Wartime Footing: A Two-Front Strategy to Confront China and Russia

Photo: William H. Taylor/CSIS; Getty Images, U.S. Central Intelligence Agency

Photo: William H. Taylor/CSIS; Getty Images, U.S. Central Intelligence Agency

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The United States and its allies face a serious and growing threat from an authoritarian axis led by China and Russia that will erode U.S. power and security if it is not effectively countered. Chinese leader Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party have ordered the People’s Liberation Army to be ready to conduct a successful invasion of Taiwan by 2027, and Russia continues to wage an aggressive war in Ukraine and a sabotage campaign across Europe that includes assassinations, bombings, and subversion.

This report outlines a U.S. defense strategy of flexible engagement built around a two-war planning construct and a rapid shift to a wartime industrial footing to counter an axis led by China and Russia. It prioritizes the Indo-Pacific first and Europe second, as well as deterring and, if necessary, defeating two major powers simultaneously with significant allied and partner involvement.

This report is made possible by generous support from the Smith Richardson Foundation.

Tags

China, Russia, Defense and Security, and Defense Strategy and Capabilities
Seth G. Jones

Seth G. Jones

President, Defense and Security Department; Harold Brown Chair
Riley McCabe

Riley McCabe

Associate Fellow, Warfare, Irregular Threats, and Terrorism Program
Daniel Byman

Daniel Byman

Director, Warfare, Irregular Threats, and Terrorism Program

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