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

The Strategy of Denial: American Defense in an Age of Great Power Conflict by Elbridge A. Colby

Strategy

Pentagon strategist Elbridge A. Colby has an intense, myopic focus on China in The Strategy of Denial. Early in the book he argues, The top priority of the US defense establishment should be ensuring that China cannot subordinate a US ally or quasi-ally in Asia, with the first priority being developing and maintaining the ability to conduct a denial defense of Taiwan (xvi). His insistence on deterring China is so strong he suggests America "also maintain a missile defense shield against North Korea and Iran if this is not too costly ' (emphasis added). Although he seems to consider deterrence of China the only strategic goal truly worth pursuing, he writes,...