Globalist Coffeehouse: August

Economic Security is National Security

The global threats to US national security increase day by day, with our adversaries and competitors working together to create chaos and disruption, not just on the military front, but also economically, and they are playing to win. Yet, too often, security and economic threats are addressed on separate tracks, not recognizing the connection between our financial security and national security. The fact that over the last decade, China has increased its investments in the developing world by 525% is just one excellent example. Simultaneously, many would suggest that most recently, we have actually retreated, with Africa and USAID being just the latest policy reversal.

While Americans certainly don't want to be the "policeman of the world," we do need to protect our interests. In addition to strengthening supply chains, bolstering infrastructure in emerging economies, and leveraging technology, some would suggest that using "soft power," through US economic/development aid, is also a highly cost-effective tool. How should/will we use these tools at our disposal? What should our global role be, both economically and militarily, in future decades?

Please join us for what will be a most intriguing discussion.

Host or Publisher World Affairs Council of Austin