Rethinking U.S. Security Assistance

Posted: November 17th, 2015

Today, the United States arguably contends with one of the most complicated and dangerous “world orders” in its history. It must maintain a credible nuclear deterrence, defend against unprecedented levels of cyber warfare, compete in the militarization of space, engage in asymmetric warfare against insurgencies and terrorist groups worldwide, and maintain a force posture and technological edge against conventional threats of the increasingly aggressive and capable China and Russia.

In the face of these broad threats, the United States is also confronting a more austere defense budget and a population weary of placing U.S. boots on the ground, let alone total engagement. As a result, President Barack Obama has championed building up the capacities of allied militaries, allowing the United States to leave a lighter footprint while still actively engaging to fight its adversaries.

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Rethinking U.S. Security Assistance

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