Commentary
Could America’s Asian allies go nuclear? This is a recurring scenario, given continuing concerns in Tokyo, Seoul, and even Canberra that Washington’s security commitment to Asia—and particularly its promise of extended nuclear deterrence—may be less than dependable.
In articles (found here, here, and here), the argument is made that countries like Japan, South Korea, and Australia should consider hedging their bets and building their own nuclear force.
Analysis such as Walter Russell Mead has gone so far as to argue that some “America Firsters,” such as former President Donald Trump, might even welcome the idea of a nuclearized Asia. Removing our Asian allies from the U.S. nuclear umbrella might please those who feel these countries should be doing more (and asking Washington to do less) for their own defense….