Positions at a glance
Supporters
One prominent example is the United States-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, which has been in place since 1951. This BSA obligates both countries to support each other if either comes under attack, strengthening U.S. presence in Southeast Asia. Another example is the security agreement between the United States and Japan, which allows U.S. forces to be stationed in Japan and commits both countries to mutual defense.
Opponents
While both involve commitments to mutual defense, BSAs are agreements strictly between two countries, focusing on their bilateral relationship. In contrast, collective security arrangements involve multiple countries agreeing to defend each other against Aggression, such as NATO, where an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. BSAs tend to be more specific and tailored to the unique strategic interests of the two parties involved.
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The United States and Japan maintain a Bilateral Security Agreement that allows U.S. military presence in Japan and commits both nations to mutual defense obligations.
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