Indo-pacific security strategy: competing for victory (Emphasizing America's military – economic power)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Indo-pacific security strategy: competing for victory (Emphasizing America's military – economic power)

2 Department of Political Geography, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Introduction
In 2007, then-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe gave it a geopolitical dimension.  Japan’s economic power, China’s progressive economic reforms, the remarkable experiences of newly industrialized countries, and the economic growth of ASEAN are the most important centers of economic developments in the North and East Asian region. The structure of relations in this region is being formed based on the relations between the two great powers, the United States and China, and alongside them, players such as ASEAN, Japan, South Korea, and India have their own influences on military issues. But why is this region important to many countries, especially the United States? The importance of this region lies in the fact that, a significant part of the energy supply lines of the American and European economies passes through its sea routes. On the other hand, the Indo-Pacific region is a very important corridor and alternative for the exercise of US military power. This article attempts to explain the security strategy of important Indo-Pacific countries, especially the United States, in this region and to explain the reason for the tendency of important countries in this region towards an arms race.
Materials and Methods
First, we have compared US military capabilities with other major countries in the region. Second, we have examined how these core values and capabilities have shaped our understanding of the consolidation of US military power in the world, and in particular in the Indo-Pacific region. Thirdly, this research shows the relationship between economic power and military power for important countries in this region, especially the United States. The method of information and data collection is generally based on the library method.
Results and Discussion
The Indo-Pacific region, based on its political, economic, military and security characteristics, is the point of intersection of the policies of great powers such as the United States of America and China. In fact, the structure of competition in this region is being formed based on the relations between these two powers, and along with it, players such as ASEAN, Japan, South Korea and India have their own effects on this region. The competition for receiving and purchasing military weapons among the important countries of the Indo-Pacific region is very high. American arms companies have the highest sales in the region compared to other geopolitical regions. Among the various reasons for the purchase of weapons by the countries of the region, we can mention the economic-military growth of the aforementioned countries, especially China. Some of these countries are trying to reduce their military differences with other advanced and important economic-military countries of the region by forming military alliances such as AUKUS or by overtaking each other.
Conclusion
The United States now accounts for about 41.7 percent of global arms transfers. The role of American arms companies in the country’s global ranking is very important. American arms manufacturers produce almost the largest share of arms sales in the world. Increasing economic power is one of the distinctive features of the countries of the Indo-Pacific region. The Indo-Pacific region is rapidly entering an arms race. One of the points that has pushed many Asian countries to buy heavy weapons today is the rapid increase in China’s economic and military power. Countries such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, and Australia are among the major arms buyers in the Pacific region that are buying weapons to counter China. India has become the world's largest arms importer in recent years, accounting for 14 percent of global arms imports. According to detailed SIPRI statistics, the Indo-Pacific region spent about $2.400 billion from 2021 to 2024. The United States is not only stabilizing and consolidating its economy, but also saving money by concluding military contracts (such as AUKUS) to contain emerging countries in the field of trade and military in the Indo-Pacific region. It seems that by selling weapons to countries in the region, the United States can maintain its arms market and American arms companies and the security balance of the region, and to some extent contain China and maintain its position of power in the region.

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References

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