Retrench, Defend, Compete
Book • 2025
In Retrench, Defend, Compete, Charles L. Glaser combines international relations theory and policy analysis to propose a distinctive U.S.
strategy toward a rising China.
He argues the main risk is regional—especially over Taiwan—and recommends ending the U.S.
security commitment to Taiwan while strengthening alliances with Japan, South Korea, and others.
Glaser also urges recalibrating nuclear and conventional military policies to avoid unnecessarily provocative postures.
The book examines structural and unit-level drivers of Chinese behavior, evaluates military strategy options, and situates his partial retrenchment ("deep engagement minus") among grand strategy alternatives.
It aims to reduce the probability of large-scale war while preserving vital U.S.
interests.
strategy toward a rising China.
He argues the main risk is regional—especially over Taiwan—and recommends ending the U.S.
security commitment to Taiwan while strengthening alliances with Japan, South Korea, and others.
Glaser also urges recalibrating nuclear and conventional military policies to avoid unnecessarily provocative postures.
The book examines structural and unit-level drivers of Chinese behavior, evaluates military strategy options, and situates his partial retrenchment ("deep engagement minus") among grand strategy alternatives.
It aims to reduce the probability of large-scale war while preserving vital U.S.
interests.
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Eleonora Mattiacci
Charles L. Glaser
Charles L. Glaser, "Retrench, Defend, Compete: Securing America's Future Against a Rising China" (Cornell UP, 2025)
