Quote:
Originally Posted by fluffy0000
pls explain how any force - NATO or otherwise could be a deterrent in SE Asia?
NATO was a deterrent in Europe during the Cold War because the US military
did the heavy lifting ie; ground forces, airforce, and navy backed up with nuclear weapons and delivery systems.
The military doctrine during the Cold War for NATO was to stop a massive soviet armor thrust through the Fulda Gap btween East and West Germany .
A conflict in SE Asia would be completely different and involve control of the sea lanes and oceans with a major emphasis on naval operations.
Your fantasy about any force opposing US hegemony in SE Asia without another superpower also a member of this force is pure fantasy. The US defense budget for 2010 fiscal year totals more than next 2nd,3rd,4th,5th military budgets on the planet combined and then some.
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Fantasy perhaps considering that I havent addressed the unresolved issues that exist between SEA.. but it would work.
Consider this.
Having India on board would be essential. Nuclear power and land deterrent to China. Also Indonesia is home to the fourth largest population and borders some of the vital sea lanes we talk about.
All that is needed is a restructuring of armed forces in the region and the economic growth of Indonesia, the Phillipines and we could have a serious deterrent to the US.
Im not saying we will outspend it. But the US and China will think twice before it thinks it can have its way with Asia if this sort of cooperation is worked out.