Journal Article

QUAD and SQUAD: From Lattice Alliances to an Asian NATO?

Castro, Renato Cruz De

2026

Overview

This article examines system‐ and unit‐level drivers that create a lattice work of Indo‐Pacific alliances and security partners. Consequently, these developments are leading to a multilateral security network that is comparable to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). It observes the emergence of an Asian‐style NATO in the Indo‐Pacific region, which is gradually replacing the Cold War‐era hub‐and‐spoke system of alliances. It argues that this type of security architecture has emerged as a result of Chinaʼs rise as a great power in the Indo‐Pacific region, with a focus on expansion in the South and East China Seas, as well as Washingtonʼs decision to engage Beijing in strategic competition. The following variables indicate the formation of this Asian‐style NATO: a changing US grand strategy vis‐à‐vis China, the creation of mini‐laterals, and US alliesʼ efforts to confront Chinaʼs expansion and aggression by strengthening their alliance with the US. In conclusion, the article argues that this Asian‐style NATO is still in its formative stages compared to the time‐tested, well‐established, and highly institutionalised Euro‐Atlantic NATO.

• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc
• Subject: alliance / Alliances / Cold War / Competition / Cooperation / hub‐and‐spoke system of alliance / Laterals / Leadership / mini laterals / National security / NATO‐type alliance system / QUAD / Regions / Security / SQUAD / Sullivan, Jake / Treaties / U.S.‐China strategic competition