America's National Security Situation Has Deteriorated
James E. Fanell and Bradley A. Thayer, in their contribution to American Greatness, drew a comparison between the current state of national security in the United States and the situation four years ago. They invoked Ronald Reagan's famous question from his 1980 debate with President Jimmy Carter: "Are you better off than you were four years ago?" According to the authors, the answer for most Americans today is a resounding no. They point to rising prices, inflation, a struggling economy, and unchecked immigration as indicators of a worsening situation. More importantly, they argue that the national security interests of the U.S., its allies, and its partners have also deteriorated significantly over the past four years.
Global Instability and Its Causes
Four years ago, the authors argue, there was relative stability in Europe, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific. Today, however, Europe's "long peace" has been shattered by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has resulted in over a million deaths and the displacement of millions more. The Middle East is in turmoil due to conflict sparked by Hamas' attack on Israel in October 2023, and the Indo-Pacific is fraught with unrest, largely due to China's aggressive actions against key U.S. allies and partners, as well as against the American people themselves.
Fanell and Thayer attribute this instability to the Biden-Harris administration's ideological commitment to "manage America's decline" and the policies they've implemented over the past four years. They argue that the administration failed to deter the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and has failed to support Israel by not holding Iran accountable for its actions.
The Biden-Harris Administration's Failures
The authors are particularly critical of the Biden-Harris administration's approach to China. They argue that the administration has continued the failed "Engagement" policies with China that have aided the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) during a time of great danger. They refer to this approach as the Biden-Harris administration's "neo-Engagement" policy.
According to Fanell and Thayer, the Biden-Harris administration has ignored the existential threat posed by the CCP in its pursuit of engagement. They argue that this approach has allowed the CCP to avoid the consequences of its misrule and has provided an opportunity for the CCP's aggressive actions over the past four years.
The Consequences of Neo-Engagement
The authors argue that the Biden-Harris administration's neo-Engagement policies have had serious consequences. They point to China's construction of over 300 nuclear Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM) silos, its upgrading of submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM), and its introduction of a new nuclear bomber, the H-20. They also note that the administration has overseen a reduction in the size of the Department of Defense, including the decommissioning of more warships than it builds.
Is America Respected and Strong?
Fanell and Thayer conclude by returning to Reagan's debate with Carter, in which he asked if Americans believed their country was as respected and as strong as it had been four years earlier. They argue that the answer to that question today is no. They contend that America was more respected by its enemies and stronger four years ago than it is today, and that it was seen as a better, more reliable, and more confident ally by its key allies in Europe, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific.
Bottom Line
The authors' analysis paints a bleak picture of America's current national security situation. They argue that the Biden-Harris administration's policies have contributed to global instability and have weakened America's standing in the world. However, it's important to remember that this is just one perspective on a complex issue. What do you think about the authors' arguments? Do you agree that America's national security situation has worsened over the past four years? Share your thoughts with your friends and consider signing up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.
