October/December 2002
Vol. VIII, No.6/Vol. IX, No.1

The Purpose of Power

Samuel Berger speaks on "One Year Later: America's Agenda."

What are the lessons of the attacks and how do we apply them?

The first and most shocking lesson is that we are not invulnerable, said Samuel "Sandy" Berger, president of Stonebridge International and former national security adviser, in his speech at the "9/11 a Year On" conference. However, our response also built confidence in America's resilience. "In this war," said Berger, "Our staying power will be as important as our firepower."

The attacks also opened up a "home front" and a shift in the American security philosophy. This means shifting from "threat-based" defense to "vulnerability-based" defense: "Where can they hurt us the most? And how can we act now to lower the risks?"

The second lesson is the importance of interdependence. "We can't walk away from the world, not least because the world will not walk away from us," said Berger.

Berger then turned to the future, ruminating on the purpose of power. "Our power is a blessing, built on sweat and sacrifice. It helps to define us in the world, for better and for worse." He reiterated the importance of pursuing American interests in a global context, adding that America must lead by building coalitions.

Finally, while terrorism must remain at the heart of the security agenda, according to Berger, it must not be the entire agenda. Berger outlined five specific challenges and opportunities within a broad agenda for America.

• Stop the spread of the most dangerous weapons into volatile regions and irresponsible hands.
• Use American influence for peacebuilding in enduring conflicts that often fuel the forces of terrorism. Berger cited the Balkans, South Asia, Korea, and the overriding challenge in the Middle East.
• Offer American leadership to emerging countries in economic crisis, beginning in the western hemisphere. "America cannot be safe in a world where the gap between rich and poor is growing wider," noted Berger.
• Continue to integrate former adversaries Russia and China into the international community.
• Bring a greater sense of urgency to the environment that we are leaving to future generations.

Concluding, Berger reminded listeners of these words, spoken by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1940 and inscribed on the Capitol: "We defend and we build a way of life, not for America alone, but for all mankind."

Other Institute Resources:

• "One Year Later: America's Agenda"
  Address by Samuel Berger, Stonebridge International