During the first decade of the 21st century, the U.S. defense department prioritized counterterrorism and counterinsurgency measures the Middle East and across the globe. A major shift in strategy began slowly but surely in 2012, driven partly by China’s more aggressive behavior and new military capabilities, including cyber and electronic weapons and precision missiles developed specifically to exploit US vulnerabilities.
Despite this shift in strategy, experts suggest that the Pentagon has not made the changes necessary to meet the threats posed by a stronger and more aggressive China.
In this episode, we will discuss what reforms are most important for the pentagon to undertake to prevent U.S. decline in this new era of great power competition and how these changes will be applicable in key geopolitical regions including the Indo-Pacific. Joining us today is Michele Flournoy.
Rebuilding America’s Military Edge with Michèle Flournoy
Michèle Flournoy is Co-Founder and Managing Partner of WestExec Advisors, and a Co-Founder, former Chief Executive Officer, and now Chair of the Center for a New American Security (CNAS).
Michèle served as the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy from February 2009 to February 2012. She was the principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense in the formulation of national security and defense policy, oversight of military plans and operations, and in National Security Council deliberations. She led the development of the Department of Defense’s 2012 Strategic Guidance and represented the Department in dozens of foreign engagements, in the media and before Congress.
Prior to confirmation, Michèle co-led President Obama’s transition team at the Defense Department.
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