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Brookings Institution Discusses The National Defense Strategy and great power competition: A conversation with Mark T. Esper

Brookings Institution Discusses The National Defense Strategy and great power competition: A conversation with Mark T. Esper

The Honorable Mark T. Esper served as the 27th U.S. secretary of defense from 2019 to 2020 and as the 23rd secretary of the Army from 2017 to 2019. During his tenure as defense secretary he made the implementation of the 2018 National Defense Strategy (NDS) his top priority, rebuilding military readiness, highlighting the need for meaningful cooperation with allies and partners, and identifying China as a “pacing threat.” Like the 2018 NDS, the 2022 NDS — the first issued by the Biden administration — provides a roadmap for the United States to meet the challenges of this new era of great power competition.


On July 14, Brookings hosted a one-on-one conversation between Mark T. Esper and Brookings Senior Fellow Michael O’Hanlon on how the priorities of the 2018 unclassified NDS and the 2022 NDS fact sheet compare and how each strategy prepares the force to strengthen deterrence against the U.S.’s most consequential strategic competitors. The conversation was followed by questions from the in-person and virtual audience.

Collapse of the Assad Regime

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The collapse of the brutal Assad regime may not be the last domino to fall in this region. Iran is now the weakest it’s been in decades with the apparent loss of its Syrian client state; the collapse of its Axis of Resistance, especially Hezbollah; and the continued economic, social, and political duress the regime imposes on ordinary Iranians. Might this corrupt theocracy be the next regime to fall? Let’s hope. Watch the Interview Here .

The Fall of Damascus

December 8, 2024
As I noted yesterday, Damascus will fall if Assad flees. This morning it is believed that Assad has left the country and the rebels control the capital. The question now is “who” and “how” will Syria be governed? Right now we should celebrate Assad’s fall and this strategic defeat for Russia and Iran. Watch the Interview Here.

Never Forget

December 7, 2024
Never Forget. And let’s also not forget the key to preventing a future global conflict like WWII — a strong, modern, and capable U.S. military aligned with equally capable Allies/Partners, all of whom are committed to President Reagan’s mantra of “Peace Through Strength.” 

Syria and a new order in the Middle East

December 2, 2024
As I told Kasie Hunt, "I was a little surprised ... I think it is significant ... you can see the chessboard in the Middle East is changing around right now in front of our eyes." Watch the Interview Here .

Potential Hezbollah Ceasefire

November 26, 2024
Implementation — specifically, ensuring Hezbollah doesn’t return forces to the south of Lebanon as they did in violation of the 2006 UN resolution that ended that conflict — is critical to the success of this agreement. Glad that Israel asserted the right to enforce this agreement via the IDF if violations do occur. Watch the Interview Here.

Thoughts on President Elect Trump's Cabinet Picks

November 25, 2024
See my thoughts on two of President-elect Trump’s national security nominees, their path ahead to Senate consideration, and some of the tough questions each will face as this important constitutional process plays out between two coequal branches of American go. Watch the interview Here .
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