to support the military and to ensure that the United States can maintain its global influence in the face of competition from China.

Overall, "Strategy of Denial: How America Can Still Win the Twenty-First Century" is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the changing geopolitical landscape and the challenges posed by China's power and ambition. Colby's well-crafted and insightful analysis provides a superb and, one suspects, essential departure point for an urgent and much-needed debate over U.S. defense strategy. The book offers a rigorous but practical approach, showing how the United States can prepare to win a war with China that we cannot afford to lose—precisely in order to deter that war from happening.

Weight: 496g
Dimension: 236 x 156 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300268027