Second Fronts in Great-Power Conflicts

Published August 18, 2022

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has led NATO to increase its resources along the Russian border. This strategy of presenting Russia with a possible second front dilutes its strength by forcing it to commit more assets outside of Ukraine. Second fronts are a common military strategy to deter or defeat adversaries by dissipating an enemy’s strength.

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you think second fronts are an escalation or deterrent for war?
2. How do you think China or Russia would respond to America creating second fronts?

Additional Resources:

• Read “Opening Up Second Fronts in Great Power Conflict,” by Russell Berman and Misha Auslin via National Interest. Available here.
• Read “Passivity Is the Enemy of Security,” by Richard Epstein. Available here.
• Read “Unpacking Putin’s War in Ukraine,” a Policy Insights edition on PolicyEd. Available here.