When Secretary of State Hillary Clinton published "America’s Pacific Century" in Foreign Policy magazine in November 2011, the administration was clearly indicating to domestic and international audiences that the United States is beginning a pivot toward the Asia-Pacific. Clinton’s article served as a spark for renewed interest in the nation’s Asia-Pacific strategy and American interests in the region.

The Asia-Pacific Century: Challenges and Opportunities looks to the future of the Asia-Pacific and examines a broad range of questions that focus on diplomatic, economic, and military challenges facing the region’s key players, with a particular focus on their relevance to the US military.

This book is the result of a year-long study conducted by the Air Force Research Institute concerning Air Force strategy in the Asia-Pacific region. By addressing issues from economic integration to a potential nuclear arms race and key regional actors (China, North Korea, India), it provides a broad perspective on the topics that will shape the future of US involvement in the region. These include the areas of nuclear proliferation, international criminal activity, terrorism, environmental degradation, pandemic diseases, natural disasters, and more.

Why Asia Matters; Dr. John P. Geis II
Introduction
The "Asian Tigers," Pandas, and Elephants
Getting International Trade "Strait"
A Place Where It Is Natural to Have Problems
A Military Race . . . but to Where?

Thinking about the Asia-Pacific; Dr. Adam Lowther
Introduction
The Delphi Method and Analysis
Focus Group Analysis
Conclusion

Top Five Asia-Pacific Economies: Integration, Conflict, Vulnerability, and Crisis, 2010?2020; Dr. Brooks B. Robinson
Abstract
Introduction
Bottom Line Up Front
Economic Integration
Economic Integration and Military Conflict
Economic Integration in a Game-Theoretic Framework
Economic Vulnerability
Impact of an Asian Crisis on the Global Economy
Conclusion

Chinese Soft Economic Warfare; Dr. Chad Dacus
Introduction
Peace and Prosperity
Soft Economic Warfare
The US Response

Steaming up the Hudson: China, the United States, and the Problem of Misperception; Prof. Simon Reich
Introduction
Why Do Americans Fear China’s Growth into a Great Power?
Is This Sense of Alarm Justified?
What Are the Consequences of the Current Trend in US-Chinese Relations?

The Contradictions of US China Policy: Implications for the US Air Force; Justin Logan
Abstract
Introduction
US Policy toward China
The Problems with US Policy
Changes for US China Policy
Potential Objections to the Alternative Strategy
Conclusion

Shadow Dancing in the Indian and Pacific Oceans: China, India, and America; Dr. Dhirendra K. Vajpeyi
Introduction
The Theatre Stage: The Indian Ocean
The South China Sea (Nanyang) and China’s Southeast Asia Neighbors
The Pacific Ocean
The Players (the Actors)
Conclusion

US Role in the Asia-Pacific Region: A Regional View; Dr. Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
Introduction
Regional Perceptions of the US Role in the Asia-Pacific
As China Rises, Will Its Neighbors
Bandwagon or Balance?
Conclusion

The Security Environment in the Asia-Pacific: An Australian Viewpoint; Dr. Sanu Kainikara
Introduction
Australia’s Strategic Interests
Factors Affecting Australia’s Strategic Outlook
The Role of the United States in the Asia-Pacific Region
The Status of South Pacific Nations
The Shift in Global Economic Activity to the Asia-Pacific
An Australian Perspective on Its Security
Conclusion

Conflict and Diplomacy in the South China Sea; Dr. Sheldon W. Simon
Abstract
Introduction
Conflict and Diplomacy: Alternative Approaches to the South China Sea
Multilateral Diplomacy
The United States, the Code of Conduct, and South China Sea Diplomacy
The United States and the Philippines: A Special South China Sea Relationship
Other Significant External Actors: Japan and India Implications for the United States

Nuclear-Strategic Asia; Dr. Stephen J. Cimbala
Introduction
Policy Problems and Issues
States and Forces
Conclusion

Aspects of Korean Unification: Planning for US Involvement on the Korean Peninsula; Dr. Kimberly Gill and Dr. Thomas P. Dolan
Introduction
Background of Korean Separation
Scenarios for Korean Unification
Cost Estimates of Korean Unification
Why Germany Is the Wrong Model for Korean Unification
Conclusion

Building Positive Relationships in the Asia-Pacific; Dr. Adam Lowther
Introduction
Why the Asia-Pacific Matters
China
Airpower in the Asia-Pacific
Conclusion

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