John Gans, former Pentagon speechwriter and author of "White House Warriors," dives into the unsettling state of America's national security bureaucracy. He discusses the overwhelming pressures faced by NSC staff and the influence of presidential time constraints on decision-making. Gans highlights how the NSC often excels at identifying problems but struggles with effective solutions. Intriguingly, he connects Shakespeare to improved policymaking and examines how modern tech tools have transformed strategic discussions in ways we might not expect.
The National Security Council (NSC) has undergone different models over the years, with presidents favoring structured or freelancing approaches.
Foreign policy may not receive the same level of attention as domestic issues for presidents, affecting their engagement with the NSC.
International counterparts may replicate certain aspects of the US NSC, but size, structure, and trust-building make it unique.
The NSC faces challenges as it aims to coordinate input and decision-making, necessitating adaptation for improved structures and processes.
Deep dives
The Evolution of the National Security Council
The National Security Council (NSC) has undergone various changes and models over the years. It was founded by individuals who had served in the military during World War II and wanted to improve national security coordination. Different presidents have favored different approaches, from a more structured, regular order model to a maverick, freelancing model. The NSC has evolved based on the preferences and leadership styles of each administration. However, there hasn't been a third way or alternative model that significantly deviates from these two main approaches. The US model has been exported to other countries, but with modifications unique to their systems. Despite its flaws, the structure of the NSC remains largely intact due to its perceived importance and trust-building function in bringing diverse perspectives together.
Challenges and Incentives for Presidents and Politicians
The role of foreign policy and the NSC in the overall responsibilities of a president face unique challenges and incentives. Foreign policy is a small portion of a president's time and may not carry as much weight as other domestic issues for political survival or re-election. The incentive to dedicate substantial time and attention to foreign policy can be limited unless avoiding disasters or fulfilling campaign promises is at stake. Additionally, politicians may not have a natural proclivity towards strategic thinking. Instead, their focus is often tactical, driven by the need to navigate the political landscape and obtain enough votes. Meeting participation and engagement may vary among presidents, and their level of interest in foreign policy can evolve throughout their terms based on their priorities and the circumstances they face.
International Perspective and Potential Models
Other countries have expressed interest in establishing their own versions of the National Security Council or similar structures. However, most tend to have different systems and priorities. While certain aspects of the US model may be replicated, such as having a dedicated staff that assists the executive, other countries may lack the size or the need for a large-scale staff like the NSC due to their parliamentary nature or different national security challenges. Some countries have alternative models, like small inner circles of decision-making or a reliance on military and diplomatic channels. The US NSC's unique combination of size, structure, and trust-building function sets it apart from many international counterparts.
The Challenges and Potential of the National Security Council
The National Security Council, with its regular order and decision-making processes, has become a foundational institution in the US national security apparatus. However, it also faces critiques and challenges. The NSC's common law approach, which aims to coordinate input and decision-making from various branches of the government, can sometimes lead to inefficiencies or breakdowns in trust. The ever-evolving nature of politics, leadership styles, and external global challenges present ongoing challenges for the NSC. While there may not be a perfect alternative model, the NSC can adapt and strive for improved structures, transparency, and decision-making processes to meet the ever-changing demands of the country's national security.
The role of the NSC in decision-making
The podcast episode discusses the role of the National Security Council (NSC) in decision-making. It highlights the complexities and challenges faced by the NSC in prioritizing and addressing various issues. The conversation emphasizes the importance of focusing on the right size issues and finding a balance between domestic and foreign policy concerns. It also touches upon the concept of a grand strategy and the need for the president to focus on broader goals rather than getting involved in specific details.
The impact of technology on the NSC
The podcast explores how technology has evolved and influenced the work of the NSC over the years. From the use of telegraph wires during Roosevelt's presidency to the introduction of email and video teleconferencing, technology has shaped how the NSC operates. The recording and tracking of conversations and messages have impacted decision-making processes and empowered the staff in new ways. However, there are also challenges related to the overwhelming amount of information and the need to sift through and prioritize effectively.
Reflections on past administrations
The podcast reflects on past administrations, particularly the Nixon and Kissinger era. It delves into the complex dynamics and decision-making strategies between these two individuals. It also discusses the tendency for presidents and their staff to gravitate towards issues they feel comfortable with or understand, rather than focusing on nuanced matters. The importance of strategic thinking and the need to avoid decision-making by committee is highlighted, as well as the ongoing debate about the influence of individuals in powerful positions.
Is the national security bureaucracy in America unwell?
To discuss, I have on today John Gans, a former Pentagon speechwriter, who’s had many, many other jobs in Washington. He is also the author of the fantastic “White House Warriors,” a history of the National Security Council.
We get into:
Why the organizational design of the NSC leads to such crushing burdens for midlevel and senior staffers
The kinds of high-flyers that are drawn to the national security complex and what keeps them there
How POTUS’s time constraints impact decision-making
Why NSC’s historically are excellent at spotting problems but often overeager when crafting solutions
The NSC’s role in America’s “forever wars.”
Roosevelt, Kennedy, Nixon, and Trump’s “maverick model” of running the NSC compared to the Eisenhower vision of “regular order”
How seemingly prosaic technological innovations like track changes and video conferencing have dramatically changed national security policymaking
How reading Shakespeare can improve the quality of our policy-making
