Daily Research Sheets

President Joe Biden released a national defense blueprint outlining his administration’s broad goals and objectives, naming China as the US’s primary competitor. In terms of space, the Interim National Security Strategic Guidance issued on March 3 states that the US will “explore and use” space while also ensuring its safety and stability.

Although the administration keeps working on a more comprehensive National Security Strategy, the guidance is intended to assist agencies in planning budgets and strategies. One of the main themes is that the US must communicate with the rest of the world. “Diplomacy is making a comeback. “Alliances are making a comeback,” Biden declares in the document.

According to the guidelines, the US must take the lead “in fostering common norms and forging fresh agreements on emerging technology, space, cyberspace, health as well as biological risks, climate, and the atmosphere, and human rights.” According to Biden, the Defense Department would need to set “specific targets” in its budget. To cope with an “increasingly assertive China” and a “destabilizing Russia,” the Department of Defense would have to realign resources.

According to the paper, the administration will collaborate with Congress to redirect funding away from “unneeded legacy platforms and military systems” and toward cutting-edge technology and capabilities. Biden further requests that the Department of Defense “streamline the processes for designing, evaluating, obtaining, implementing, and securing these technologies.”

Other insights from the document include: China’s assertiveness is increasingly increasing. It is the only competitor with the ability to challenge the international system by combining economic, political, military, and technological influence. Russia is adamant about increasing its global presence and playing a disruptive function on the global stage. Terrorism and violent extremism, both domestic and foreign, remain major threats. Regional actors such as North Korea and Iran continue pursuing capabilities and technologies.

The following are some other highlights from the report:

“We will assess the appropriate structure, capabilities, and sizing of the force, and, together with Congress, shift our focus away from unnecessary legacy platforms as well as weapons equipment to free up assets for investments in the high-end technologies and capabilities that will decide our military anvil,” the document said. The processes for designing, evaluating, purchasing, deploying, as well as securing these technologies will be streamlined.”

“We will make cybersecurity a top priority, enhancing our capability, preparation, and resilience in cyberspace,” according to the study. We would make cybersecurity a top priority for the federal government. We’ll work together to handle and share the risk, and we’ll promote cross-sector collaboration at all levels to create a safe and stable online environment for all the Americans.”