Is the U.S. Counter Terrorism Campaign Economically Sustainable?
Abstract
If the United States is to be successful in the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), it is essential for the nation to sustain strong economic capabilities. The U.S. economy is a center of gravity that is also a target of Al Qaeda and other jihadis. Terrorists are patient; they are prepared to let internal pressures on the U.S. economy weaken other elements of U.S. national power. Specific threats include critical vulnerabilities such as the oil supply, the budget deficit, and lack of unity of effort in interagency strategy, policy, and resource management. Opportunities exist for the United States to marginalize the threat to the U.S. economy. However, the complexity of the problems, the political risk associated with some of the solutions, the duration to realize the outcomes, and institutional drag make unity of effort extremely difficult to achieve. Sustainable solutions are achievable if the political will can be generated to make effective long-run fiscal policy decisions. The United States has the economic advantage in the GWOT campaign. However, we must improve fiscal responsibility to sustain our domestic capability to finance counterterrorism efforts. Additionally, in collaboration with other nations, private industry, and academia, the nation should use market forces as a weapon against terrorists. Federal government spending should be limited to 20 percent (plus or minus 3 percent) of Gross Domestic Product. Discretionary and mandatory spending programs should be redesigned with spending caps to be sustainable and minimize the drag they place on the budget deficit. Furthermore, the U.S. Government should establish an economic fusion cell in the National Security Council to improve strategy, policy, and resource integration. Finally, the United States should accelerate efforts to bring viable fuel alternatives such as the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Initiative to the mass market.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA507094
Entities
People
- Mark A. Towne
Organizations
- Marine Corps University