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Power projection Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Global Power Projection: Concepts, Capabilities, and Contemporary Dynamics

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Global Power Projection: Concepts, Capabilities, and Contemporary Dynamics Study Guide

Conceptual Frameworks and Historical Evolution of Power Projection

Power projection is exclusively defined as a state's capacity to engage its military forces in active combat operations outside its own territory.

Answer: False

Explanation: Power projection encompasses a state's capacity to deploy and sustain military forces abroad, but it also includes the use of 'soft power' and does not exclusively require active combat operations, as clarified by the U.S. Department of Defense definition.

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The 'loss-of-strength gradient' measures how military effectiveness increases with distance from a nation's home territory, up to a culminating point.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'loss-of-strength gradient' actually measures how military effectiveness *diminishes* with increasing distance from a nation's home territory, reaching a point where operations become unsustainable or ineffective.

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Julius Caesar's construction of the Rhine bridge in 10 days is cited as an early example of Roman power projection, demonstrating innovative military capability.

Answer: True

Explanation: Julius Caesar's rapid construction of the Rhine bridge is a historical example highlighting Rome's innovative military engineering and capacity for projecting force.

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The Industrial Revolution hindered global power projection by diverting resources away from military advancements towards domestic economic growth.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Industrial Revolution, through advancements in technology, communications, and finance, significantly *enhanced* states' ability to generate wealth and marshal resources for long-distance power projection, rather than hindering it.

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Britain's power projection during the First Opium War was demonstrated by an expeditionary force successfully defending British interests 6,000 miles from home.

Answer: True

Explanation: During the First Opium War, Britain successfully projected power by deploying an expeditionary force that defended its interests 6,000 miles from its home port.

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The Anglo-French expeditionary force in the Crimean War is considered one of the earliest modern examples of a planned expeditionary power-projection campaign, utilizing steam-powered warships and telegraph communications.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Crimean War expeditionary force is recognized as an early modern example of power projection, notable for its use of advanced technologies like steam-powered warships and telegraph communications.

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The Russo-Japanese War significantly enhanced Imperial Russia's diplomatic standing in Europe due to its successful projection of force in the East.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Russo-Japanese War actually demonstrated Imperial Russia's inability to project force effectively in the East, diminishing its diplomatic influence and exposing organizational flaws that led to a demotion of its standing in European diplomatic relations.

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The U.S. Department of Defense defines power projection as solely military action to respond to crises.

Answer: False

Explanation: The U.S. Department of Defense defines power projection as the ability to apply all or some elements of national power—political, economic, informational, or military—to respond to crises, contribute to deterrence, and enhance regional stability, not solely military action.

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The British Expedition to Abyssinia in 1868 was a minor logistical undertaking, primarily relying on local resources.

Answer: False

Explanation: The British Expedition to Abyssinia in 1868 was a tremendous logistical and technological undertaking, involving extensive shipping, railway construction, and road building, far from relying primarily on local resources.

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What is the fundamental definition of power projection in international relations?

Answer: A state's capacity to deploy and sustain its military forces outside of its own territory.

Explanation: Power projection is fundamentally defined as a state's capacity to deploy and sustain its military forces beyond its own borders, a critical aspect of its global influence.

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Which of the following best describes the diplomatic role of a state's ability to project power?

Answer: It acts as an effective diplomatic lever, influencing decision-making and serving as a deterrent.

Explanation: A state's ability to project power serves as a potent diplomatic tool, influencing other states' decisions and acting as a deterrent against undesirable actions.

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What is the primary reason why global power projection capability is limited to a select few states, even those with large militaries?

Answer: Overcoming the logistical difficulties of deploying and directing a modern military force over long distances.

Explanation: The primary challenge limiting global power projection, even for states with large militaries, lies in overcoming the immense logistical complexities of deploying and sustaining modern forces over vast distances.

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Which historical event is cited as an early example of Roman power projection capabilities?

Answer: Julius Caesar's construction of the Rhine bridge in 10 days.

Explanation: Julius Caesar's rapid construction of the Rhine bridge is a notable early example of Roman power projection, showcasing their innovative military engineering.

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How did the Industrial Revolution impact the modern ability to project power globally?

Answer: It enabled states to generate unprecedented wealth and marshal resources for long-distance power projection.

Explanation: The Industrial Revolution significantly enhanced global power projection by providing states with unprecedented wealth and resources, along with technological advancements, to support long-distance military operations.

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What specific event during the First Opium War showcased Britain's power projection capabilities?

Answer: The successful defense of British interests 6,000 miles from its home port by an expeditionary force.

Explanation: Britain's power projection during the First Opium War was exemplified by an expeditionary force successfully defending British interests 6,000 miles from home.

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What was significant about the Anglo-French expeditionary force during the Crimean War?

Answer: It was notable for being the first campaign to utilize modern technologies like steam-powered warships and telegraph communications.

Explanation: The Anglo-French expeditionary force in the Crimean War is significant for its pioneering use of modern technologies such as steam-powered warships and telegraph communications in a planned power projection campaign.

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According to Max Ostrovsky, what did World Wars represent in the context of power projection?

Answer: Expressions of global power projection within a 'world system' created around 1900.

Explanation: Max Ostrovsky viewed World Wars as manifestations of global power projection within a 'world system' that emerged around 1900.

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Operational Dimensions and Military Capabilities for Power Projection

Aircraft carriers like the USS Nimitz are considered crucial for modern power projection because they function as mobile airbases, extending a nation's air power reach.

Answer: True

Explanation: Aircraft carriers are indeed vital platforms for modern power projection, serving as mobile airbases that significantly extend a nation's capacity to project air power globally.

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Military logistics, including airlift and sealift capabilities, are central to modern power projection.

Answer: True

Explanation: Military logistics, encompassing robust airlift and sealift capabilities, is indeed considered the cornerstone of modern power projection, enabling the deployment and sustainment of forces globally.

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Forward basing involves pre-positioning military units or arms stockpiles at overseas bases to reduce mobilization time and distance.

Answer: True

Explanation: Forward basing is a strategic method of power projection that involves pre-positioning military assets at overseas bases to significantly reduce response times and logistical distances for global deployments.

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Scholars disaggregate military power projection into two main categories: 'offensive' and 'defensive' military power.

Answer: False

Explanation: Scholars disaggregate military power projection into nine categories, broadly divided into 'soft' military power and 'hard' military power, not 'offensive' and 'defensive'.

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Securing sea lanes of communication (SLOCs) is considered a category of 'hard' military power projection.

Answer: False

Explanation: Securing sea lanes of communication (SLOCs) is classified as a category of 'soft' military power projection, which involves less direct force than 'hard' military power.

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'Showing the flag' is a hard power projection tactic that involves the offensive use of military assets to forcibly occupy territory.

Answer: False

Explanation: 'Showing the flag' is a symbolic deployment of military forces to demonstrate political interest or resolve, not the offensive use of military assets to forcibly occupy territory, which is defined as 'conquest'.

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What is considered to be at the heart of power projection, involving the integration of naval, air, and land forces?

Answer: Military logistics.

Explanation: Military logistics, encompassing the integration of naval, air, and land forces, is considered to be at the heart of effective power projection.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as a key power projection platform or unit?

Answer: Civilian cargo ships.

Explanation: Key power projection platforms include aircraft carrier strike groups, strategic bombers, ballistic missile submarines, and strategic airlifters, but not civilian cargo ships.

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What is the purpose of 'forward basing' as a method of power projection?

Answer: To pre-position military units or arms at overseas bases to reduce mobilization time and distance.

Explanation: Forward basing serves to pre-position military units or arms stockpiles at overseas bases, thereby reducing the time and distance required for mobilization and enabling quicker responses to global events.

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Which of the following is a category of 'soft' military power projection?

Answer: Humanitarian response.

Explanation: Humanitarian response is explicitly listed as one of the four categories of 'soft' military power projection, which involves less direct force.

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What is the purpose of 'establishing trust' as a soft power projection tactic?

Answer: To build cooperation among allies and partners, fostering a stable international environment.

Explanation: Establishing trust as a soft power projection tactic aims to foster cooperation among allies and partners, thereby contributing to a stable international environment and strengthening collective security.

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What is 'compulsion/deterrence' as a hard power projection tool?

Answer: Using the threat of military force to induce or dissuade a state from a particular policy.

Explanation: 'Compulsion/deterrence' is a hard power projection tool that involves using the threat of military force to influence a state's policy, either to induce or dissuade specific actions.

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Strategic Competition in the 'Gray Zone' and Nuclear Deterrence

The 'gray zone' in international relations has expanded due to competition in power projection capabilities and economic power among nations.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'gray zone' has indeed expanded due to intensified competition in power projection capabilities among militaries and the struggle for economic power among nations, leading to various forms of influence short of outright war.

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In 2022, the US, Russia, China, Britain, and France all affirmed their commitment to the first use of nuclear weapons in a conflict.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 2022, the US, Russia, China, Britain, and France all *renounced* the use of nuclear weapons, although NATO maintains some nuclear bombs in Europe in response to specific threats.

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The British Army is developing an 'Integrated Operating Concept' for 'gray zone' operations, which includes investing in robots and drones.

Answer: True

Explanation: The British Army is actively developing an 'Integrated Operating Concept' for 'gray zone' operations, which involves significant investment in advanced technologies like robots and drones.

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General Valery Gerasimov advocates for 'hybrid warfare,' which involves blending political, economic, and military power to exert pressure on adversaries.

Answer: True

Explanation: General Valery Gerasimov is a proponent of 'hybrid warfare,' a strategy that integrates political, economic, and military instruments to exert pressure on adversaries, as exemplified by Russia's actions in Crimea.

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Satellite images from June 2021 indicated that China was dismantling its existing missile silos to reduce its nuclear arsenal.

Answer: False

Explanation: Satellite images from June 2021 indicated that China was constructing an estimated 250 additional missile silos, signaling a significant expansion, not reduction, of its nuclear arsenal.

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The F-35A's certification to carry the B61 nuclear bomb in October 2023 enhances NATO's nuclear deterrence capabilities.

Answer: True

Explanation: The F-35A's certification to carry the B61 nuclear bomb indeed enhances NATO's nuclear deterrence capabilities by providing a modern, stealth platform for tactical nuclear weapon delivery.

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Russia is mapping undersea cables that carry communications traffic between the US and Europe, which is significant for 'gray zone' competition.

Answer: True

Explanation: Russia's mapping of undersea cables is strategically significant for 'gray zone' competition, as these cables are critical infrastructure and their mapping could precede efforts to disrupt communications.

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What has caused the expansion of the 'gray zone' in international relations?

Answer: Competition in power projection capabilities among armies and for economic power among nations.

Explanation: The expansion of the 'gray zone' in international relations is primarily attributed to intensified competition in power projection capabilities among militaries and the struggle for economic power among nations.

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What was the stance of the US, Russia, China, Britain, and France regarding the use of nuclear weapons in 2022?

Answer: They all renounced the use of nuclear weapons.

Explanation: In 2022, the US, Russia, China, Britain, and France all publicly renounced the use of nuclear weapons.

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What innovation is the British Army investing in for 'gray zone' operations?

Answer: Robots and drones, with 70 technologies funded by the Defence Innovation Fund.

Explanation: The British Army is investing in advanced technologies like robots and drones, with 70 technologies funded by the Defence Innovation Fund, as part of its 'Integrated Operating Concept' for 'gray zone' operations.

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What is the significance of the F-35A's certification to carry the B61 nuclear bomb on October 12, 2023?

Answer: It signified an enhancement in NATO's nuclear deterrence capabilities.

Explanation: The F-35A's certification to carry the B61 nuclear bomb enhances NATO's nuclear deterrence capabilities by providing a modern, stealth platform for tactical nuclear weapon delivery.

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What is the significance of Russia mapping undersea cables?

Answer: It is a precursor to disrupting communications, a key aspect of 'gray zone' competition.

Explanation: Russia's mapping of undersea cables is significant as it could be a precursor to disrupting critical communications infrastructure, a key tactic in 'gray zone' competition and hybrid warfare.

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Which of the following countries is NOT listed in the 'Power projection capabilities' table as possessing nuclear deterrence capabilities?

Answer: Japan

Explanation: According to the table, Japan is not listed as possessing nuclear deterrence capabilities, unlike Pakistan, France, and the United Kingdom.

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Regional Power Dynamics: Key Actors and Their Projection Strategies

The 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine highlighted Russia's robust logistical capabilities for large land grabs without reliance on railroads.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, on the contrary, highlighted Russia's significant logistical challenges, particularly its over-reliance on railroad-based logistics, which limited its operational reach for large land grabs without rail access.

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According to Secretary Mark Esper, China aims to become the dominant military power in Asia by 2035.

Answer: False

Explanation: According to Secretary Mark Esper, China's long-term military goal is to become the dominant military power in Asia by 2049, not 2035.

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China's completion of its 3rd generation BeiDou satellite network (BDS-3) provides it with an independent global navigation system, reducing reliance on foreign GPS.

Answer: True

Explanation: The completion of China's BeiDou satellite network provides it with an independent global navigation system, which is strategically vital for military operations and reduces reliance on foreign GPS.

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India possesses a blue-water navy, two active helicopter/aircraft carriers, and six overseas bases, deploying 6,430 troops abroad for peacekeeping.

Answer: True

Explanation: India's power projection capabilities include a blue-water navy, two active helicopter/aircraft carriers, six overseas bases, and the deployment of 6,430 troops for peacekeeping operations abroad.

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Japan is enhancing its defense capabilities by developing its own F-X fighter program and engaging in bilateral defense cooperation with India.

Answer: True

Explanation: Japan is actively enhancing its defense capabilities through initiatives such as developing its F-X fighter program and strengthening bilateral defense cooperation with India.

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Taiwan's 'Overall Defense Concept' is a symmetric approach focused on matching a larger adversary's military capabilities.

Answer: False

Explanation: Taiwan's 'Overall Defense Concept' is an *asymmetric* approach, focusing on leveraging unique advantages and unconventional methods to counter a larger adversary, rather than symmetrically matching their military capabilities.

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By April 2023, China was 'eating Russia's lunch' in the defense market by selling its own competitive defense products after reverse-engineering Russian materiel.

Answer: True

Explanation: By April 2023, China had indeed become a strong competitor in the defense market, selling its own reverse-engineered defense products to Russia's traditional customers, effectively 'eating Russia's lunch'.

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What logistical challenge did the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine highlight for Russia?

Answer: Its logistical capability being largely railroad-based, limiting its reach without railroads.

Explanation: The 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine exposed Russia's logistical over-reliance on railroads, which significantly limited its operational reach for large land grabs without rail access.

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According to Secretary Mark Esper, what is China's long-term military goal?

Answer: To become the dominant military power in Asia by 2049.

Explanation: Secretary Mark Esper stated that China's long-term military objective is to become the dominant military power in Asia by 2049.

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What is the significance of China's 3rd generation BeiDou satellite network (BDS-3)?

Answer: It provides China with its own global navigation satellite system, reducing reliance on foreign GPS.

Explanation: China's 3rd generation BeiDou satellite network provides it with an independent global navigation system, crucial for military operations and reducing reliance on foreign GPS.

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Which country listed in the 'Power projection capabilities' table has the highest number of active helicopter/aircraft carriers?

Answer: United States

Explanation: According to the provided table, the United States has the highest number of active helicopter/aircraft carriers, with 11.

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Which of the following countries listed in the table are classified as having a 'Blue-water navy'?

Answer: China, France, India, Russia, United Kingdom, United States

Explanation: China, France, India, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States are all classified as possessing a 'Blue-water navy,' indicating their global operational reach.

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How many troops does Russia deploy in operations abroad, according to the 'Power projection capabilities' table?

Answer: 48,500 troops

Explanation: According to the 'Power projection capabilities' table, Russia deploys 48,500 troops in operations abroad.

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What is the 'Overall Defense Concept' adopted by Taiwan?

Answer: An asymmetric approach leveraging unique advantages and unconventional methods.

Explanation: Taiwan's 'Overall Defense Concept' is an asymmetric strategy designed to leverage unique advantages and unconventional methods to counter a larger adversary, rather than attempting a symmetrical military match.

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What is China's 'System Destruction' warfighting strategy designed to target?

Answer: An adversary's sensor networks, datalinks, command and control (C2) architectures, and other critical nodes.

Explanation: China's 'System Destruction' warfighting strategy is designed to target an adversary's critical nodes, including sensor networks, datalinks, and command and control (C2) architectures.

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By April 2023, what was the status of China's defense market in relation to Russia's?

Answer: China was 'eating Russia's lunch' by selling its own competitive defense products after reverse-engineering Russian materiel.

Explanation: By April 2023, China had become a significant competitor in the defense market, selling its own reverse-engineered defense products to Russia's traditional customers.

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Future Trajectories and Economic Underpinnings of Global Power Projection

China controls 80% of the world's rare earth mineral production and uses this as economic leverage by flooding the market when other nations attempt to increase their own production.

Answer: True

Explanation: China indeed controls a vast majority of global rare earth mineral production and strategically uses this dominance as economic leverage, including by flooding the market to hinder competitors' efforts to increase their own production.

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The Texas National Security Review projects only two scenarios for the global economy: reglobalization and deglobalization.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Texas National Security Review projects five scenarios for the global economy, including reglobalization, deglobalization, globalization with Chinese characteristics, regional blocs, and a Western bloc, not just two.

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According to James Graham, military power primarily enables economic power to be built up.

Answer: False

Explanation: According to James Graham, it is *economic power* that primarily enables military power to be built up, suggesting a foundational relationship where economic strength precedes military capability.

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The US Army plans to decrease its production of 155mm howitzer munitions by 2028 due to reduced global demand.

Answer: False

Explanation: The US Army plans to *increase* its production of 155mm howitzer munitions six-fold by 2028, in response to heightened global demand, particularly from Ukraine.

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In March 2023, China and Russia agreed to conduct all future payments in US dollars to strengthen their economic ties.

Answer: False

Explanation: In March 2023, China and Russia agreed to conduct future payments in *local currencies*, such as Yuan or Rubles, to reduce their reliance on the US dollar, not to strengthen ties using it.

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Justin Bronk projects that the 'danger time' for the US facing both China and Russia simultaneously is three to five years from July 2023.

Answer: True

Explanation: Justin Bronk projects a 'danger time' of three to five years from July 2023 for the US potentially facing simultaneous challenges from both China and Russia.

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How does China leverage its control over rare earth minerals as a form of economic power projection?

Answer: By routinely flooding the market when other nations attempt to increase their own production.

Explanation: China leverages its control over rare earth minerals by routinely flooding the market when other nations attempt to increase their own production, thereby maintaining dominance and hindering competitors.

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What does the 'Revolution in Military Affairs' (RMA) refer to in the context of power projection?

Answer: The process where modern-day power projection employs high-tech communications and information technology to overcome command and control difficulties.

Explanation: The 'Revolution in Military Affairs' (RMA) describes the transformative process where modern power projection utilizes advanced communications and information technology to overcome command and control challenges over distance.

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According to James Graham, what primarily enables military power to be built up?

Answer: Economic power.

Explanation: James Graham asserts that economic power is the primary enabler for a state to build up its military power.

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What is the purpose of the US Army's Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) concept?

Answer: To create and exploit relative advantages to defeat enemy forces and achieve objectives using capabilities from all domains.

Explanation: The US Army's Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) concept aims to create and exploit relative advantages by employing capabilities from all domains to defeat enemy forces and achieve objectives across the spectrum of conflict.

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What was the projected increase in US 155mm howitzer munitions production by 2028?

Answer: A six-fold increase.

Explanation: The US Army projects a six-fold increase in its 155mm howitzer munitions production by 2028 to meet global demand.

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What key economic cooperation agreement was reached between China and Russia in March 2023?

Answer: A commitment to conduct payments in local currencies, such as Yuan or Rubles.

Explanation: In March 2023, China and Russia agreed to conduct payments in local currencies, such as Yuan or Rubles, to reduce their reliance on the US dollar in economic transactions.

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According to Justin Bronk, what is the 'danger time' for the US facing both China and Russia simultaneously?

Answer: Three to five years from July 2023.

Explanation: Justin Bronk projects the 'danger time' for the US facing both China and Russia simultaneously to be three to five years from July 2023.

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