The Institute for a Secure America, a research and educational organization, will bring disciplined analysis of how America can strengthen its national security and the security of our allies and friends. America faces a new set of national security and foreign policy challenges that require significant changes in how we address 21st century threats. These increased threats are present in more geographic regions and across more spheres of life, economic as well as political and military. Dangerous technologies and weapons in the nuclear, chemical and biological categories, are now joined by threats in cyberspace, asymmetric and hybrid warfare strategies, advanced missile technologies, and renewed threats from international terrorists.
Despite decades-long support for and optimism about the prospects for China becoming a “responsible stakeholder” engaged in a “peaceful rise,” essentially the opposite is what we see. Russia has likewise been deeply disappointing after the collapse of Communism and the dissolution of the Soviet Union, stepping back from representative government, threatening its neighbors, and drawing closer to China. Russia’s unprovoked aggression against Ukraine has confirmed all of our worst fears, and presages even more belligerent conduct against others. Both Russia and China are seeking strategic nuclear superiority over the U.S. and have been funding programs to achieve it for many years. Our nuclear deterrent and nuclear umbrella – have never faced this dual threat. And our response to it must be accelerated.
Iran and North Korea remain regional menaces and global proliferation threats, unfortunate examples for other rogue states on how to thwart international efforts to prevent them from getting deliverable nuclear weapons. The American withdrawal from Afghanistan has left the United States and its friends more vulnerable to terrorist attacks, more so than for the last two decades. The new vulnerability has signaled weakness to authoritarian regimes worldwide. In Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua authoritarian regimes with close ties to U.S. adversaries remain in power, underlining the need for clear strategies to preserve peace and security close to home.
These and many other difficult, complex issues mean that America must develop new strategies and physical capabilities to address them. Working especially with members of Congress and other opinion leaders, the Institute expects to provide the educational foundations for sound policies.
The Institute for a Secure America is organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes in accordance with Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Charitable contributions are tax-deductible for income, gift, and estate taxes. Donors are encouraged to consult their tax professionals for advice pertinent to their personal circumstances.