27th Parliamentary-Intelligence Security Forum – National/Regional Security
Dr. Kaush Arha framed the current U.S. strategic debate around two key principles associated with President Trump: avoiding new wars and ensuring allies carry their fair share of security burdens. He argued that global threats, particularly coordination among China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran link the Indo-Pacific and European theaters, making it impractical to treat them separately.
Drawing lessons from NATO, he emphasized collective security as a successful model, noting that burden-sharing has strengthened European defense commitments. He suggested applying similar principles in the Indo-Pacific not by creating an “Asian NATO,” but by building a more formalized collective security framework among partners such as Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the Philippines so the U.S. does not shoulder responsibilities alone, especially regarding Taiwan.
Dr. Arha also highlighted the strategic importance of expanding the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” vision globally, linking it economically and strategically with the transatlantic region, the Arctic, the Indian Ocean, and beyond. Strengthening connectivity across these “free and open spaces,” he argued, would offer a viable alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. He concluded that combining collective security with expanded economic integration among democratic partners is the most effective way to counter China’s global ambitions while advancing a stable, rules-based international order.
