Unity at home, the foundation of Guam’s security

Frontline Pacific By Chirag M. Bhojwani

 In the Indo-Pacific, Guam is more than just a U.S. territory. It is the center of a Pacific strategy for peace. Our island sits at the crossroads of Asia and America, uniquely positioned to advance partnerships, strengthen deterrence, and protect the democratic values that underpin regional stability.

In an era of shared threats from military coercion, cyber operations and economic pressure, Guam’s resilience and strategic location make it the lynchpin of a networked Pacific where collaboration and credible deterrence secure peace without fighting.

Guam’s security and well-being are not just regional concerns. Although Guam has no voting representation in Congress, the Department of Defense—renamed the “Department of War”—has a vested interest in the island as a forward deployed asset for Indo-Pacific security.

The DoD should advocate for Guam on issues of mutual interest, from healthcare access and infrastructure resilience to waivers such as the H-1B visa fee imposed during the Trump administration, which directly affect the island’s workforce and strategic readiness. Coordination between the legislature, executive branch and federal partners ensures that Guam’s needs are raised alongside strategic priorities.

While it is imperative to improve relationships with the United States and our regional partners, the most critical work must begin at home. If Guam’s own executive and legislative branches cannot present a unified message, it becomes difficult for the U.S. government to prioritize and support the island effectively.

Internal coordination, clear communication and aligned strategy within our local government are prerequisites for leveraging external partnerships and securing resources. Without unity at home, even the strongest regional and federal relationships cannot fully protect or advance Guam’s interests.

Regional partnerships are equally critical. Taiwan, the Philippines, Japan and South Korea are integral to a secure Pacific. Strengthening dialogue, joint planning and intelligence-sharing with these partners enhances deterrence and creates a framework where threats can be addressed collectively. Partnerships allow us to project strength without confrontation, demonstrating that unity and coordination are the most effective tools for preserving peace.

To build a stronger regional and domestic front, Guam must leverage these partnerships while ensuring seamless coordination with the federal government. Aligning executive, legislative and defense priorities on issues from disaster response to cybersecurity maximizes resilience. Proactive planning ensures that Guam remains operational, secure and ready to respond in any contingency while signaling to adversaries that the region is prepared and united.

Partnerships and deterrence are how we secure the Pacific without conflict. By institutionalizing relationships, coordinating strategy across the U.S. government and regional partners and highlighting Guam’s central role, we create a network of influence and readiness that discourages aggression before it begins.

Guam is not just a frontline island. It is the center of a Pacific strategy for peace and the key to stability, security and prosperity across the region. In a time of shared threats, strong partnerships and credible deterrence are the tools that will keep our people and our Pacific home safe.

Chirag M. Bhojwani is the director of the Regional Center for Public Policy at the University of Guam. He is a fellow at Mosaic Taiwan and an alumnus of the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs Executive Leadership Development Program. Send feedback to strategy@bluecontinent.solutions 

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