The Anaconda Plan: A 19th Century Strategy for the Asia-Pacific

The first Anaconda Plan dates back to 1861. The Union, seeking to surround, strangle, and suffocate the nascent Confederacy, instituted a massive naval blockade along the eastern seaboard and Gulf coast. At the same time, it attacked up and down the Mississippi River, ultimately severing the Confederate East from the Confederate West. The Confederacy's inability to export cotton and import basic goods led to domestic turmoil and diplomatic fallout. The second Anaconda Plan has not happened yet. However, it might be exactly what the United States needs to maintain superiority in the Asia-Pacific in this era of great power competition - particularly with respect to the People's Republic of China. Imagine a Civil War map superimposed onto East Asia. A de facto blockade stretches along China's eastern seaboard down to the South China Sea. A vertical effort in the west along the China Pakistan Economic Corridor cuts off key overland supply routes of the Belt and Road Initiative. The inability to export consumer goods and import oil leads to domestic turmoil and diplomatic fallout. The first Anaconda Plan ended in our favor. Are we ready for the sequel?