By Dr. Andrea Malji

As the geopolitical landscape continues to move toward an increasingly multipolar system, the risk of miscalculations, conflict, and war likewise increases. As the U.S. increases its focus on the Indo-Pacific, it is important that both the U.S. and its allies and partners are well-prepared for the changing regional dynamics. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has emphasized the importance of avoiding but being prepared for, confrontation with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the Indo-Pacific theater. Avoiding war is best done through a variety of actions and will require the help of U.S. partners and allies. Achieving this preparedness requires strengthening the warrior ethos, contributing to deterrence, and enhancing alliances and partnerships. As the only U.S. Department of Defense regional center focused solely on the Indo-Pacific, The Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI APCSS) actively contributes to meeting these U.S. national security objectives.

DKI APCSS alumni event in Japan strengthens regional partnerships – May 2024.”

Since 1995, DKI APCSS has been building a network of security practitioners from the United States, the Indo-Pacific, and beyond. Through comprehensive security courses, workshops, and partnership events with key allies, over 16,000 alumni have engaged in strategic discussions that leave them with an increased understanding of the risks facing the region and the need for comprehensive collaboration. Many of the participants in these courses go on to become top military leaders, senior officials, and heads of state in their home country and serve as a key link to the United States. The knowledge gained during their time at DKI APCSS helps shape their decision-making and strategic responses. This is especially key as many of DKI APCSS’s partners and allies are on the front line against growing CCP aggression in the region. Learning about gray zone tactics, lawfare, economic coercion, and operations taking place in the region helps current and future leaders be proactive toward these threats. Understanding the tools available to them and the tactics they are likely to face not only enhances their capabilities but also contributes to regional deterrence.

The Indo-Pacific Senior Enlisted Leaders Subject Matter Expert Exchange (IPSEL SMEE) was a partnership between USINDOPACOM and DKI APCSS.

As a force for intellectual power projection in support of the warfighter, DKI APCSS helps deepen existing alliances and partnerships that are central to USINDOPACOM priorities. Whether it’s AUKUS, the Quad, or other regional agreements such as those with the Philippines, South Korea, and Japan, DKI APCSS serves as a critical meeting venue that helps maintain and build upon these existing alliances. Critical engagements by participants build upon already strong relationships that can help expand U.S. strength and readiness in the region. Because so many DKI APCSS alumni already hold or will someday hold key defense positions, their ties are critical for future military readiness, which is enhanced through stronger defense agreements, increased basing access, and joint training exercises. Not only does this build deterrence, but it also helps prepare the warfighter and shape warfighting ethos.

When states are given the knowledge and skillsets to develop more resilient national security frameworks, they are stronger against the multiple threats facing them including violation of EEZs, cyber-attacks, and illegal fishing operations, all of which the CCP is increasingly carrying out. While at DKI APCSS, participants not only engage with their American counterparts, but they also build relationships with other key regional partners and discuss their strategies and insights. The unique structure of DKI APCSS courses allows participants to share their own security concerns while engaging with others about how they addressed the same or similar issues. This allows participants to return home with the skills needed to strengthen their own security and create a more unified response in the region. Being able to build upon or adopt new strategies that have been effective for other nations builds stronger deterrence and capacity within the region. Additionally, strengthening regional alliances ultimately helps strengthen deterrence, while also lessening the security burden of the United States.

Fellows participate in a discussion during a seminar group.

In addition to the knowledge gained during the courses, participants develop projects that strengthen the security trajectory of their home country upon return. Recent participants have worked on topics related to strengthening cybersecurity, countering illegal fishing, and building maritime domain awareness, among many others. During their time at DKI APCSS, participants can engage with experts, discuss opportunities and challenges with counterparts, and receive feedback from professionals. These engagements help them build a strong project plan that ultimately strengthens the security apparatus of their home country.

The value DKI APCSS has is not only its convening power but also its unique, collective knowledge about pressing security concerns within the region. The faculty and leadership at the center come from distinct and highly specialized backgrounds. Collectively, this experience and knowledge provide a deep and nuanced understanding of the most pressing security issues, including regional security, maritime security, strategic deterrence, gray zone tactics, cybersecurity, deterrence, and nuclear security. This knowledge is coupled with extensive experience in the region, many faculty members are current or former senior military officers who have served extensively in the region. Such military experience and insight in the region, alongside the expertise of leading academic specialists, allows DKI APCSS to provide invaluable and cutting-edge insights. In doing so, DKI APCSS helps strengthen the capabilities of Indo-Pacific partners through increased resilience and stronger interoperability among allies. Together this helps build a more robust deterrence posture in the region.

Through alumni networks, multilateral engagements, specialized courses, and expert insights, the center helps regional allies and partners anticipate, respond to, and deter aggression. This approach allows DKI APCSS to act as a force multiplier that upholds regional security and U.S. interests in the Indo-Pacific.

Andrea Malji, PhD, is a professor of geopolitics, international relations, and conflict at the Department of Defense’s Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies.