Bush National Security Strategy
Posted by benarmstrong on 1/18/2009 6:35:09 PM.
This policy was first proposed by George W. Bush Administration.
Level of Government: National
Status: Implemented

Abstract
Background:
After the September, 11, 2001 attacks, the United States Government responded with a new foreign policy strategy that presented new ideological and tactical focuses.  Advancing democracy and fighting terrorism were the chief concerns.  The 2001 strategy survived as the foundational expression of national security policy throughout Bush's administration.
Purpose:
The Bush National Security Strategy (the Bush 43 strategy) seeks to advance human freedom and protect human dignity.  Specifically, the strategy looks to promote free speech, democratic governance, religious freedom, property rights, and free enterprise.  It pledges to support “any nation determined to build a better future by seeking the rewards of liberty for its people.”  Geopolitically, the Bush strategy does not strive for unchallenged American hegemony.  The strategy argues for a “balance of power that favors human freedom.”  It argues for a “peace that favors liberty.” 
Defending the United States against terrorism is the strategy’s primary goal. Defense objectives include blocking terrorist financing, preventing the acquisition of WMD and other “dangerous technologies.”  Elements of the strategy that do not explicitly promote liberty are intended to enhance American security.

Plans:
To promote freedom and human dignity:
  1. Use political support and financial and military aid to develop strong bonds with states and peoples that aspire to achieve greater freedom.
  2. Advance free trade in coordination with Congress through bilateral, regional and international trade conventions, particularly the Doha Round.
  3. Provide aid to developing countries in order to build democratic institutions. 
To promote global security and defend against the terrorist threat:
  1. Work toward the expansion and modernization of NATO.
  2. Strengthen alliances in regions of the world that are vulnerable to terrorism.
  3. Use technology, law enforcement and integrated intelligence techniques to disrupt or dismantle terrorist cells.
  4. Modernize the United States’ national security apparatus.
  5. Take pre-emptive action to prevent rogue states from acquiring weapons of mass destruction.
Resources:
Billions of dollars were needed to implement the strategy.  The exact cost has yet to be determined and may never be known exactly.  Funds were used to develop military and intelligence technologies, create and sustain a Department of Homeland Security, fight two wars, and provide military assistance to American allies.  Diplomatic resources and international cooperation were needed to pursue free trade agreements and to strengthen alliances.  Congressional approval was needed to approve expanded surveillance, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and military and developmental aid to American allies.

Policy Details

Most uniquely, the Bush national security strategy justifies pre-emptive military engagements in order to keep the homeland safe from attack.  The strategy redefines the nature of the national security threat, arguing that the United States faces exigent threats to its interests from a tactic, terrorism. 

Related Links
Bush Security Strategy Full-Text: This is the primary account of the Bush national security doctrines as developed by the Bush foreign policy team.

Related Articles on Pi
There are no recent articles to display.
.
Coming Soon
Re-imagining Community Colleges (CAP) in Education by Center for American Progress



Login
 
 
 

The following policies address similar issues:
Bush National Security Strategy proposed by George W. Bush Administration
US Defense Policy Survey proposed by Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Obama Administration
Afghanistan Strategy, Mar. 2009 proposed by President Barack Obama, The White House
Smart Power proposed by Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State
Thinking Big on Nuclear Non-Proliferation proposed by Brookings Institution, Carlos Pascual and Steven Pifer
A National Strategy for Global Development proposed by Reuben Brigety and Sabina Dewan, Center for American Progress
Strategic Planning Interagency Group (SPIAG) proposed by Bruce Jentleson, Duke University
The Foreign Assistance Revitalization and Accountability Act (Senate Foreign Aid Reform Bill) proposed by Sens. Kerry, Lugar, Menendez, Corker, Risch and Cardin, U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee