New Books Network Charles L. Glaser, "Retrench, Defend, Compete: Securing America's Future Against a Rising China" (Cornell UP, 2025)
May 13, 2026
Charles L. Glaser, an MIT security studies scholar and author, argues for a bold rethink of U.S. strategy toward a rising China. He recommends partial retrenchment by ending the U.S. defense pledge to Taiwan while deepening ties with Japan and South Korea. He also explores nuclear policy shifts and calibrated conventional postures in East Asia to lower war risks.
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Partial Retrenchment Focused On Taiwan
- Partial retrenchment means ending specific US commitments that cause major conflict while keeping other alliances intact.
- Glaser argues ending the US commitment to Taiwan reduces the single biggest risk without abandoning alliances with Japan, South Korea, Philippines, and Australia.
Why China's Rise Isn't A Direct Threat To The US
- Structural realism suggests China's rise poses little direct threat to the US homeland because of distance and mutual nuclear capability.
- Glaser reasons the real dangers are regional (East Asia), driven by alliances and specific territorial disputes, not great-power invasion.
Taiwan's Unique Role In China's Identity
- Taiwan is central to China's national identity and 'national rejuvenation,' making it uniquely important compared to other regional states.
- Glaser links nationalism and status concerns to explain why China views Taiwan as exceptional and resisted to concessions.
