U S Army War College

Losing the Philippines U S Army War College

Since 1898, the Philippine Islands have been an important part of the United States' national military strategy for the Asian-Pacific region. Over time, this Pacific archipelago has served as a forward operating base for United States armed forces. Now, the United States will have to learn how to execute its Asian-Pacific foreign policy without the Philippines. With a reduced threat in the region and Philippine unwillingness to allow future United States basing, U. S. military presence within the region will change. To maintain a strong presence, the United States will have to use its remaining bases, its bilateral and multilateral treaties, and its naval capability to operate over extended distances. This book analyzes the United States' pullout from the Philippines and its effect on the United States' national military strategy in the Asian-Pacific region. The book provides a brief history of United States presence in the Philippines, an analysis of regional threats, and finally examines U. S. military presence in the region without the Philippine bases.