Graduation Year

2025

Date of Submission

4-2025

Document Type

Campus Only Senior Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Government

Reader 1

Jordan Branch

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2025 Chelsea Luo

Abstract

The island of Guam, often overlooked by the American public, plays a critical role in U.S. military strategy and security in the Pacific. As a U.S. territory and key forward-operating base, it hosts advanced missile defense systems and enables rapid force projection across the region—earning its reputation as “the tip of the spear.” Yet this strategic value also makes Guam a primary target in the event of conflict, particularly as China expands its military capabilities and influence across the Indo-Pacific region. This thesis explores Guam’s evolving role in U.S. deterrence strategy and the regional balance of power amid rising geopolitical competition. While Washington has focused heavily on military buildup, this narrow focus risks weakening America’s strategic standing by failing to match China’s more comprehensive approach, which combines military strength with economic influence and diplomatic outreach. It also overlooks key concerns around local consent, environmental sustainability, and human security. As small islands like Guam bear the burden of global rivalry, the U.S. must broaden its strategic lens to ensure lasting security and equity for both the island and its own citizens.

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