This week, the House Armed Services Committee held a hearing entitled, “The State of the World: National Security Threats and Challenges.” Testifying before the committee were Retired Army General David H. Petraeus and former Deputy Director of the CIA John McLaughlin, who testified to the growing security challenges facing the United States in an environment of increasing global risk.
Among the concerns discussed were Russian aggression in Eastern Europe, China’s massive military buildup to support its provocative actions in the Western Pacific, North Korea’s nuclear stockpile, Iran’s continued advances towards nuclear capability, and Islamic terrorism and militant jihadism across the globe. Both national security experts noted that these threats are directed not only at America, but also at the international order as it is currently established. Over the past decade, national security experts and top military brass have repeatedly voiced concerns over readiness shortfalls in their testimonies before Congress. While it is a stated priority of the 115th Congress to fully resource and rebuild the U.S. Armed Forces, difficult strategic choices lie ahead to defend against emerging and existing threats.
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