ChinaTalk Michèle Flournoy on "Affecting the Strategic Calculus"
Mar 24, 2021
Michèle Flournoy, a prominent former Undersecretary of Defense for Policy and co-founder of CNAS, joins Eric Lofgren to delve into critical military strategies. They explore China's strategies in systems destruction warfare and the pressing need for the U.S. to modernize its defense investments by potentially divesting from legacy weapon systems. The conversation highlights the importance of AI and ML in reshaping military decision-making and advocates for a comprehensive 'Manhattan Project' approach to technology in defense, addressing the competitive landscape with China.
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Understanding China's Calculus
- Understanding China's strategic calculus is crucial, including their values and fears.
- The US needs diverse perspectives to avoid miscalculations, learning from Cold War experiences like the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Nuclear Policy and Strategic Stability
- Nuclear weapons must be strategically minimized while deterring their use by rising powers.
- Broadening strategic stability discussions beyond nuclear weapons to include cyber and space is essential.
Legacy Systems and Future Investments
- DOD must evaluate trade-offs between existing programs and emerging technologies, not complete divestment.
- Prioritize integrating new capabilities like AI and cybersecurity into the current force for future deterrence.