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Gershaneck on U.S. Security Policy in the Asia Pacific

November 19, 2003

HONOLULU—On November 19, 2003, Kerry K. Gershaneck addressed Intercultural Management Program (ICMP) students on security in the Asia Pacific from the perspective of the United States. Gershaneck is the deputy for Policy and International Affairs for U.S. Marine Forces, Pacific, the world’s largest Marine Corps field command.

In highlighting potential hotspots for conflict, Gershaneck reminded the students that no one can ignore the tensions between their neighbors in Korea, India-Pakistan, and China-Taiwan. No nation in Asia will be left untouched by conflicts between these nations should they arise. Because of these potential scenarios, the United States has maintained their presence within Japan, Korea, Okinawa, and other regions in the Asia Pacific in an effort to forestall any conflict.

In regards to the U.S. war on terrorism since 9/11, Gershaneck explained that because of the nature of the terrorists, the United States is forced to fight a new type of war with new strategic measures. The U.S. approach is to take action against unstable locations that could harbor terrorists such as Afghanistan and other failed states.
Kerry K. Gershaneck
Kerry K. Gershaneck


“ I realize that in many of our friends’ eyes around the world that has made us seem like a bully,” Gershaneck said, “The best I can say is ‘You know Americans, you’ve met us. We aren’t that way by nature. We feel that we’ve been forced into a very bad situation and I’m not sure that there’s any other way to deal with folks who don’t want to negotiate.’”

For nearly 30 years, Gershaneck has focused on Asia-Pacific regional issues at the Department of Defense, U.S. Embassy, U.S. Pacific Command, and joint and combined command levels. His personal awards include the U.S. Department of Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and eight Meritorious Civil Service commendations.