This third issue of the Journal of Strategy and Politics chronicles the evolution of China’s strategic ascendancy of today, in contrast with U.S. advances during WWII and the Cold War. We are pleased to include important contributions from two guest scholars along with articles from Institute principals.

Cover, Table of Contents, and Editorial Note (PDF)

“The Enemy Retreats, We Pursue.” China’s Maritime Strategy in the Western Pacific as a Reflection of U.S.-China Strategic Interaction (PDF) — Richard C. Thornton

Abstract: China is mounting a multi-faceted challenge to the United States and the nations of the Western Pacific. A survey of the disputes shows that all of China’s claims originate in an exploitation of U.S. decisions over the past four decades that have eroded the post-WWII architecture.

 “Since Ancient Times.” China’s Maritime Claims vs. History Books and Ancient Maps (PDF) — Tri H. Pham

Abstract: This article undertakes an exhaustive review of Chinese and Western historical resources to challenge China’s claim that its sovereignty over features in the South and East China Seas has existed “since ancient times.” A review of maps and literature dating back to the twelfth century vividly exposes the absence of evidence for Beijing’s argument.

Penkovsky: Genuine Defector Turned Unwitting Soviet Agent of Disinformation (PDF) — Lana Robins

Abstract: Col. Oleg Penkovsky spied for the West from April 1961 to August 1962, but he became an unwitting double agent after being betrayed by a mole in the upper echelons of American or British intelligence. Nonetheless, his defection enabled the U.S. to defuse the crises over Berlin and Soviet missile installations in Cuba.

The Strategic Impact of the Battle of Midway (PDF) — James D. Perry

Abstract: The Battle of Midway was the culmination of an American strategy that began in June 1941 to prevent a Japanese attack on Russia, and foil German-Japanese cooperation in the Indian Ocean. The U.S. victory at Midway crippled Japanese naval aviation, preventing any attack by Japan on the Soviet Far East and keeping the Axis divided.