National Interagency Coordination: How the U.S. Can Better Synchronize National Power
Abstract
The United States projects its immense national power primarily via diplomatic, informational, military, and economic means -- the tools used to implement strategic policy. The national interagency process is the vehicle by which these four tools are coordinated to meet the President's National Security Strategy. When this interagency process fails, and governmental organizations fail to harmonize national power, unity of effort is lost, and an incongruent, one-dimensional strategy results. At the national level, the hub of this interagency process is the National Security Council (NSC). A properly organized and directed NSC is essential to an effective interagency solution to national security. This paper examines the interagency process at the national level. For background, it will examine the origin and evolution of the NSC, focusing on the Clinton and Bush administrations and the current problems in Iraq. Following a review of today's NSC landscape and its challenges, the paper will examine several proposed solutions. Policy makers, pundits, independent organizations, and Congress have commented on and proposed solutions to the issue; new legislation, better executive direction, and specific agency policies are among the solutions they have put forth. In the end, it will be clear that change is necessary, and a viable way ahead that focuses on the strategic planning process is presented.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 14, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA464626
Entities
People
- Daniel B. Talati
Organizations
- Naval War College