Whether it is Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the war in Gaza, terrorist activity, global climate change, food insecurity, population migration or China’s economic and military challenges to Taiwan and countries in the South China Sea, each one of these threats and crises threatens to erupt into a localized if not global conflict that could require United States involvement. And to remain a trusted, reliable global leader capable of responding to these events and tackling the many other global issues that loom over the world today—including the growing threat of asymmetrical warfare and the potential for future pandemics—the United States needs a foreign policy that is more focused, resilient and innovative than ever before.
Madeleine Albright once famously described the United States as “the indispensable nation,” the one that makes it possible to rally the world into effective action on crucial problems. Indeed, the wise application of American primacy enables Washington to break deadlocks and stalemates around the globe that could deprive us of freedom, security and prosperity at home.
Moreover, the vast machinery of foreign policy is more complex than it has ever been—it includes embassies and consulates around the world, multiple government agencies that formulate policies, negotiate treaties and agreements, and represent the United States at international organizations. Often, these agencies work with Congress to determine budgets and terms of engagement. When a crisis erupts, the White House and the National Security Council (NSC) swing into action. But when times are calm, the NSC, which is made up of career diplomats and other experts, is the center of a wide range of activities that advance U.S. interests and values.