Ep 146: Eric Edelman and Thomas Mahnken on America’s Defense Strategy Crisis
Sep 24, 2024
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Eric Edelman and Thomas Mahnken, defense strategy experts from the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, discuss crucial insights on America’s military posture. They delve into the evolution of the National Defense Strategy and its implications amid global tensions with China and Russia. The conversation highlights the need for a 'multiple theater force construct' to address diverse threats and argues for increased defense spending to meet modern challenges. Their analysis reveals a pressing call for adaptability in U.S. military capabilities.
The U.S. military strategy faces critical insufficiencies in power projection capabilities, necessitating a robust shift to counter escalating global threats.
A transition to a multiple-theater force construct is essential for the U.S. to effectively deter simultaneous aggression from multiple adversaries.
Deep dives
Challenges of National Defense Strategy
The ongoing global tensions highlight a critical failure in the United States' military strategy, which lacks the necessary power projection capabilities. Despite multiple strategies and significant budgets, the U.S. has not effectively adapted its military to respond to emerging threats, resulting in a sense of instability both domestically and abroad. The historical precedent of ignoring international conflicts serves as a cautionary tale, advocating against a withdrawal approach that may inadvertently lead to greater conflicts, as was the case in the 20th century. Experts suggest a need for a dramatic shift toward a robust national defense strategy to address these escalating global threats.
Understanding the National Defense Strategy
The National Defense Strategy (NDS) is a critical component of U.S. policymaking, as it outlines military priorities within the broader national security strategy set by the president. Originally established to provide a competitive perspective for Congress, the NDS has evolved to include independent evaluations by bipartisan commissions. The most recent iterations highlight the continuity in recognizing competition with adversaries like China and Russia, with an increasing focus on the changing global landscape influenced by recent conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine. This evolving strategic framework raises questions about resource allocation and the military's readiness to address contemporary threats.
The Need for a Multiple-Theater Force Construct
A key recommendation from defense experts is the development of a multiple-theater force construct, moving away from strategies focused on fighting only one major conflict at a time. Current military strategies that limit forces to one theater create high-risk scenarios where other regions may be left vulnerable during a conflict. The assertion is that the U.S. must structure its military to deter multiple adversaries simultaneously, recognizing the interconnected nature of global conflicts, such as the proliferation of threats from an alliance of authoritarian regimes. A robust and flexible military force will ensure the U.S. can respond effectively to aggression across different theaters.
Investing in National Defense Resources
Amidst discussions regarding U.S. military readiness, there is a consensus among experts that substantial investment in defense resources is necessary to address modern global threats. Current funding levels, which are hovering around 3% of GDP, fall significantly short compared to historical averages, particularly during the Cold War when spending averaged closer to 5%. Proposals for increasing military expenditure underscore the need for enhanced defense industry capabilities and readiness to protect U.S. interests both domestically and internationally. Implementing these strategies requires political commitment and fiscal reforms to ensure that national defense receives the prioritization necessary to meet evolving challenges effectively.
Eric Edelman and Thomas Mahnken of the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments join the show to talk about what our defense establishment has gotten right, and wrong, in planning for the next war.