Summary
The Departments of Defense and State hold significant roles in the U.S. government, with historical roots dating back to the George Washington Administration. Despite their storied pasts, these departments currently face challenges that need immediate improvement to ensure the success of the next presidency.
Former acting secretary of defense, Christopher Miller, highlights in Chapter 4 that the Department of Defense has prioritized political agendas over military readiness, leading to the worst recruiting year in two generations in 2022. The department is also impacted by the reduction of the defense industrial base and a risk-averse culture which conflicts with the American military ethos of courage.
Miller points out the enduring patriotism among most enlisted personnel and officers, though he notes the influence of previous administrations on the current general officer corps. He stresses the importance of focusing military promotions on core responsibilities rather than social engineering topics like climate change or critical race theory.
A major international concern identified is the threat from China, which is undergoing a significant military buildup. Miller advocates for a "denial defense" strategy to make any aggression towards Taiwan or other U.S. allies difficult and costly for China, emphasizing that U.S. responses should be bearable in terms of costs and risks for Americans.
Reaffirming the constitutional division of war powers between Congress and the executive is crucial. Miller also prioritizes missile defense and suggests that more weapons should be manufactured domestically. He calls for a reevaluation of how and when the U.S. chooses to engage in conflict, reflecting George Washington's warnings against unnecessary wars.
Kiron Skinner, former State Department director of policy planning, discusses in Chapter 6 the challenges within the State Department, where a significant portion of the staff holds left-wing views that may conflict with conservative policies. Skinner emphasizes the need for strong political leadership to align the department more closely with the President’s agenda and to ensure it acts as a true representative of American interests rather than an independent body.
Skinner also criticizes current diplomatic approaches, particularly towards China, and suggests a more assertive stance. She advocates for a focus on security, economic interests, and human rights in foreign policy, especially in regions like Africa, without pushing culturally divisive agendas.
Overall, this introduction sets the stage for detailed recommendations on enhancing U.S. defense capabilities and diplomatic effectiveness to better secure national interests and uphold constitutional principles in governance.
Comments