Introductory Letter
NSS: In the first sentence, the President asserts that there is only one "sustainable model for national success: freedom, democracy, and free enterprise." He then states that "the duty of protecting these values...is the common calling of freedom-loving people across the globe and across the ages." Two paragraphs later, this common calling has been narrowed to"defending our Nation against its enemies," which he says is the "first and fundamental commitment of the Federal Government."
He then notes that the nature of the threat has changed: whereas in the past, large armies and industrial capabilities were needed to constitute a threat, now "shadowy networks" can attack the United State directly "for less than it costs to purchase a single tank" [approximately $2 million]. These must be countered by "every tool in our arsenal:
military power, better homeland defenses, law enforcement,
intelligence, and vigorous efforts to cut off terrorist
financing." This work "is a global
enterprise of uncertain duration." While
the United States "will cooperate with other nations" to contain our enemies efforts to acquire [dangerous]
technologies...America will act against
such emerging threats before they are fully formed" [emphasis added].
The document avers that today, the world's great powers
are "united by common dangers of terrorist violence and
chaos," and "are also increasingly united by common values."
Yet there is a warning: the United States will "strongly
resist aggression from other great powers."
There is also a call for nations to assume responsibilities
to fight terror, to prevent the spread of weapons of mass
destruction (WMD), "govern themselves wisely," and be
accountable. Acknowledging that "no nation can build a
safer, better world alone," the NSS reiterates U.S. support
for "lasting institutions" such as the UN, WTO, OAS and
NATO, and calls on nations to take seriously their international
obligations. In the "great mission" of furthering "freedom's
triumph" over war, terror, tyranny, poverty, and disease,
"The United States welcomes our responsibility to lead."
Comment: In the
first paragraph of the letter, the word "freedom" or a
derivative thereof appears seven times in four sentences
while in the last paragraph it appears three times in
four sentences. Clearly, this concept is critical as a
goal: for the United States, in preserving its freedoms;
for the rest of the world, in extending "the benefits"
of freedom. But there are implied limits: those not in
freedom's camp will not be allowed the freedom to acquire
what the United States considers dangerous technologies
-- even if this means U.S. unilateral preemptive action.
Moreover, "America
will hold to account" those compromised by or harboring
terrorists. And while averring support for international
institutions and coalitions of the willing, the NSS states
categorically that "In all cases, international obligations
are to be taken seriously" so that they will be achieved.
This is again a veiled hint that, if nations do not abide
by agreements and the international community fails to
enforce them, the United States reserves the right to
act.
This
analysis was prepared by Col. Dan Smith, U.S. Army (Ret.).
Dan, a West Point graduate and Vietnam veteran, is FCNL's
Senior Fellow on Military Affairs..
|
