The 2025 National Security Strategy called for a “military capable of denying aggression anywhere in the First Island Chain.” During 2026, MWI focused its research efforts on understanding how the US Army can deter Chinese aggression by denying a quick victory in and around the first island chain. As part of this process, MWI conducted a contemporary battlefield assessment to Taiwan and South Korea to understand their strategy, doctrine, and force modernization on the frontline, culminating with the annual Modern War Conference on deterrence in the Pacific. To support that conference and share the work of our many contributing authors, we have collected a selection of articles to promote shared understanding about the Army’s role in deterrence in the Pacific. We will publish additional related articles in the winter 2027 edition of the Modern War Journal.
MWI – Pacific Papers