October 28, 2020
Retooling U.S. Security Sector Assistance
One of America’s most important foreign policy tools is not fit for purpose. U.S. security sector assistance — the means by which the United States strengthens alliances and partners — is stuck in the past. Crucially, it is out of sync with U.S. priorities when it comes to where resources are needed most and the types of capabilities required by America’s allied and partners.
One of America’s most important foreign policy tools is not fit for purpose.
Despite widespread agreement on the need to prioritize strategic competition with Russia and China, the United States still directs a disproportionate amount of assistance toward the Middle East. An emphasis on counter-terrorism since 9/11 has also contributed to an emphasis on building the wrong capabilities. The United States is not equipping allies and partners with the capabilities they need to deal with competitors who are adopting increasingly sophisticated strategies in the areas of cyber security, strategic communications, and illicit commercial activity. Moreover, the mechanisms needed to integrate security sector competition with other instruments of national power, including diplomacy, military operations, strategic communications, and other foreign assistance, are underdeveloped at best. These shortcomings hinder U.S. allies and partners, in turn leaving them vulnerable to Chinese and Russian influence.
Read the full article in War on the Rocks.
More from CNAS
-
Sources: 80% of Interceptors for Key Missile Defense System Depleted
Video
“This is a generational gap that cannot be overcome in a short amount of time, and that has major implications for U.S. military power and security around the globe.” Becca Wa...
By Becca Wasser
-
Expert Discusses Dwindling U.S. Munitions Reserve and the Effect on the Iran War
Podcast
NPR's Michel Martin speaks with Center for a New American Security Senior Fellow and Program Director Stacie Pettyjohn about the shortage of U.S. long-range precision missiles...
By Stacie Pettyjohn
-
Europe’s Dangerous Hesitation on Its Own Air Defense
Commentary
A NATO that credibly signals that it will not only attempt to defend against incoming missiles but also shoot the archer would strengthen deterrence, preventing war in the fir...
By Franz-Stefan Gady
-
The Ambiguity Spiral in Iran
Commentary
But on the whole, the best way for the United States to settle the war with Iran is to be clearer about its objectives....
By Erik Lin-Greenberg
