Economist Podcasts Trouble in paradise: US plans for Pacific war
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Aug 20, 2025 Vijay Vaitaswarian, Energy editor at The Economist, shares insights on the bright future of climate technology amidst geopolitical tensions. He discusses America's strategic military operations in the Pacific, specifically the revitalization of historic airfields like Tinian Island in response to rising challenges from China. Vaitaswarian highlights the transformative power of new energy solutions, including nuclear and geothermal technologies, energized by the Inflation Reduction Act. He touches on the intersection of climate innovation and energy security, setting the stage for a new era.
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Marianas Arc Is A Strategic Sweet Spot
- The Marianas arc gives the US strategically useful bases close to East Asia while remaining American territory.
- That geography makes islands like Tinian valuable for operating within range of China yet under U.S. control.
Agile Combat Employment Explains The Rebuild
- The Air Force seeks a middle ground between range and proximity to China to balance risk and capability.
- 'Agile combat employment' scatters and regroups forces to avoid being targeted and maintain operational flexibility.
Distribution Reduces Catastrophic Risk
- Dispersing aircraft across multiple islands reduces the risk that a single strike will be catastrophic.
- Alternative airfields let the US 'explode into theater' from distant bases like Alaska and stay resilient under threat.