ASPI suggests
12 Apr 2013|

HMS Hermes sinking, 9 April 1942First up Captain Henry J. Hendrix argues in this paper from CNAS that aircraft carriers may be too vulnerable to play the central role in future conflicts that they have played in the past.

We also have George Perkovich’s worthy effort on the difficult subject of trying to develop a more defensible nuclear doctrine for the US.

Speaking of all things nuclear, the Pentagon has said they are ‘moderately confident’ that North Korea has figured out how to make a nuclear weapon small enough to be delivered by ballistic missile.

Speculating on the whole Asian Century thing from Canada’s perspective, Fen Osler Hampsonand Derek H. Burney write that:

Just as Canada was a key contributor to the security of Europe through NATO and the negotiation of key confidence-building instruments like the CSCE, we have a similar role to play in the evolving security and defense architecture of the Asia-Pacific.

And a translation of an article (PDF) written by the PRC’s Lt. Gen Qi Jianguo, Dep. Chief of General Staff—including responsibility for foreign relations and intelligence.  An interesting read:

At present, the focus of global competition has shifted to the Asia-Pacific. The United States has proposed an eastward shift in its strategic focus, Japan is actively accompanying the U.S. “rebalance to the Asia-Pacific,” … and Australia is seeking a deeper level of “integration into the Asia-Pacific.”

Lastly, If you are in Canberra on the 23 April, Emeritus Professor Paul Dibb is giving a talk on the risks of war between the US and China – including potential flash points and what this all means for Australia.

Image courtesy of AWM.