35: Are We Capable of Rebuilding the Pax Americana? (feat. Arthur Herman)
Jul 17, 2024
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Arthur Herman, Hudson Senior Fellow, discusses rebuilding the Pax Americana by balancing commitments with resources and learning from WWII-era strategies. Topics include collaboration with allies in building weapons systems, the evolution of the US defense industry, navigating multiple theater conflicts, and addressing the US-China tech rivalry.
Balancing commitments with resources crucial for sustainable national defense.
Leveraging advanced technologies to enhance economic resilience and national security.
Deep dives
The Decline of Pax Americana
The episode delves into the decline of Pax Americana, highlighting the shift in US foreign and defense policy dynamics. It emphasizes the challenges faced in aligning commitments with available means for national defense amidst escalating conflicts. The discussion touches on the evolving global landscape, with growing threats from Russia, China, and Iran, signaling the need for a new strategic direction and stable order to navigate current complexities.
Military Readiness and Economic Strength
The podcast outlines the diminishing strength of the US military in meeting global defense commitments and the waning economic power crucial for sustaining military capabilities. It contrasts the historical robustness of the American economy and defense industrial base post-World War II with the current challenges and stresses on military preparedness. The conversation underscores the critical need to address the gap between commitments and resources to ensure a balanced and effective national security strategy.
Strategic Policy Pathways for the Future
Arthur Herman discusses four potential pathways for future US foreign, economic, and defense policies in response to the changing geopolitical landscape. These pathways range from acknowledging a post-American world to bolstering military readiness against rising threats like China and advocating for a 'fortress America' approach. The episode advocates for leveraging democratic allies and advanced technologies to rebuild the economy and strengthen national security.
Harnessing Advanced Technologies for National Security
The conversation delves into the role of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and additive manufacturing in reshaping national security and economic competitiveness. It emphasizes the importance of strategic policy decisions and incentivization to harness these technologies effectively. The dialogue highlights the potential benefits of reorienting the economy around tech-driven manufacturing and energy sectors to enhance innovation, security, and economic resilience.
Has the Pax-Americana truly fallen? Can America's sole dominance over global influence be restored? What can we learn from the WWII-era that we can apply to today's multi-front and multi-faceted threats? Hudson Senior Fellow Arthur Herman rejoins the show to illustrate why desire for global power and influence requires an industrial base to do so and a balancing of means to commitments.