The "Pacific Doctrine": US Security Policies in Asia after Vietnam

Abstract

Implementation of President Gerald Ford's "Pacific Doctrine", as announced on December 7, 1975, involves the US in a continuing, flexible commitment to the balance of power in the Asian and Pacific region. While ready to accept the interest of non-Communist countries in Southeast Asia in developing greater strategic self-reliance, US military power is also constructing a new defense parameter off the Asian mainland. The first leg of this new defense parameter is in the Indian Ocean, and centers on the US military facility on the island of Diego Garcia. The other and second leg of this parameter connects Japan and Indonesia, and centers on the islands of Guam and of the newly created Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas.