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Ep 146: Eric Edelman and Thomas Mahnken on America’s Defense Strategy Crisis

School of War

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Invest in Defense for a Secure Future

Historical defense spending has fluctuated significantly, with averages around 4.9% of GDP during the Cold War, peaking at 16% during the Korean War, and stabilizing around 3% recently. This trend underscores the urgent need for increased investment in the defense sector. A strategic ramp-up in funding over several fiscal years is essential to bolster the Department of Defense's capabilities and ensure it can effectively manage a surge in resources. Acknowledging the current global landscape and threats leads to a bipartisan recognition of the necessity for enhanced defense expenditures, as alternatives fail to address present challenges.

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