June 13, 2016

Security Cooperation: The Key to Access and Influence in the Asia-Pacific

By: Des Walton

In this paper, BowerGroupAsia Senior Director Desmond Walton examines the increasing value returned by the development of strategic networks of regional military relationships by the United States and China in the Asia-Pacific. After defining security cooperation and enumerating the advantages in such interactions both for the United States and our regional partners, Walton observes the three tiers of the ‘access equation’ and highlights the necessity of a continued security commitment to the region. As a case study, Walton points to Secretary Carter’s Maritime Security Initiative as a likely success in interagency cooperation that signals continued commitment to the region while simultaneously providing tangible benefits in partner capabilities.

The report is available online.

Download PDF

Author

Des Walton

Video

Indo-Pacific Security
N. Korea Hardens Nuclear Stance at UN, Hints at Selective Diplomacy
Seven years after disappearing from the UN’s main stage, North Korea returned — and made sure the world listened. Vice Minister Kim Son-kyong stood before the General Assembly...

By Dr. Go Myong-Hyun
- September 30, 2025
Podcast

Indo-Pacific Security
USSC Briefing Room | The Prognosis for the Quad and Other U.S. Alliances in the Indo-Pacific
In conversation with the United States Studies Centre, Director of the Indo-Pacific Program at the Center for a New American Security, Lisa Curtis discussed the Quad and the f...

By Lisa Curtis
- September 26, 2025
Video

Indo-Pacific Security
Afghanistan: Why Does Trump Want to Retake Bagram Air Base?
Lisa Curtis, senior fellow and program director at the Center for a New American Security joined Deutsche Welle to discuss President Trump's comments on the U.S. regaining con...

By Lisa Curtis
- September 23, 2025
Video

Indo-Pacific Security / Energy, Economics & Security
Trump Unfriends Modi's India: Trump Frothing, India Calm
From tariffs to tantrums-Trump's latest anti-India tirade stirs global concern. As Washington watches in disbelief, Shiv Aroor discusses what this "break-up" means for India-U...

By Daniel Silverberg
- September 5, 2025