Globalization and Military Strategy
Globalization and U.S. National Military Strategy
The U.S. National Military Strategy needs to recognize and respond to the evolving nature of the world we live in. America faces a rapidly changing world where shifts in the political and economic landscape are reshaping the global balance of power. New advances in technology and the availability of information are leveling the playing field. In order to continue to ensure U.S. national security, we need to reevaluate the threats to our national interests and update and refocus the role of our armed forces in meeting those threats. The likelihood is dwindling of another large scale war between superpowers, ala World War I or II. The promise of mutually assured destruction, increased media transparency, and interconnected economic dependencies make a conflict between two or more large military forces improbable. Our focus regarding nation states has instead turned to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction among unstable or belligerent countries like Iran and North Korea. These situations help reinforce the need for a mission of deterrence, requiring the maintenance of a significant conventional and nuclear capability.1 Counterterrorism will continue to be a threat to our national security for years to come. Our most likely physical conflicts will stem from this mission, engaging our military against armed forces such as terrorists and insurgents in regions like the Middle East. Shock and awe campaigns appear to work initially against established forces but smaller groups of entrenched combatants require deployment of Special Forces. 2 As technologies advance, specifically in transportation and communication, the world becomes a smaller place. Everyone is reachable in a shorter amount of time than ever before; whether sending a message, transferring money, transporting material goods, or physically travelling. Armed groups have taken advantage of these advancements just as much as any
The U.S. National Military Strategy needs to recognize and respond to the evolving nature of the world we live in. America faces a rapidly changing world where shifts in the political and economic landscape are reshaping the global balance of power. New advances in technology and the availability of information are leveling the playing field. In order to continue to ensure U.S. national security, we need to reevaluate the threats to our national interests and update and refocus the role of our armed forces in meeting those threats. The likelihood is dwindling of another large scale war between superpowers, ala World War I or II. The promise of mutually assured destruction, increased media transparency, and interconnected economic dependencies make a conflict between two or more large military forces improbable. Our focus regarding nation states has instead turned to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction among unstable or belligerent countries like Iran and North Korea. These situations help reinforce the need for a mission of deterrence, requiring the maintenance of a significant conventional and nuclear capability.1 Counterterrorism will continue to be a threat to our national security for years to come. Our most likely physical conflicts will stem from this mission, engaging our military against armed forces such as terrorists and insurgents in regions like the Middle East. Shock and awe campaigns appear to work initially against established forces but smaller groups of entrenched combatants require deployment of Special Forces. 2 As technologies advance, specifically in transportation and communication, the world becomes a smaller place. Everyone is reachable in a shorter amount of time than ever before; whether sending a message, transferring money, transporting material goods, or physically travelling. Armed groups have taken advantage of these advancements just as much as any