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Dealing with Today’s Asymmetric Threat to US and Global Security: The Need for an Integrated National Asymmetric Threat Strategy
Title: Dealing with Today’s Asymmetric Threat to US and Global Security: The Need for an Integrated National Asymmetric Threat Strategy
Date: 2008
Author:
Institution: CACI International Inc.
Bibliographic Entry: “Dealing with Today’s Asymmetric Threat to US and Global Security: The Need for an Integrated National Asymmetric Threat Strategy.” 2008. CACI International Inc. http://www.caci.com/announcement/CACI_Asymmetric_Threat_paper.pdf (Accessed November 7, 2008).
Electronic Link: http://www.caci.com/announcement/CACI_Asymmetric_Threat_paper.pdf
Key Words: grand strategy, national security, defense, homeland security, terrorist threat, failed states, failing states, counterterrorism
Summary of Key Points, Issues, Conclusions:
In the post Cold War world, the West faces a new asymmetrical threat. This new threat was punctuated by the terrorist attacks of 9-11. This report maintains that “government and non-government institutions, including industry, must strengthen existing partnerships to develop a comprehensive and unified grand national security strategy to proactively address the increasingly ominous asymmetric threat to U.S. and global security.” This Integrated National Asymmetric Threat Strategy should involve both soft and hard power and be geared toward diffusing short term threats and preventing long term challenges.
The report outlines four foundational strategies within a larger grand strategy. The first, a Strategic Communications Strategy, recommends that the US counter propaganda, use current and future technologies, promote the image of the US as a world leader, and remain sensitive to global and local requirements and aspirations. The second strategy, the Defense and Homeland Security Strategy, must address terrorism, pandemic disease, and natural disasters while integrating local, state, national, and international capabilities. The third strategy, the Economic Strategy, should strive for economic stability, economic growth, and global economic leadership. The Economic Strategy should balance free and open market competition, protection and promotion of domestic commercial interests, and the enhancement of global market economies that will grow to become future competitors. Lastly, the Diplomatic (International) Strategy should change the current diplomatic model “to enhance ambassadorial coordination, better integrate diplomatic approaches, and achieve regional, rather than potentially sub-optimized state objectives.” The report maintains that these four elements of grand strategy should include strategies for “health, education, emergency response, resource sharing, and nation-building to counter and correct the trend of failing states.”
Name of Researcher: Nathan Brown
Institution: Integrative Center for Homeland Security, Texas A&M University
Date Posted: November 11, 2008