The White House (via OMB) strongly protests Congressional efforts within the FY 2027 NDAA to prohibit the purchase of warships from foreign shipyards. The Administration argues that these restrictions undermine national security by limiting flexibility and hindering its strategy of leveraging allied yards, such as in the 'Finland model,' to drive investment into U.S. shipbuilding capacity. This signals a significant policy shift toward integrating international partners into advanced naval construction, suggesting the Pentagon is prepared to bypass traditional domestic build requirements for future combat vessels.
Where Does American Strategy Go From Here?
English Summary
The article argues that American global strategy requires a fundamental reevaluation due to a highly contested international environment and deep domestic dissatisfaction. The world is characterized by the decay of the liberal international order, rising power centers, and structural disruptors like AI and climate change. While the U.S. retains significant power, successful strategy must confront internal constraints, such as partisan polarization, recognizing that domestic stability is crucial for foreign leadership. Therefore, the path forward requires creative, multi-faceted ideas that integrate diverse American perspectives and move beyond traditional 'business-as-usual' foreign policy models.
中文摘要
本文主張,鑑於國際環境高度爭議化以及國內深層的不滿,美國的全球戰略需要進行根本性的重新評估。當今世界以自由國際秩序的衰退、權力中心崛起,以及人工智慧和氣候變遷等結構性破壞因素為特徵。雖然美國仍保有顯著的實力,但成功的戰略必須正視內在的制約,例如政黨兩極化,並認識到國內穩定對於外國領導力至關重要。因此,前進的道路需要提出創造性、多面向的構想,整合多元的美國視角,並超越傳統的「現狀維持」外交政策模式。
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