Charting the Future of Trusted Security Cooperation

This conversation was part of the 2025 Meridian Summit: Shaping Geopolitical Futures.

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As global security threats become more complex, ranging from emerging technologies to renewed great-power competition, the importance of trusted international alliances is greater than ever. With global military expenditures rising to record levels and spending going up by 37 percent between 2015 and 2024, how America is approaching security cooperation was the focus of a discussion moderated by Roy Kapani, Trustee at Meridian International Center, Ambassador Bonnie Jenkins, Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security (2021-2024). With tensions escalating in the Asia Pacific, open conflict continuing in Europe, and a fragile cease fire in the Middle East, America’s approach to security cooperation is top of mind for partners and allies around the world.  

Here are the Top Takeaways from the Program:

1. NEW CHALLENGES REQUIRE NEW PARTNERSHIPS

The AUKUS partnership between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia reflects a modern approach to alliance-building in the Indo-Pacific. Structured around two main pillars —the development of nuclear-powered submarines, and collaboration in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and 5G—AUKUS represents both a technological leap and a diplomatic milestone. Serving as a model for how the West can face new global challenges together, it combines strategic deterrence with responsible innovation and respect for non-proliferation norms. “AUKUS  is a new way of trying to do things by looking at which countries are the best ones to work with, who has the type of technology that would be helpful, and working across a number of countries, in this case, originally three, and hopefully even more in the future” explained Ambassador Jenkins.  

2. STRONG EXTENDED NUCLEAR DETERRENCE AS STRATEGIC ASSURANCE TO ALLIES

America’s extended nuclear deterrence serves a multipurpose role in today’s landscape, from deterrence of potential adversaries, to underpinning regional security around the world and preventing the further proliferation of nuclear weapons. “We need to ensure that countries know that we have their backs and that they don't need to develop nuclear weapons” advised Ambassador Jenkins, adding, “ it's  always important to reinforce that commitment so that countries under the nuclear umbrella … understand that our commitment is ironclad.” With such high stakes, there is little room for ambiguity.  

3. TRUST AND TRANSPARENCY COMPLEMENT DETERRENCE EFFORTS

Dialogue and engagement with neighbors, partners, and multilateral institutions is vital to ensure that publics and governments are informed of your intentions and the scope of your collaboration. Transparency is not a vulnerability, but a strength—essential for maintaining cooperation and credibility among partners and the public, as well as clarity about boundaries with adversaries. Multilateral institutions also play a critical role in sustaining trust. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), for example, continues to monitor and report on AUKUS implementation, helping ensure compliance and build confidence across the international community. These mechanisms clarify intent and establish new standards for responsible integration of emerging technologies into global security frameworks. 

Next Steps:

Governments must enhance coordination among defense, diplomatic, and private sectors, developing frameworks that promote innovation while maintaining essential safeguards. Ongoing communication with partners and allies will be vital to preserving confidence, especially amid shifting geopolitical dynamics and domestic political transitions. To maintain global stability, nations must reaffirm their commitment to deterrence, strengthen long-term partnerships, and invest in systems that enable effective cooperation to ensure that greater militarization does not lead to greater global instability.