United States Confronts Grave Security Threats Amidst Political Division

The United States is facing unprecedented security challenges from four allied antagonists—Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran. These countries collectively possess a nuclear arsenal that is set to surpass the size of the United States’ own arsenal within a few years. Additionally, the United States hasn’t faced powerful military rivals in both Europe and Asia since the Korean War. The rise of China, with its economic and military power, presents a unique challenge that no living person has witnessed before.

However, the fractured political leadership of the United States is hindering its ability to provide a strong and coherent response. Both Republican and Democratic leaders in the White House and Congress have failed to convince the American people of the importance of the threats posed by China and Russia, as well as the interconnectedness of these threats. The absence of a long-term strategy to ensure the United States’ and democratic values’ victory further compounds the problem.

Xi Jinping’s Ambitions

Chinese President Xi Jinping seeks to restore China’s past glory and become the dominant world power by 2049. He aims to reclaim China’s dominant role in Asia and expand its global influence. Xi’s personal ambitions and sense of destiny pose significant risks, as demonstrated by his major miscalculations in economic policies and handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. He also sees the reunification of Taiwan with China as crucial for his status as a Chinese Communist Party legend.

Despite Xi’s miscalculations and China’s internal difficulties, it continues to pose a formidable challenge to the United States. China’s military has grown stronger, boasting more warships than the United States. It has modernized its conventional and nuclear forces and is strengthening its capabilities in space and cyberspace. China’s comprehensive strategy to increase its global power and influence, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, coupled with its extensive propaganda network, further complicates the challenges faced by the United States.

Vladimir Putin’s Gamble

Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine in pursuit of restoring Russia’s lost empire, but his actions have backfired. Instead of weakening NATO, Russia’s invasion has strengthened the alliance and given it renewed purpose. Russia has faced severe economic sanctions, and many Western firms have pulled their investments out of the country. Putin’s military gamble has mortgaged Russia’s future and damaged its standing.

Although Russia retains the largest nuclear arsenal and has built closer ties with China, Putin’s prospects seem grim. He may seek a military stalemate in Ukraine to tire European and American support for Ukraine, but this risky approach is unlikely to result in a quick conquest. As long as Putin remains in power, Russia will remain an adversary to the United States and NATO, challenging U.S. influence and sowing division.

America Impaired by Political Dysfunction

While the United States appears strong economically and diplomatically, its political dysfunction and policy failures undermine its success. The U.S. economy faces economic threats from runaway federal government spending, lack of action on entitlement programs, and political opposition to raising the debt ceiling. Former President Donald Trump’s disdain for U.S. allies and President Joe Biden’s abrupt withdrawal from Afghanistan have also damaged U.S. credibility.

Public support for U.S. global leadership is crucial in rebuilding trust among allies and awareness among adversaries. American leadership has provided great-power peace for 75 years, and its continued engagement is vital for peace and prosperity. The United States must strengthen relationships globally, expand its strategies beyond Asia, and utilize the full spectrum of its national power. This includes consolidating alliances, competing with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, enhancing public diplomacy efforts, rethinking nuclear strategy, and addressing inefficiencies in defense spending.

Less Talk, More Action

China and Russia pose significant challenges, and the United States must take urgent and decisive action. Despite tough rhetoric, there has been little substantive action, with new initiatives stalling or failing to materialize. The United States must back up its words with far-reaching actions and work together across political divisions to counter the aggression of Xi and Putin. Failure to do so would jeopardize U.S. national security and invite further aggression from these adversarial powers.

The United States must rise to the occasion and demonstrate the resolve needed to confront these challenges. The path requires strong leadership, a coherent strategy, and meaningful action to ensure the United States prevails in this uniquely dangerous period. By rebuilding domestic support, taking comprehensive steps, and delivering on its commitments, the United States can deter Xi and Putin from making further strategic miscalculations.