When it was established in 2021, the bipartisan Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States was given a sweeping mandate to review everything from U.S. nuclear weapons policy to military force structure and threats to strategic stability around the world in order to prepare the United States for the future. In their recently released final report, the commission concluded that the geopolitical landscape has been fundamentally altered by Russia’s and China’s rising aggression — and that the United States must adjust its own strategic posture to protect its security and stability interests in the years ahead. 

On November 16, USIP hosted a bipartisan discussion with the commission’s Chair Madelyn Creedon and Vice Chair Jon Kyl. The conversation looked at findings and recommendations from the commission’s final report and examined what they mean for the future of America’s strategic posture — particularly in regards to establishing strategic stability with U.S. competitors like Russia and China.

Continue the conversation on social media using #StrategicPostureCommission.

Speakers

Lise Grande, introductory remarks
President and CEO, U.S. Institute of Peace

Representative Doug Lamborn (R-CO), keynote remarks
U.S. Representative from Colorado; Chairman, Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, House Armed Services Committee

Honorable Madelyn Creedon 
Chair, Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States; Former Principal Deputy Administrator, National Nuclear Security Administration

Honorable Jon Kyl 
Vice Chair, Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States; Former U.S. Senator from Arizona

Honorable A. Wess Mitchell, moderator
Senior Advisor, U.S. Institute of Peace

Related Publications

Baghdad Is Ready for a New Chapter in U.S.-Iraq Relations

Baghdad Is Ready for a New Chapter in U.S.-Iraq Relations

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani met last week with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House as part of a weeklong visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations. The visit occurred amid several historic anniversaries and dangerous developments in the Middle East. April marks the 21st anniversary of the toppling of Saddam Hussein. Since 2003, the U.S.-Iraq relationship has witnessed many ups and downs. Even as tensions persist, particularly in relation to the U.S. troop presence in the country, al-Sudani’s visit — which featured the largest delegation Iraqis have brought to Washington — demonstrates Iraqi will to start a new chapter in the strategic partnership that goes beyond security.

Type: Analysis

Democracy & GovernanceGlobal Policy

Ukraine’s New U.S. Lifeline: Why It’s Vital and What’s Next

Ukraine’s New U.S. Lifeline: Why It’s Vital and What’s Next

Thursday, April 25, 2024

This week’s U.S. approval of nearly $61 billion in funds for Ukraine’s defense is a lifeline in the Ukrainians’ struggle against Russia’s unprovoked invasion and the assault on peace and rule of law in Europe and beyond. Ukrainian troops have been rationing ammunition, their lack of defensive missiles has exposed Ukrainian cities to Russian aerial attacks — and many military analysts predicted a probable collapse on part of Ukraine’s eastern defensive lines. While this U.S. action boosts Ukrainians’ capacities and morale, ending this war will need further funds, forces and security measures for those fighting and suffering for their survival — and for the redemption of international peace through rule of law.

Type: Analysis

Global Policy

A Rising Philippines Faces a Crucial Year Ahead

A Rising Philippines Faces a Crucial Year Ahead

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

By virtue of its geography alone, the Philippines is arguably Southeast Asia’s most strategically important country. Yet its actual influence has tended to lag its potential due to decades of socioeconomic struggle and internal instability, especially in its restive southern island of Mindanao. In recent years, however, the Philippines has rapidly emerged as one of the most consequential countries in the Indo-Pacific, driven in large part by President Ferdinand Marcos’ transformative policies on national security, defense and foreign relations.

Type: Analysis

Global Policy

China's Vision for Global Security: Implications for Southeast Asia

China's Vision for Global Security: Implications for Southeast Asia

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

China’s Global Security Initiative (GSI) marks a new phase in Beijing’s ongoing push to change the international security order. Through the GSI, China seeks to establish itself as a counterbalance to U.S. influence and to reshape security management in a number of strategically important regions. The GSI is still in the early stages of implementation, but it has already demonstrated the potential to disrupt the existing security framework in Southeast Asia. This may lead to increased polarization within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), with some member states aligning with the GSI and others remaining cautious due to their stronger affiliations with the United States.

Type: Analysis

Global Policy

View All Publications