Challenges to America's Security

  • What are the lessons for national security and foreign policy that can be passed from earlier administrations to the incoming Bush administration and new Congress?
  • When and how should the U.S. take the lead in resolving international crises?
  • To what extent should the next administration consider restructuring the executive branch to bring strategic planing and improved policy implementation into the 21st Century?

On January 17, 2001, the United States Institute of Peace webcast the first of a series of special programs designed to examine these and other challenges to America's security in the new century. Entitled "Passing the Baton: Challenges of Statecraft for the New Administration," this program featured a rich array of seasoned senior foreign policy and national security leaders and former officials. Included throughout the day were remarks by Brent Scowcroft, Robert Rubin, William Perry, Anthony Lake, Strobe Talbott, Senator Joe Biden, and others.

Featured at mid-day was a keynote address by National Security Advisor Samuel Berger on "Foreign Policy in an Era of Globalization." In the afternoon National Security Advisor-designate Condoleezza Rice made a special address on "National Security Challenges for the New Administration."

Other national security and foreign policy issues which were examined included:

  • Organizing for National Security Policy;
  • Why Partnership with Russia is So Elusive;
  • America as Peacemaker;
  • Building a Stable Balkans; and
  • Securing Peace in Northeast Asia.

This Internet event was webcast all day on January 17th, beginning with the opening remarks at 9:00 AM, and concluded at approximately 6:30 PM EST.

Latest Publications

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

Amid a Changing Global Order, NATO Looks East

Amid a Changing Global Order, NATO Looks East

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

As NATO celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, the Euro-Atlantic security alliance continues to deepen its engagement with Australia, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand, collectively known as the IP4. NATO has collaborated with these countries since the early 2000s, but Russia’s war against Ukraine, security challenges posed by China and renewed strategic competition have led to increased engagement. As the war in Ukraine grinds on and U.S.-China competition shows no sign of abating, the United States has much to gain from collaboration between its allies and partners in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific.

Type: Question and Answer

Global Policy

Mental Health and Violent Conflict: A Vicious Cycle

Mental Health and Violent Conflict: A Vicious Cycle

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

When we think about the damage wrought by war, we often think about the physical consequences such as injuries and destroyed infrastructure. However, the often-invisible mental scars left behind by war are no less important.

Type: Analysis

Human Rights

Mirna Galic on NATO’s Long-standing Engagement in the Indo-Pacific

Mirna Galic on NATO’s Long-standing Engagement in the Indo-Pacific

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Contrary to China’s assertions, NATO has a long history of engagement with the Indo-Pacific. But the alliance’s deep partnerships in the region have taken on renewed importance in recent years amid Russia’s war on Ukraine and renewed strategic competition between the U.S. and China, says USIP’s Mirna Galic.

Type: Podcast

View All Publications