Improving Conflict-Phase Access: Identifying U.S. Policy Levers

Gunness, Kristen; Navarre Chao, Lev; Grek, Lydia; Blank, Jonah; Tarini, Gabrielle; Morris, Lyle J.; Stravers, Andrew; Ernstsen, Jordan; Ellinger, Emily; Frederick, Bryan; Cochran, Shawn; Hornung, Jeffrey W.; Mazarr, Michael J.; Wang, Howard

Ensuring military access to the territory of allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific in the event of a future conflict with China is a critical concern for U.S. policymakers. By looking at five specific allies and partners, the authors explore how states are likely to approach access requests, what factors influence such decisions, and what peacetime policy levers the United States might have to increase the likelihood of access in conflict.