Summary
National security is a fundamental responsibility of any government, and the United States is no exception. It encompasses the protection of the nation’s citizens, territory, and institutions from external threats. This includes, but is not limited to, military defense, intelligence gathering, diplomacy, and economic security.
- There are many issues related to National Security that Congress is looking to address with legislation. In the ‘About’ section of this post is an overview of the issues and potential solutions, party positions, and web links. Other sections have information on relevant committees, chairs, & caucuses; departments & agencies; and the judiciary, nonpartisan & partisan organizations, and a wikipedia entry.
- To participate in ongoing forums, ask the post’s curators questions, and make suggestions, scroll to the ‘Discuss’ section at the bottom of each post or select the “comment” icon.
The National Security category has related posts and three posts on issues of particular focus: Cybersecurity, NATO, Robotic Warfare.
National Security Agency – 23/06/2023 (01:03)
The National Security Operations Center is the National Security Agency’s nerve center, responsible for managing its cryptologic posture for time-sensitive actions and crisis response to optimize the agency’s global effectiveness and provide actionable intelligence to decision-makers. NSOC personnel have never left the watch, ensuring that NSA is responsive 24 hours a day, every day. Learn about NSOC, its mission, and its people, in this brief overview.
OnAir Post: National Security
News
Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance served in the U.S. Marine Corps, and he’s the first veteran of Iraq or Afghanistan to appear on a presidential ballot.
But Vance isn’t a hawk; in fact, he now leads a contingent of war veterans in the Republican Party who oppose U.S. military intervention abroad.
“I served my country honorably and I saw when I went to Iraq that I had been lied to,” Vance said on the Senate floor in April after the chamber passed $61 billion of new aid for Ukraine.
PBS NewsHour – February 14, 2024 (06:09)
One of the handful of members of Congress with the most access to America’s secrets warned of a “serious national security threat” on Wednesday. Leaders have since described it as “serious but not urgent.” Nick Schifrin reports.
House Financial Services Committee – February 29, 2024
Today, the House Financial Services Committee advanced five pieces of legislation out of Committee that bring greater accountability to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), ensure the Secret Service has the tools to detect and deter illicit finance, and reverse the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) SAB 121 digital asset accounting guidance under the Congressional Review Act (CRA).
About
Issues & Potential Legislative Solutions
1. Cyber Warfare:
- Issue: Increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure, government agencies, and businesses.
- Solution: Invest in robust cybersecurity infrastructure, develop offensive and defensive capabilities, and establish international cooperation to combat cyber threats.
2. Climate Change:
- Issue: Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and resource scarcity pose significant security risks.
- Solution: Implement policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, invest in climate adaptation measures, and build resilience in vulnerable regions.
3. Emerging Technologies:
- Issue: Rapid advancements in technologies like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and autonomous weapons raise ethical and security concerns.
- Solution: Develop ethical guidelines for the development and use of emerging technologies, invest in research and development to maintain a technological edge, and establish international norms to prevent their misuse.
4. Foreign Interference:
- Issue: Foreign actors attempting to influence elections, spread disinformation, and undermine democratic institutions.
- Solution: Strengthen cybersecurity defenses, improve intelligence gathering, and promote international cooperation to counter foreign interference.
5. Terrorism:
- Issue: Persistent threats from terrorist organizations and lone wolves.
- Solution: Enhance counterterrorism capabilities, improve intelligence sharing, and address root causes of extremism.
6. Nuclear Proliferation:
- Issue: The risk of nuclear weapons falling into the wrong hands or being used.
- Solution: Strengthen nonproliferation agreements, promote nuclear disarmament, and improve nuclear security measures.
7. Pandemics:
- Issue: The potential for global pandemics to cause widespread disruption and loss of life.
- Solution: Invest in public health infrastructure, develop pandemic preparedness plans, and promote international cooperation to respond to health emergencies.
8. Space Security:
- Issue: The increasing militarization of space and the potential for space-based weapons.
- Solution: Develop international norms and regulations for space activities, promote peaceful uses of space, and invest in space situational awareness capabilities.
9. Drug Trafficking and Organized Crime:
- Issue: Transnational criminal networks engaged in drug trafficking, human smuggling, and other illicit activities.
- Solution: Strengthen law enforcement capabilities, disrupt supply chains, and address the underlying causes of drug addiction and organized crime.
10. Economic Disparity and Inequality:
- Issue: Economic inequality and social unrest can create vulnerabilities that are exploited by adversaries.
- Solution: Promote economic growth and development, address social inequalities, and invest in education and job training.
Source: Google Search + Bard AI + onAir curation
Party Positions
Democratic Party
- Increased diplomatic engagement and multilateralism: Engage with allies and adversaries alike to resolve conflicts peacefully and build a safer world.
- Strong military deterrence: Maintain a robust military to deter aggression and respond to threats.
- Cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection: Invest in technologies and policies to protect against cyberattacks and other threats to national infrastructure.
- Climate change as a national security threat: Recognize the impact of climate change on national security and prioritize mitigation and adaptation efforts.
- Nuclear nonproliferation and arms control: Support international treaties and agreements to reduce the risk of nuclear weapons proliferation and use.
Republican Party
- “America First” foreign policy: Prioritize American interests and values in international relations.
- Stronger military defense: Increase defense spending, research, and development to maintain superiority in the armed forces.
- Cybersecurity and border security: Strengthen protections against cyberattacks and improve border security to prevent threats from entering the country.
- Energy independence and security: Promote domestic energy production and reduce reliance on foreign oil.
- Focused counterterrorism: Target terrorist organizations and their networks with aggressive military and intelligence operations.
Key Differences
- Diplomacy and multilateralism: Democrats emphasize diplomatic engagement and international cooperation, while Republicans prioritize American interests and a more unilateral approach.
- Military spending: Republicans generally favor higher defense spending, while Democrats advocate for a balanced approach that includes diplomacy.
- Cybersecurity: Both parties recognize the importance of cybersecurity, but Republicans tend to focus more on defense while Democrats prioritize both defense and prevention.
- Climate change: Democrats view climate change as a major national security threat, while Republicans have a more mixed view.
- Arms control: Democrats generally support nuclear arms control treaties, while Republicans are more skeptical of such agreements.
Source: Google Search + Gemini + onAir curation
Websites
Executive Branch
- The White House
- Department of State
- Department of Defense
- Department of Homeland Security
- Department of Justice
- Office of the Director of National Intelligence
Legislative Branch
- Senate Armed Services Committee
- Senate Foreign Relations Committee
- House Armed Services Committee
- House Foreign Affairs Committee
Judiciary Branch
- Supreme Court of the United States
- United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
- Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court
Non-Governmental Organizations
- Center for Strategic and International Studies
- Council on Foreign Relations
- RAND Corporation
- Stimson Center
- United States Institute of Peace
Other Resources
- Security and Sustainability Forum
- National Defense University
- National Counterterrorism Center
- National Intelligence University
Source: Google Search + Gemini + onAir curation
Departments & Agencies
Departments
Source: Google Search + Gemini + onAir curation
Department of Defense (DoD)
- Responsible for defending the United States from external threats
- Includes the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force
Department of State (DoS)
- Conducts foreign policy and diplomacy
- Negotiates treaties and agreements with other countries
- Represents the United States at international organizations
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- Protects the United States from terrorism, natural disasters, and other emergencies
- Includes the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Department of Justice (DoJ)
- Enforces federal laws and prosecutes crimes
- Counterterrorism investigations and intelligence
- Oversees national security courts
Department of Energy (DoE)
- Manages the US nuclear arsenal
- Develops and maintains energy security infrastructure
- Conducts research on non-proliferation technologies
Department of Treasury (DoT)
- Protects the financial system from threats such as money laundering and terrorist financing
- Enforces sanctions and embargoes
- Provides intelligence on financial networks
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
- Prepares for and responds to public health emergencies
- Develops vaccines and treatments for biological threats
- Provides medical support to military operations
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
- Collects and analyzes intelligence on foreign governments and organizations
- Supports covert operations
- Provides policymakers with national security assessments
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Investigates domestic terrorism, espionage, and other national security threats
- Conducts counterintelligence operations
- Protects US citizens and interests at home and abroad
National Security Agency (NSA)
- Collects and decrypts foreign communications
- Conducts cyberwarfare operations
- Provides intelligence to policymakers and the military
Agencies
Source: Google Search + Gemini + onAir curation
Intelligence Community
- Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- National Security Agency (NSA)
- Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)
- National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA)
Department of Defense (DoD)
- United States Army
- United States Navy
- United States Air Force
- United States Marine Corps
- United States Space Force
- Unified Combatant Commands
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- Coast Guard
Department of State
- Diplomatic Security Service
- Bureau of Diplomatic Security
Department of Justice
- National Security Division
- Federal Bureau of Prisons
Department of Energy
- National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
Other Agencies
- National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC)
- Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI)
- Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
Committees & Caucuses
Committees
Source: Google Search + Gemini + onAir curation
House of Representatives
- Armed Services Committee (HASC): Oversees military operations, acquisition, personnel, and strategy.
- Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC): Responsible for foreign relations, diplomacy, and international security assistance.
- Intelligence Committee (HPSCI): Oversees intelligence activities and agencies, including the CIA, NSA, and FBI.
- Homeland Security Committee (HHSC): Focuses on domestic security, including border security, terrorism, and cybersecurity.
Senate
- Armed Services Committee (SASC): Similar to HASC, but with broader oversight and policymaking responsibilities.
- Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC): Counterpart to HFAC, responsible for shaping US foreign policy.
- Intelligence Committee (SSCI): Responsible for overseeing intelligence activities and agencies.
- Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC): Similar to HHSC, but with a broader focus on homeland security and government efficiency.
Joint Committees
- Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI): Joint committee of House and Senate members that oversees intelligence matters.
- Joint Economic Committee (JEC): Explores economic implications of national security issues, such as defense spending and trade.
Other Relevant Subcommittees
- HASC Subcommittee on Strategic Forces
- SASC Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities
- HPSCI Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Counterintelligence, and Counterproliferation
- SFRC Subcommittee on International Operations
- HHSC Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterterrorism
- HSGAC Subcommittee on Federal Management, Emergency Management, and Cybersecurity
Caucuses
Source: Google Search + Gemini + onAir curation
Caucuses Focused on Specific Regions
- Congressional Caucus on China and the United States: Addresses issues related to US-China relations, including trade, security, and human rights.
- Congressional Caucus on Japan: Promotes dialogue and cooperation between the US and Japan on economic, security, and cultural matters.
- Congressional Caucus on the Middle East and North Africa: Focuses on promoting stability and security in the Middle East and North Africa, addressing issues such as terrorism, conflict resolution, and energy security.
- Congressional Ukraine Caucus: Advocates for US support for Ukraine, including military aid, sanctions on Russia, and humanitarian assistance.
- Congressional Taiwan Caucus: Supports Taiwan’s security and democracy, advocating for increased US engagement with the island nation.
Caucuses Focused on Security Issues
- Congressional Cybersecurity Caucus: Addresses cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities, including data breaches, identity theft, and cyber espionage.
- Congressional Defense Industries Caucus: Supports the US defense industry and promotes innovation in defense technologies.
- Congressional Hispanic Caucus Armed Services Task Force: Advocates for the interests of Hispanic Americans in the armed forces and addresses issues such as recruitment, retention, and discrimination.
- Congressional Intelligence Caucus: Provides oversight of US intelligence agencies and policies, addressing issues such as surveillance, terrorism, and counterintelligence.
- Congressional Veterans Caucus: Supports the interests of US veterans and their families, advocating for access to healthcare, education, and housing.
Caucuses Focused on Foreign Policy and Diplomacy
- Congressional Black Caucus Foreign Affairs Task Force: Advocates for Africa-focused foreign policy initiatives and addresses issues such as trade, humanitarian aid, and conflict resolution.
- Congressional Progressive Caucus International Affairs Task Force: Supports progressive foreign policy initiatives, including diplomacy, international cooperation, and arms control.
- House Foreign Affairs Committee: The standing committee in the House of Representatives that oversees US foreign relations and diplomacy.
- Senate Foreign Relations Committee: The standing committee in the Senate that oversees US foreign relations and diplomacy.
- Congressional Hunger Center: Addresses global hunger and malnutrition, advocating for food security and nutrition programs.
Other Caucuses Relevant to National Security
- Congressional Arts Caucus: Supports the role of the arts in diplomacy and international understanding.
- Congressional Blockchain Caucus: Explores the use of blockchain technology in national security, including for secure communication and supply chain management.
- Congressional Coffee Caucus: Promotes the coffee industry and supports Colombian peace efforts.
- Congressional STEM Education Caucus: Advocates for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, recognizing its importance for national security.
- Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucus: Promotes travel and tourism as economic drivers and supports national security through consular affairs and border security.
More Information
National Security
Source: Google Search + Bard AI + onAir curation
Judiciary and National Security: A Delicate Balance
The relationship between the judiciary and national security is a complex one, often marked by tension between the need for swift and decisive action to protect the nation and the imperative to uphold individual rights and liberties. The judiciary plays a crucial role in ensuring that the government’s actions in the name of national security are consistent with the law and the Constitution.
Key Roles of the Judiciary in National Security
- Oversight: The judiciary acts as a check on the executive branch, ensuring that its actions in the name of national security are lawful and do not infringe on individual rights. This includes reviewing government surveillance programs, detention policies, and the use of force.
- Interpretation: Courts interpret laws related to national security, such as those governing intelligence gathering, immigration, and the use of military force. Their interpretations can have a significant impact on the scope of government power in these areas.
- Protection of Rights: The judiciary protects the rights of individuals who may be affected by national security measures. This includes ensuring that detainees have access to due process, that privacy rights are not unduly violated, and that freedom of speech and expression are protected.
Challenges and Considerations
- Classified Information: The judiciary often faces challenges in reviewing cases involving classified information, as disclosure of such information could pose a risk to national security. This can make it difficult for courts to assess the legality of government actions.
- National Security Deference: Courts may be reluctant to second-guess the government’s judgments in matters of national security, particularly when the government claims that its actions are necessary to protect the country from threats. This deference can sometimes lead to a narrowing of judicial scrutiny.
- Balancing Rights and Security: The judiciary must often balance the need for national security with the protection of individual rights. This can be a difficult task, particularly in times of crisis.
Examples of Judicial Involvement in National Security
- Surveillance Programs: Courts have played a key role in reviewing government surveillance programs, such as the NSA’s mass surveillance of phone records and internet metadata.
- Detainee Treatment: The judiciary has been involved in cases challenging the treatment of detainees at Guantanamo Bay and other detention facilities.
- Use of Force: Courts have considered the legality of the government’s use of force in foreign countries, including drone strikes and military interventions.
In conclusion, the judiciary plays a vital role in ensuring that the government’s actions in the name of national security are lawful and consistent with the Constitution. While the relationship between the judiciary and national security can be fraught with challenges, the judiciary’s oversight is essential to protecting both national security and individual rights.
Nonpartisan Organizations
Source: Google Search + Gemini + onAir curation
- Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS): A think tank that conducts research and analysis on a wide range of national security issues, including defense, energy, and foreign policy.
- Council on Foreign Relations (CFR): A nonpartisan membership organization that serves as a forum for discussion and analysis of international affairs.
- RAND Corporation: A nonpartisan research organization that provides objective analysis and solutions to public policy issues, including national security.
- Stimson Center: A nonpartisan think tank that conducts research and analysis on arms control and nonproliferation issues.
- United States Institute of Peace (USIP): A federally funded organization that works to promote peace and stability around the world through research, education, and training.
Partisan Organizations
Source: Google Search + Gemini + onAir curation
Democratic-Aligned
- Brookings Institution: Nonpartisan think tank with a strong focus on national security and foreign policy, known for its moderate Democratic leanings.
- Center for American Progress: Progressive think tank that advocates for policies related to national security, climate change, and economic equality.
- Council on Foreign Relations: Nonpartisan think tank that promotes the study and understanding of international affairs, with a membership that includes prominent Democrats.
- RAND Corporation: Nonpartisan research organization that provides analysis and policy recommendations on national security, defense, and other issues.
Republican-Aligned
- American Conservative Union: Conservative advocacy group that promotes policies related to national security, limited government, and free markets.
- Heritage Foundation: Conservative think tank that focuses on national security, fiscal policy, and other conservative issues.
- Hudson Institute: Conservative think tank that specializes in international security, defense, and foreign policy.
- Hoover Institution: Conservative think tank affiliated with Stanford University, known for its research on national security, economics, and public policy.
Other Partisan Organizations
- National Security Action: Democratic-aligned group that advocates for a strong and effective national security policy.
- National Security Council: Executive branch agency that advises the President on national security matters, with representation from both Democratic and Republican administrations.
- Progressive Change Campaign Committee: Progressive advocacy organization that supports candidates and policies related to national security, social justice, and economic fairness.
- Republican National Committee: Political party organization that promotes Republican candidates and policies, including those related to national security.
” National security of the US” (Wiki)”
National security of the United States is a collective term encompassing the policies of both U.S. national defense and foreign relations.[1]
Elements of policy
Measures taken to ensure U.S. national security include:
- Using diplomacy to rally allies and isolate threats.
- Marshaling economic power to elicit cooperation.
- Maintaining effective armed forces.
- Implementing civil defense and emergency preparedness policies (including anti-terrorism legislation)
- Ensuring the resilience and redundancy of critical infrastructure.
- Using intelligence services to detect and defeat or avoid threats and espionage, and to protect classified information.
- Tasking counterintelligence services or secret police to protect the nation from internal threats.[2]
The Constitution
The phrase “national security” entered U.S. political discourse as early as the Constitutional Convention. The Federalists argued that civilian control of the military required a strong central government under a single constitution. Alexander Hamilton wrote: “If a well-regulated militia be the most natural defense of a free country, it ought certainly to be under the regulation and at the disposal of that body which is constituted the guardian of the national security.” [3]
Organization
U.S. National Security organization has remained essentially stable since July 26, 1947, when U.S. President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security Act of 1947. Together with its 1949 amendment, this act:
- Created the National Military Establishment (NME) which became known as the Department of Defense when the act was amended in 1949.
- Formed a separate Department of the Air Force from the existing United States Army Air Forces.
- Subordinated the military branches to the new Secretary of Defense.
- Established the National Security Council to coordinate national security policy in the Executive Branch.
- Chartered the Central Intelligence Agency.[4]
Civil liberties
After 9/11, the passage of the USA Patriot Act provoked debate about the alleged restriction of individual rights and freedoms for the sake of U.S. national security. The easing of warrant requirements for intelligence surveillance, under Title II of the Act, spurred the NSA warrantless surveillance controversy.[5] In August 2008, the United States Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court of Review (FISCR) affirmed the constitutionality of warrantless national security surveillance.[6]
See also
- National security § United States
- National Security Medal
- National Security Advisor
- Deputy National Security Advisor
- Anti-terrorism legislation
- Computer insecurity
- Homeland security
- Nuclear deterrence
- Terrorism in the United States
References
- ^ U.S. Department of Defense, Joint Chiefs of Staff, New Revised Edition, Joint Pub. 1-02, 1990. Full text online Archived October 10, 2016, at the Wayback Machine
- ^
Encyclopedia of United States National Security, 2 Vol., Sage Publications (2005), ISBN 0-7619-2927-4. - ^ Alexander Hamilton, The Federalist No. 29, “Concerning the Militia,” Jan. 9, 1788 Full text online
- ^ Amy B. Zegart, Flawed by Design: The Evolution of the CIA, JCS, and NSC, Stanford University Press (1999,ISBN 0-8047-4131-X.
- ^ Nola K Breglio, “Leaving FISA Behind: The Need to Return to Warrantless Surveillance,” Yale Law Journal, September 24, 2003. Full text PDF
- ^ “Court Affirms Wiretapping Without Warrants,” New York Times, January 15, 2009. Full text online.
