Theater Security Cooperation Planning with Article 98: How the 2002 Servicemembers' Protection Act Fosters China's Quest for Global Influence

摘要

The Combatant Commander is hindered in constructing Theater Security Cooperation plans due to the restrictions placed upon foreign military aid dispersal as a result of the 2002 American Servicemembers' Protection Act. Designed to remedy these restrictions, nonsurrender bilateral Article 98 agreements are fostering resentment of American global hegemony which China is leveraging to expand her influence worldwide. The long-term implications of the American Servicemembers' Protection Act need to be reassessed beyond the scope of the Global War on Terrorism to safeguard strategic alliances forged with decades of mutual cooperation.