
US Must Learn Falklands War Lesson that Deterrence Matters
As the United States seek to avert war with China, it’s vital to remember the lessons of the Falklands War. The 1981 defense cuts by the Thatcher government, including retirement of the guard ship for the South Atlantic, HMS Endurance, convinced the Argentine junta that London were no longer committed to the Falklands and their defense. As deterring war is cheaper than fighting one, Washington must avoid sending Beijing the wrong signals that could lead to miscalculation that results in conflict.