National Power and a National Economic Strategy.

Abstract

Abstract : Our current thinking about national strategy and national security is skewed towards the military element of power. This study argues that economic power is and always has been the primary determinant of national power and, therefore, national security. As we have concentrated our efforts on achieving military dominance we have experienced both increasing limitations on the use of that form of power and the adverse effects of our declining economic power. The paper acknowledges that, while military power might have been essential in countering the global threat of communism, economic power is far more critical in maintaining our global power and influence. Our future National Security Strategy must concentrate our attention and resources on achieving the economic power necessary to preserve true national security. The recently (1993) created National Economic Council might well provide a structure, framework and process for developing a new national security strategy centered on economic rather than military power.