I agree with Wolfer’s concept that “national security” is more or less infinitely malleable. Often we relate the concept of national security to militaristic actions but issues that aren’t militaristic on the surface, can still threaten a country’s national security. Issues such as climate change, access to clean water, and gender inequality all can be examples of national threats.
When we think of national security only from a militaristic standpoint, we forget the interconnectivity of everything in bureaucracy and in this time of globalization. An example of this is looking at the United States. Within its bureaucratic system, bureaus and departments have to work together to achieve any real change. When comparing the work of the Department of Defense and the Department of State, we can see the similarities in their overall mission: to ensure the security of the United States. Their missions may be similar, but their actions have different focuses. The Department of State focuses on strengthening diplomatic ties and investing in development, while the Department of Defense approaches its mission from a military point of view. One cannot succeed without the other. Through military involvement, violent threats such as terrorism and civil disputes can be eliminated. Developmental work such as promoting education, repairing infrastructure, and addressing food insecurity can help stabilize the country and promote economic growth. As James Mattis, the former Secretary of Defense, said while serving as Commander of U.S. Central Command “If you don’t fully fund the State Department, than I need to buy more ammunition...it’s a cost-benefit ratio.” This shows the interconnectivity between these two departments and the importance that development plays in stabilizing a country with the least amount of military presence as possible. This also shows that developmental action prevents global threats from penetrating US borders.
National security is not confined to military action because many other types of development can be used to stabilize a country or a region, and therefore decrease the threat it poses to the United States.
National security is not confined to military action because many other types of development can be used to stabilize a country or a region, and therefore decrease the threat it poses to the United States.
I really enjoyed reading this post, as I agree with many points. I would like to direct my question for you towards the notion of Education as Security. As an individual developing an interest in Education policy, I would like to hear how you think Education fits within the confines of national security? How do you think this measure of security should be improved?
ReplyDeleteI think education definitely plays a key role in national security. Education can provide the tools for individuals to pull themselves out of poverty, indirectly addressing national security because large amounts of poverty create unstable regions and states. Improving access to a quality education has often been a priority of development focused NGOs and is Goal #4 for the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, and I think we just need to focus on that goal more. I think the resources are definitely there to continue to work on this issue, but by framing it in terms of economic and national security, more headway may be able to be made.
DeleteI always wrestle with the issue of the opportunity gap here in the U.S. There are so many U.S based global initiatives surrounding getting better education elsewhere, but our education system is broken here. Our society is allowing itself to drown in media, so less people are reading books and just trusting news. We need better mobility in improving our education system here in America. Without being idealistic, what do you think would be a good first step in the process of fixing the U.S education system because Common Core is failing us and our nation. Not everyone can afford to send their kid to private institutions. I've found a positive shift in education to be when the creation of Charter schools came about; though, this topic is controversial itself because of the credibility and curriculum of some charter schools. What do you think?
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