From In Homeland Security
Never in recent memory has the United States faced so many immense global challenges. But are we prepared for what confronts us today? Furthermore, is America’s preeminent global military advantage declining and opening an opportunity for others to overtake us?
Following the end of World War II, the U.S. built an international system based on prosperity, freedom, and security that paid huge dividends to the U.S. It was predicated on a military unmatched in strength throughout the world. Today, however, the U.S. is being challenged by saber-rattling regimes in Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea.
These regimes seek to neutralize U.S. technological advantages with their own advanced weapons systems. Our adversaries are conducting this strategy across a variety of economic areas normally dominated by the United States.
The Next War
At the beginning of November, the United States Institute of Peace issued a report by the National Defense Strategy Commission, which warned that America faces a grave national security and defense threat.
This threat is growing and spreading. U.S. military advantages have eroded and the strategic landscape is now increasingly more threatening. If the United States does not show greater urgency and seriousness in responding to this crisis—and does not take decisive steps to strengthen its military now—the damage to our security and influence could be devastating.
The proliferation of advanced technology has allowed other nations to challenge the U.S., an idea that was unthinkable only a few decades ago. Decisions by Republicans and Democrats—and the effects of the Budget Control Act (BCA) of 2011 coupled with the failure to pass timely budget appropriations bills— have eroded and weakened America’s military.
U.S. Military Decline
Sharp funding decreases for the military have hampered the size, modernization and readiness of U.S. armed forces. The Assessments and Recommendations of the National Defense Strategy Commission noted that the U.S. military could suffer unacceptably high casualties and the loss of major capital assets in its next conflict.
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