Race and United States National Security: The Influence of Diversity in Securing American National Security Interests
Abstract
As American society becomes more diverse and our Armed Forces aligns itself across the globe to posture in support of Great Power Competition, the role of race and race relations must be examined as we face new national security challenges. Diversity has always been a point of friction within the service and recently a renewed push to advance efforts to increase minority representation has made its way into the court of public opinion. Addressing the issue of diversity and inclusion in the United States Army has a direct impact on force readiness and its ability to fight and win our nations wars. Growing demographic disparities across society and technological advances in the way Americas armed forces postures against China and Russia expose a vital vulnerability in its military dominance. The role of race throughout U.S. military history highlights a key limitation in Americas role as the leader of the free world and reinforces race as a fundamental aspect in securing our national interests. This study will examine historical references in which race relations contributed to American national security interests and offer recommendations for civilian and military leadership to account for the role that race has on U.S. national security policy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 29, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1178185
Entities
People
- Timothy G. Russell
Organizations
- Marine Corps University