The Intelligence from The Economist Trouble in paradise: US plans for Pacific war
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Aug 20, 2025 Vijay Vaiteswarian, Energy editor at The Economist, discusses the surprising optimism around climate technology amidst U.S. military preparations in the Pacific. He reveals how strategic locations like Tinian Island are being revitalized for modern warfare while highlighting the shift towards prioritizing energy security. On a lighter note, he touches on Hello Kitty's evolution and how Sanrio is expanding its global presence with innovative brand strategies. The intersection of defense and sustainability makes for a captivating conversation.
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Tinian's Runways Reclaimed
- Anton La Guardia visited Tinian and saw bulldozers, recovered runways and secret World War II pits once used for loading bombs.
- He watched F-22s take off from the commercial airport, highlighting a surreal mix of past relics and modern military activity.
Marianas Offer A Strategic Sweet Spot
- Geography makes the Marianas strategically valuable because they sit between the US and East Asia and point towards Japan and China.
- The Air Force seeks a 'sweet spot' of distance to operate near China while limiting exposure to long-range Chinese weapons.
Agile Combat Employment Explained
- Agile combat employment means scattering forces across many small airfields to avoid being concentrated and vulnerable.
- The doctrine treats deployment like continual dispersal and regrouping to complicate enemy targeting.