An Alternative National Security Strategy: Elevating the Economic Instrument of National Power

Abstract

This research project argues for an integrated approach to National Security. It follows the ends-way-means framework for strategy development, and focuses on our current interests and the threats to those interests. Specifically, it argues that failing states and transnational threats are the main threats to stability in the post-Cold War world. Further, the root causes of those threats are relative economic deprivation and the lack of legitimate governance. Therefore, in order to deal with the root causes, the U.S. should elevate the economic instrument of national power to a position of relative prominence among the other instruments. Moreover, we should employ a competitive strategy that includes private investment and uses our comparative economic strength to defeat the threats to stability. Finally, to help set priorities we should identify regional growth engines for economic development.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 28, 1999
Accession Number
ADA364407

Entities

People

  • Stephen D. Hawkins

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD
  • Cyber
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Cold War
  • Commerce
  • Department Of Defense
  • Department Of State
  • Economic Development
  • Economic Sanctions
  • Economic Systems
  • Geography
  • Governments
  • International Organizations
  • International Relations
  • Market Economy
  • National Security
  • Political Systems
  • Public Administration
  • United States
  • War Colleges

Fields of Study

  • Economics

Readers

  • Economics
  • Strategic Security Studies