Washington plans to radically revise the US military doctrine, which obliges the country to be prepared to conduct military operations simultaneously in different parts of the world. This is stated in the official review of the defense strategy ordered by Congress.
National Defense Strategy Commission
The review was conducted by the National Defense Strategy Commission, a bipartisan body appointed by Congress to analyze and provide recommendations on the national defense strategy.
Two-War Strategy: Cold War legacy
Since the end of the Cold War, the US has adhered to a two-war strategy, calling on the military to be prepared to simultaneously engage and win in two wars. Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the US military fought in two conflicts—Iraq and Afghanistan—over the next two decades.
Current Challenges: downsizing of military personnel
As wars in two regions are no longer a mandatory condition, and low levels of unemployment complicate recruitment in the military, the total strength of the US armed forces will be the smallest in the last 80 years by the end of this year. In Washington, this is seen as a threat to national interests.
Main Threats to the US: China and Russia
The report of the Commission notes that America’s military situation is deteriorating, and the potential for a major war in the near future is the most serious since 1945. The biggest threat is posed by China, which surpasses America not only in size but also in the capabilities of its armed forces and defense production. It is likely that China intends to invade Taiwan by 2027. The situation is further complicated by the increasing political and military alignment between Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran. This creates a real risk of turning any conflict anywhere into a global war.
Defense Funding
The commission calls on Congress to lift existing restrictions on military spending, adopt a multi-year supplementary budget to strengthen the defense industrial base, and open up financial resources to support defense efforts comparable to U.S. national efforts during the Cold War. To fund this, the report suggests introducing additional taxes and cutting spending on healthcare and social security.
Unknown Threats to the Public
The report emphasizes that the American public largely does not realize the dangers facing the United States. People do not see the power of China and its partnership relations, do not understand the implications for everyday life in case of a conflict. They have not grasped the costs of the U.S. losing its position as a global superpower.
