Applying Critical Elements of NSC-68 to Contemporary United States Security Strategies

Abstract

NSC-68 provided the framework for how the United States would confront a shifting strategic environment created by the USSR. It demanded that the United States use all elements of national power, including the military, to support its European allies and contain the spread of Soviet-style communism throughout the Cold War. Similar to 1950, the strategic landscape is shifting. China is emerging as the most significant threat to achieving US strategic goals. That stated, the United States can use three key aspects of NSC-68 in light of China's rise. First, the US security strategy should orient on a single adversary. Next, the security strategy should describe the risk associated with pursuing alternate US strategies instead of solely expressing the risk of inaction. Finally, the security strategy should inform the complementary options that the US can employ using the diplomatic, economic, informational, and military elements of national power.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 27, 2021
Accession Number
AD1161314

Entities

People

  • Gerald M. O'dowd

Organizations

  • School of Advanced Military Studies

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Cold War
  • Commerce
  • Communism
  • Congress
  • Department Of Defense
  • Foreign Policy
  • Fusion Weapons
  • Globalization
  • Governments
  • Intellectual Property
  • Intergovernmental Organizations
  • International Organizations
  • International Relations
  • Military Forces (Foreign)
  • National Governments
  • National Security
  • Nato
  • Nuclear Bombs
  • Nuclear Weapons
  • Security
  • Terrorism
  • Treaties
  • United States
  • Ussr
  • Weapons

Readers

  • Strategic Security Studies