Oceania and the US: an Analysis of the Us Interests in the South Pacific
Dorrance, John C. (June 1980). Oceania and the US: an Analysis of the Us Interests in the South Pacific. National Security Affairs Monograph Series (Report). Washington, DC: National Defense University. pp. 1–92.
- Has attachment: File:4VX4TALG.pdf
Abstract: Oceania, the myriad island-states dotting a 25-million square mile expanse of the South Pacific, rarely commmands worldwide attention,-Since the historic battles of World War II, change in the area has been peaceful, local politics have been stable, and relations between the United States and the various governments have been friendly. Nevertheless,'tJ-ere have been recent social, political, and economic changes which suggest the desirability of a reassessment of US interests.
In this monograph, John Dorrance provides a thorough analysis of the political environment and the policy issues in the South Pacific and identifies potential destabilizing factors, such as the continuing process of decolonization. This phenomenon has implications for the region as a whole, including the several remaining US territorial possessions. The potential for some form of Soviet presence in the area in the 1980s presents another possible destabilizing element. Dorrance also discusses other issues such as: access to sea resources; changing leadership patterns and internal economic problems; proximity to strategic sea lanes; and US relations with allies on the periphery of the region. The author suggests that managing these factors will require a policy of creative partnership with the nations and peoples of Oceania.
This monograph is perhaps the first comprehensive analysis of the South Pacific from the standpoint of overall US interests, including security. Mr. Dorrance proposes that a modest investment of resources and time may enable the United States and its allies to preempt potential crises in this vast and important region.
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MAG: 1544329341 OpenAlex: W1544329341 CorpusID: 129788299
