{"id":5455,"date":"2022-11-03T13:43:17","date_gmt":"2022-11-03T08:13:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/55nda.com\/blogs\/anil-khosla\/?p=5455"},"modified":"2025-01-04T13:59:17","modified_gmt":"2025-01-04T08:29:17","slug":"analysis-part-1-usa-national-security-document","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/55nda.com\/blogs\/anil-khosla\/2022\/11\/03\/analysis-part-1-usa-national-security-document\/","title":{"rendered":"307: ANALYSIS (PART 1): USA NATIONAL SECURITY DOCUMENT"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/span><\/h1>\n

Last month, the USA published its National Security Document.<\/span><\/h1>\n

The structure of the document provides insight into the US thought process and priorities.<\/span><\/h1>\n

Contents<\/u><\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

PART I: THE COMPETITION FOR WHAT COMES NEXT<\/u><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Enduring Vision<\/span><\/p>\n

Enduring Role<\/span><\/p>\n

The Nature of the Competition between Democracies and Autocracies<\/span><\/p>\n

Cooperating to Address Shared Challenges in an Era of Competition<\/span><\/p>\n

Overview Strategic Approach<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PART II: INVESTING IN STRENGTH<\/u><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Investing in National Power to Maintain a Competitive Edge<\/span><\/p>\n

Implementing a Modern Industrial and Innovation Strategy<\/span><\/p>\n

Investing In People<\/span><\/p>\n

Strengthening Democracy<\/span><\/p>\n

Using Diplomacy to Build the Strongest Possible Coalitions<\/span><\/p>\n

Transformative Cooperation<\/span><\/p>\n

An Inclusive World<\/span><\/p>\n

A Prosperous World<\/span><\/p>\n

Modernizing and Strengthening Military<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PART III: GLOBAL PRIORITIES<\/u><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Out-Competing China and Constraining Russia<\/span><\/p>\n

China<\/span><\/p>\n

Russia.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cooperating on Shared Challenges<\/span><\/p>\n

Climate and Energy Security<\/span><\/p>\n

Pandemics and Biodefense<\/span><\/p>\n

Food Insecurity<\/span><\/p>\n

Arms Control and Non-Proliferation<\/span><\/p>\n

Terrorism<\/span><\/p>\n

Shaping the Rules of the Road<\/span><\/p>\n

Technology<\/span><\/p>\n

Securing Cyberspace<\/span><\/p>\n

Trade and Economics<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PART IV: STRATEGY BY REGION<\/u><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Promote a Free and Open Indo-Pacific<\/span><\/p>\n

Deepen Our Alliance with Europe<\/span><\/p>\n

Foster Democracy and Shared Prosperity in the Western Hemisphere<\/span><\/p>\n

Support De-Escalation and Integration in the Middle East<\/span><\/p>\n

Build 21st Century U.S.-Africa Partnerships<\/span><\/p>\n

Maintain a Peaceful Arctic<\/span><\/p>\n

Protect Sea, Air, and Space<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PART I: THE COMPETITION FOR WHAT COMES NEXT<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe world is changing. We\u2019re at a significant inflection point in world history. And our country and the world\u2014the United States of America has always been able to chart the future in times of great change. We\u2019ve been able to constantly renew ourselves. And time and again, we\u2019ve proven there\u2019s not a single thing we cannot do as a nation when we do it together\u2014and I mean that\u2014not a single solitary thing.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/span>-President Joseph Biden, Jr<\/span><\/p>\n

Enduring Vision<\/u><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

<\/p>\n

Excerpt.<\/u> We are now in the early years of a decisive decade for America and the world. The actions we take now will shape whether this period is known as an age of conflict and discord or the beginning of a more stable and prosperous future.<\/span><\/p>\n

Comments.<\/u> At the moment it looks like it will be known as the age of conflict and discord. The question that arises is who is responsible for it?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Excerpt.<\/u> The strategic challenge is that the post-Cold War era is definitively over and competition is underway between the major powers to shape what comes next. No nation is better positioned to succeed in this competition than the United States.<\/span><\/p>\n

Comments.<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

If the cold war or the post-cold war era is over then why is NATO trying to expand?<\/span><\/p>\n

Why does it have to be competition why not competitive cooperation?<\/span><\/p>\n

The statement conveys a perceived sense of threat to US supremacy in the world.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Excerpt.<\/u> We work in common cause with those who share our vision of a world that is free, open, secure, and prosperous. This means that the foundational principles of self-determination, territorial integrity, and political independence must be respected, international institutions must be strengthened, countries must be free to determine their own foreign policy choices, information must be allowed to flow freely, universal human rights must be upheld, and the global economy must operate on a level playing field and provide opportunity for all.<\/span><\/p>\n

Comments.<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

Seems like a list of reasons for providing legitimacy to their actions.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSharing of vision\u201d seems more like \u201cTowing the line\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is the US walking the talk? It seems more like \u201cDo as I say\u201d rather than \u201cDo as I do\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Excerpt.<\/u> People all over the world are struggling to cope with the effects of shared challenges that cross borders\u2014whether it is climate change, food insecurity, communicable diseases, terrorism, energy shortages, or inflation. These shared challenges are not marginal issues that are secondary to geopolitics. They are at the very core of national and international security and must be treated as such. By their very nature, these challenges require governments to cooperate if they are to solve them. But we must be clear-eyed that we will have to tackle these challenges within a competitive international environment where heightening geopolitical competition, nationalism, and populism render this cooperation even more difficult and will require us to think and act in new ways.<\/span><\/p>\n

Comments.<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

All the challenges are man-made. Earth produces enough resources for man\u2019s NEEDS but it is man\u2019s GREED that is the problem.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Excerpt.<\/u> Our strategy is rooted in our national interests: to protect the security of the American people; to expand economic prosperity and opportunity, and to realize and defend the democratic values at the heart of the American way of life. We can do none of this alone and we do not have to. Most nations around the world define their interests in ways that are compatible with ours. We will build the strongest and broadest possible coalition of nations that seek to cooperate while competing with those powers that offer a darker vision and thwarting their efforts to threaten our interests.<\/span><\/p>\n

We are experienced in using and applying our power in combination with our allies and partners who add significantly to our strengths.<\/span><\/p>\n

Comments.<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

Me first, then the rest, and the rest should align with my ways.<\/span><\/p>\n

The coalition approach seems to be \u201ccollective dealing with my Problems\u201d, whereas, your problems are your own.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Enduring Role<\/u><\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

Excerpt.<\/u> The need for a strong and purposeful American role in the world has never been greater.<\/span><\/p>\n

Comments.<\/u> Self-appointed role.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Excerpt.<\/u> The basic laws and principles governing relations among nations, including the United Nations Charter and the protection it affords all states from being invaded by their neighbours or having their borders redrawn by force, are under attack.<\/span><\/p>\n

Comments.<\/u> Who is choking multilateralism? Why is the principle of equality not applied to the members of multilateral organisations and bodies?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Excerpt.<\/u> Although the international environment has become more contested, the United States remains the world\u2019s leading power. Our economy, our population, our innovation, and our military power continue to grow, often outpacing those of other large countries. Our inherent national strengths\u2014the ingenuity, creativity, resilience, and determination of the American people; our values, diversity, and democratic institutions; our technological leadership and economic dynamism; and our diplomatic corps, development professionals, intelligence community, and military\u2014remain unparalleled.<\/span><\/p>\n

Comments.<\/u> The listed strengths are also part of the list of strengths of other growing powers. There seems to be an undertone of an emerging threat to US supremacy.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Nature of the Competition between Democracies and Autocracies<\/u><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Excerpt.<\/u> The risk of conflict between major powers is increasing. Democracies and autocracies are engaged in a contest to show which system of governance can best deliver for their people and the world.<\/span><\/p>\n

The idea that we should compete with major autocratic powers to shape the international order enjoys broad support that is bipartisan at home and deepening abroad.<\/span><\/p>\n

Heightened competition between democracies and autocracies is just one of two critical trends we face.<\/span><\/p>\n

Comments.<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

Democracy is one of the ways of governance. Why should it be forced upon others?<\/span><\/p>\n

The way of governance is not a one fit all solution. We need to accept every country\u2019s chosen way of governance.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Excerpt.<\/u> The most pressing strategic challenge facing our vision is from powers that layer authoritarian governance with a revisionist foreign policy. It is their behaviour that poses a challenge to international peace and stability\u2014especially waging or preparing for wars of aggression, actively undermining the democratic political processes of other countries, leveraging technology and supply chains for coercion and repression, and exporting an illiberal model of international order.<\/span><\/p>\n

Comments.<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

The way of governance should not be linked with foreign policy and behaviour.<\/span><\/p>\n

The unscrupulous behaviour listed above, stepping on others\u2019 toes should be denounced and tackled.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cooperating to Address Shared Challenges in an Era of Competition<\/u><\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Excerpts.<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

Shared challenges, or what some call transnational challenges, do not respect borders and affect all nations. Transnational challenges can hit with the destructive force of major wars.<\/span><\/p>\n

Of all of the shared problems we face, climate change is the greatest and potentially existential for all nations. Climate effects and humanitarian emergencies will only worsen in the years ahead, including more powerful wildfires, hurricanes, \u00a0floods, rising sea levels, water scarcity, and drought.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tensions will further intensify as countries compete for resources and energy advantage\u2014increasing humanitarian need, food insecurity, and health threats, as well as the potential for instability, conflict, and mass migration.<\/span><\/p>\n

Comments.<\/u> Are we serious about these issues or just giving lip service to them?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Overview of Strategic Approach<\/u><\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

Excerpt.<\/u> Our goal is clear\u2014we want a free, open, prosperous, and secure international order. We seek an order that is free in that it allows people to enjoy their basic, universal rights and freedoms. It is open in that it provides all nations that sign up to these principles and opportunity to participate in, and have a role in shaping, the rules. It is prosperous in that it empowers all nations to continually raise the standard of living for their citizens. And secure, in that it is free from aggression, coercion, and intimidation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Comments.<\/u> The goal is honourable and shared and supported by many nations. Strengthening of multilateral bodies while following the principle of equality should be the way forward to achieve it with collective decision-making.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Excerpt.<\/u> Achieving this goal requires three lines of effort. We will: 1) invest in the underlying sources and tools of American power and influence; 2) build the strongest possible coalition of nations to enhance our collective influence to shape the global strategic environment and to solve shared challenges; and 3) modernize and strengthen our military so it is equipped for the era of strategic competition with major powers while maintaining the capability to disrupt the terrorist threat to the homeland.<\/span><\/p>\n

Comments.<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

This approach is relevant in the Indian contest as well. Simply put it would entail: Whole of government approach, an open mind to collective security, and increasing the deterrence value by strengthening the military.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Excerpt.<\/u> We must complement the innovative power of the private sector with a modern industrial strategy that makes strategic public investments in America\u2019s workforce, and in strategic sectors and supply chains, especially critical and emerging technologies, such as microelectronics, advanced computing, biotechnologies, clean energy technologies, and advanced telecommunications.<\/span><\/p>\n

Comments.<\/u> Very relevant in the Indian context as well. The Chinese model of Military-Civil fusion is worth studying and adapting.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Excerpt.<\/u> Second, our alliances and partnerships around the world are our most important strategic asset and an indispensable element contributing to international peace and stability. A strong and unified NATO, our alliances in the Indo-Pacific, and our traditional security partnerships elsewhere do not only deter aggression; they provide a platform for mutually beneficial cooperation that strengthens the international order.<\/span><\/p>\n

Comments.<\/u> This is true and China needs to learn from this model of international engagement rather than the Chinese model, which looks at all engagements for its own benefit.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Excerpt.<\/u> The United States is a global power with global interests. The PRC presents America\u2019s most consequential geopolitical challenge. Russia poses an immediate and ongoing threat to the regional security order in Europe and it is a source of disruption and instability globally but it lacks the across-the-spectrum capabilities of the PRC. We also recognize that other smaller autocratic powers are also acting in aggressive and destabilizing ways. Most notably, Iran interferes in the internal affairs of neighbours, proliferates missiles and drones through proxies, is plotting to harm Americans, including former officials, and is advancing a nuclear program beyond any credible civilian need. The Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea (DPRK) continues to expand its illicit nuclear weapons and missile programs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Comments.<\/u> Potential adversaries have been listed. The US does not get involved in a direct military confrontation with them, instead keeps conducting military operations in countries with no significant military power (no need to wonder why?)<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Excerpt.<\/u> To preserve and increase international cooperation in an age of competition, we will pursue a dual-track approach. On one track, we will cooperate with any country, including the geopolitical rivals that are willing to work constructively with us to address shared challenges. We will also fully engage with, and work to strengthen international institutions. On the other track, we will deepen our cooperation with democracies and other like-minded states.<\/span><\/p>\n

Comments.<\/u> This is the new norm in international engagements \u2013 Issue based engagements (Micro-lateralism).<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Coming up: Analysis of Part 2 \u2013 4.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bottom Line<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

USA is feeling threatened by China\u2019s aspiration to be the only world power in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Question<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

India cannot remain isolated in this global competition, are we preparing ourselves for future challenges?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suggestions and value additions are most welcome<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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