Date of Graduation

Spring 5-15-2025

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Asia Pacific Studies (MAPS)

College/School

College of Arts and Sciences

Department/Program

Asia Pacific Studies

First Advisor

Brian Dempster

Second Advisor

John Zarobell

Third Advisor

Jonathan Tang

Abstract

Strategic competition between the United States and the People's Republic of China (PRC) has developed into a complex multi-domain struggle encompassing military, economic, and trade aspects. This research demonstrated that the current U.S. deterrence strategy is mismatched in its ability to engage with the PRC and its use of asymmetric tactics. While the US continually depends on technological advantage through expensive platforms, the PRC is developing more subtle ways in which to subvert the US' ability to respond to an expanding China. While the US response has focused on conventional means, the PRC has adopted Unrestricted Warfare as a counter doctrine to combat the US and assert dominance within the indo-pacific region. This thesis offers a series of changes that can be implemented in US strategy to begin to content with PRC through adoption of Unrestricted Warfare doctrine and focusing on asymmetric means of targeting the PRC while staying away from a conventional conflict. Specifically, this thesis exposes gaps in Chinese agricultural system and scarcity in critical environmental resources. By advocating to exploit these gaps through means of economic and trade warfare, the US is able to evolve its strategy to better counter the PRC's current tactics and maintain its advantage in the region.

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