The Strategy of Denial: American Defense in an Age of Great Power Conflict

by Elbridge A. Colby

The involvement of a very strong state comparable in power to China is thus highly valuable for several reasons. First, the involvement of such a state by definition makes the coalition more powerful and improves the likelihood of its success. Second, a powerful state’s involvement makes forming and sustaining the coalition less complicated. If simply getting the coalition off the ground requires assembling myriad smaller entities, each with its own calculus, the task is much more complex and uncertain. The involvement of a very powerful state makes each smaller state’s involvement less necessary, widening the coalition’s margin of error and increasing the reasonableness of affiliating with it. Third, such a powerful state is likely to be less susceptible to the aspirant’s coercive influence.