Abstract

There are at least two ways to think about security frameworks/architectures for managing the translation of strategy into policy.  One way is interrogate the existing institutional set-up within the United States, and between the United States and other states in its various bilateral and multilateral modes, as to its adequacy in the face of present and prospective challenges; another is to ask if existing institutions are structured, tasked and managed properly.  For example: “Does the United States still need NATO?” as opposed to “What should NATO be doing now, and how should its objectives mesh with those of other U.S. institutional assets?” The establishment of new overarching frameworks requires a level of enlightened leadership and political coherence that the United States Government presently lacks.  However, its leaders can and should innovate within existing institutional structures.

About the Speaker

Adam Garfinkle is on a year-long engagement at RSIS as Distinguished Visiting Fellow.  Aside from being Founding Editor of The American Interest, he has served as Editor of The National Interest, as Principal Speechwriter to the US Secretary of State while attached to the Policy Planning Staff of the State Department, was chief writer of the Hart-Rudman Commission reports, and has taught at several institutions of higher education including SAIS/Johns Hopkins. His PhD in International Relations is from the University of Pennsylvania.