A priority for Asia-Pacific shift

As it adjusts its defense strategy to focus on deterrence, the US should refrain from violating international laws

US military strategy alternates between periods of expansion and contraction. These used to last for more than 20 years each, but their duration has now shrunk to half that. The defense strategy document, "Sustaining US Global Leadership: Priorities for 21st Century Defense", which was released on Jan 5, ushers in a new round of strategic military contraction.

The latest contraction has resulted in part from over-expansion. Over the past decade, the US' defense spending has surged from $280 billion in 2001 to $710 billion in 2011. The Iraq War lasted for nearly nine years and cost at least $700 billion in direct expenditure, although its true cost is estimated to be near $3 trillion. This expansion not only resulted in the deaths of 4,500 US soldiers and hundreds of thousands of Iraqi soldiers and civilians it also had a severe impact on the US economy.