Chapter 10 An Archival History of the Creation and Early Implementation of the Freedom of Navigation Program
In: Cooperation and Engagement in the Asia-Pacific Region
Author:
James Kraska
James Kraska
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Abstract
In recent years Freedom of Navigation (fon) operations have become a regular feature of US naval operations in the South China Sea, drawing attention to a once obscure national security initiative to ensure free and open uses of the seas. This contribution to the volume mines declassified US government correspondence and, in particular, a major National Security Council Study completed by the administration of President Carter, to explore the US rationale for creation of the fon program and assess its early implementation. The chapter helps form a clearer image of the creation of the fon program and how it was implemented in its first half-decade.