Current Crises Underscore the Need for a New U.S. Global Strategy

The Biden administration is facing multiple foreign crises that are calling into question the ability of the United States to effectively influence global events. Or, in the case of continued U.S. political and military support for Israel’s slaughter of civilians in Gaza, the ability of the United States to stop doing damage to local, regional and global security is in doubt.

The risks posed by the war in Gaza are just the most recent and most painful security challenge facing the U.S. public and U.S. policy makers. Other unavoidable issues are the growing risk of a broader war in the Middle East, the need to support Ukraine’s ability to defend itself from Russia’s invasion, and the question of how best to respond to the challenges posed by the rise of China.

Unfortunately, for much of the Washington establishment, the answer to all of the challenges cited above has been to double down on military solutions, from arms sales to “show the flag” military deployments to air strikes.

In some cases, like Ukraine, the supply of arms is necessary and appropriate, although it needs to be supplemented by some sort of diplomatic strategy that seeks an alternative to possible escalation or a long grinding war.