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 worldwide national security and foreign policy challenges that require significant changes in how we address 21st century threats. 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. In the United States itself, the spread of isolationist tendencies threatens to cripple us from within, making us vulnerable to adversaries far and wide.
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 missed the enormous opportunities afforded by the collapse of Communism and the Soviet Union’s dissolution, abandoning representative government, threatening its neighbors, and drawing closer to China. Russia’s two-years of unprovoked aggression against Ukraine confirms our worst fears, and presages even more belligerent conduct against others if America responds inadequately. 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 such a dual threat. Our response to it must be accelerated, including increased national missile-defense programs.
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. Iran launched its “ring of fire” strategy against Israel through its terrorist proxy Hamas on October 7, 2023, threatening one of our closest allies worldwide. America’s catastrophic withdrawal from Afghanistan means the United States and its allies are more vulnerable now to terrorist attacks than we have been since al Qaeda’s overthrow in 2001. Our increased vulnerability signals weakness to authoritarian regimes like Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua, where regimes with close ties to U.S. enemies 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 America must develop new strategies and physical capabilities to implement them. Working especially closely 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.