Summary of the Article: Building U.S. Economic Security Capacity
This article argues that the United States is lagging behind China in recognizing and preparing for economic competition, and outlines a extensive plan to build U.S. capacity in “economic security.” Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
The Problem:
* Economic security is crucial: The article asserts that economic competition is now a central aspect of global power dynamics and will be a long-term feature of the international landscape.
* U.S. is unprepared: Unlike China, the U.S. lacks a dedicated cadre of professionals and systems to effectively execute an economic warfare strategy.
* Current education is insufficient: Existing business and engineering programs don’t adequately focus on applying their frameworks to economic security challenges.
Proposed Solutions – A Multi-pronged Approach:
1.Education & Research:
* Expand existing programs: Leverage existing graduate programs at allied universities (Korea University,Yonsei University,University of Tokyo,Sciences Po) in energy security and economic statecraft.
* Integrate into existing curricula: encourage business and engineering schools to apply existing frameworks (cost-benefit analysis, etc.) to economic security issues like tariffs and export controls.
* Fund scholarships: Increase philanthropic and corporate funding for economic security scholarships.
* Facilitate research collaboration: Think tanks should convene researchers across allied nations to share insights on topics like industrial policy and technology protection.
* Prioritize research funding: The National science Foundation and Department of Energy should designate economic security as a research priority, aiming to create a pipeline of 1,000 new graduate students per year (estimated cost: $180 million annually).
2. Government Action:
* Executive Order - Economic Statesmen Corps: Establish a professional corps of economic experts, including a standing Economic Security Committee modeled after the NSC Deputies’ Committee.
* Competency Definition & Recruitment: Define economic security competencies, prioritize relevant federal job openings, and signal labor market needs.
* University Partnerships: Foster collaboration between government departments and universities thru curriculum development, faculty sabbaticals, and rotational programs.
* Legislative Action - Economic Security Brain Trust Foundation: Create a foundation (modeled on the FESI) to leverage private resources.
3. Leveraging Existing Initiatives:
* Build on successes: The article points to the Trump administration’s Genesis Mission and the expansion of the Department of War’s Office of Strategic Capital as examples of accomplished initiatives that leverage private sector resources for public benefit.
* U.S. tech Force: Highlight the potential of the proposed U.S.Tech Force as a step in the right direction.
Overall Argument:
The article emphasizes that winning today’s economic competition requires a dedicated, skilled workforce capable of leveraging interdependence for national strength and resilience – just as strategists mastered deterrence during the Cold War. It calls for a meaningful investment in building this capacity across education, government, and the private sector.
