Securing the Western Hemisphere is not an alternative to a forward defense of America. It is the foundation to a forward defense.
I disagree with the premise of this article that America is deprioritizing far-off regions:
Donald Trump has a knack for raising big strategic questions. The US president is massing military power in the Caribbean; he’s reportedly on the verge of approving a military strategy that deprioritizes far-off regions. In doing so, Trump is reviving a debate with deep roots in history: Where should America draw its forward line of defense?
No doubt America is trying to shift defense burdens to allies in those far-off regions. But protecting the Americas helps create the foundation for projecting power to far-off regions to prevent North America from being our first line of defense.
Golden Dome reflects the need to protect what had once been America's power projection sanctuary.
And I wonder what our objective is with the sabre rattling in the Caribbean Sea. Yet China could be an even bigger threat if it gets its way.
I've emphasized the longstanding threat from Europe across the Atlantic as some urge America to pull every swinging asset from Europe and send them to INDOPACOM to confront the China threat.
Given Russia's aggression, Europe is a front even if it is an economy-of-force front.
But if some want to pull back to Fortress America, remember that a retreat can be mistaken for peace--for a time. Until the enemy pursuit catches up.
UPDATE: This story highlights the linkage:
Trump’s team is refortifying the Americas—using carrier presence, tariffs on Canada, and tougher rules for Mexico—to build a “continental fortress” that underwrites Indo-Pacific competition with China.
But don't forget America's European shield for the Atlantic.
NOTE: TDR Winter War of 2022 coverage continues here.
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