Podcast Premiere | Arsenal of Democracy: America Is Not in Decline, but It Needs Help (feat. Walter Russell Mead)
Aug 17, 2023
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American foreign policy expert Walter Russell Mead joins host Marshall Kosloff to discuss key developments in US foreign and domestic policy. They explore the concept of the 'Arsenal of Democracy' and argue against the idea of American decline. They also examine the supply chain crisis, the importance of a diversified manufacturing supply chain, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Additionally, they discuss the nature of modern warfare and concerns about production capacity in the United States.
Investing in maintaining a sufficient industrial base for defense capabilities is crucial for American foreign policy.
Effective deterrence through strategic communication and diplomacy is necessary to prevent conflicts with Russia and China.
Recognizing the importance of other countries' interests and understanding the new world order is vital for maintaining US influence and countering exploitation by China and Russia.
Deep dives
The Importance of a Strong Industrial Base for Defense
The failure to invest in maintaining a sufficient industrial base for defense capabilities has been a generational failure in American foreign policy. Both parties have neglected this aspect, leading to a lack of resources to securely meet contingencies. Rapid steps are needed to improve this situation and work with allies to leverage unused capabilities. Additionally, domestic reforms are necessary, including streamlining permits and regulations to build up industry more efficiently.
Strategic Communication and Deterrence
Strategic communication and deterrence are crucial in avoiding conflicts. The Biden administration's messaging towards Russia in the lead-up to the war in Ukraine was poor, conveying a lack of deterrence and incitement instead. Lessons must be learned from this failure to deter Russia and establish clear signals. Effective deterrence and diplomacy are necessary to prevent war with China, ensuring a strong defense to dissuade attack while seeking diplomatic resolutions.
Recognizing the Realities of Global Politics
The foreign policy establishment needs to understand that other countries make decisions based on their own interests, rather than just admiring America's ideals. The American system of opportunity and economic growth has been a draw for other nations, but recent actions such as vaccine hoarding and self-interest have damaged perceptions. It is vital to recognize how countries like China and Russia exploit situations by offering better deals and support, undermining US influence. A strategic understanding of the new world order is needed.
Balancing Priorities: Ukraine and Taiwan
While the Indo-Pacific region is of utmost importance, immediate attention and support for Ukraine's war with Russia is necessary. Standing by Ukraine sends a message to China regarding their potential actions against Taiwan. However, the overlap between supporting Ukraine and Taiwan is not extensive, with each situation requiring different resources and strategies. Deterrence and willpower are significant factors in defending Taiwan, while maintaining unity and demonstrating resolve with Ukraine helps deter further aggression.
Integrating Domestic and Foreign Policy
A successful American foreign policy is rooted in a strong domestic policy. Understanding the United States and its interests is crucial for effective representation abroad. Simultaneously, foreign policy leaders must understand the international environment and its impact on domestic issues. The overlap between these two areas of policy is vital to make informed decisions and effectively advance national interests in the international arena.
With our first episode, host Marshall Kosloff is joined by Walter Russell Mead to review what an American "Arsenal of Democracy" really means and what it looks like. Walter and Marshall survey world affairs, from the War in Ukraine to the China challenge, to prescribe what American leadership can do for a shifting world order with increasingly influential great power rivals. Walter and Marshall then return to the home front, and discuss what it would take domestically to build an Arsenal of Democracy for the 21st century.
Give Arsenal of Democracy a Five-Star rating on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/arsenal-of-democracy/id1701812241
Subscribe to the show wherever you listen to your podcasts: https://www.hudson.org/introducing-arsenal-democracy
Watch the show on Hudson's YouTube: youtube.com/@hudsoninstitute
Learn more at: Hudson.org
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