2024 Meridian Summit: Securing an Insecure World
Global security dynamics are experiencing a pivotal transformation, marked by the increasing role of non-state actors and private sector entities in shaping international security outcomes. As American economic, military, and technological hegemony faces growing challenges from near-peer rivals, and military conflicts from Ukraine to the Middle East absorb attention and resources, the United States must navigate an increasingly complex security landscape in unprecedented ways.
Private companies, particularly in the technology sector, now find themselves at the intersection of commercial interests and national security imperatives. The intensifying technological competition has compelled corporations to develop sophisticated security strategies that align national interests with business objectives, especially as private sector innovation becomes increasingly central to national security capabilities.
The imperative to maintain technological superiority while rebuilding industrial capacity has become inseparable from national security objectives. Private sector partners have emerged as essential contributors in this effort, helping the United States preserve its technological edge while strengthening its industrial base through innovative public-private partnerships and strategic collaboration.
Key Takeaways
The evolving security landscape reveals three critical dimensions that will define the future of global security and defense. While bilateral partnerships remain important, broader alliances and coalitions are increasingly necessary to respond to threats that transcend borders. Kay Bailey Hutchison, 22nd U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO, asserts that "America is the leader of the free world... we are a pretty good arbitrator of all of us together, doing something that will strengthen all of us," underscoring how traditional alliance structures are evolving beyond military cooperation to encompass technological, economic, and industrial partnerships. This evolution is demonstrated by NATO's expansion to include 40 official partners beyond its 32 allies, reflecting how security frameworks must adapt to address challenges that transcend regional boundaries. Ambassador Hutchison emphasized that economic leverage, when wielded collectively by major economies and allies, could serve as a powerful tool in maintaining a rules-based international order, particularly in influencing China's behavior through a cohesive stance among NATO and Asia-Pacific partners.
The technological arms race, particularly in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and biotechnology, is a transformative force in shaping the geopolitical landscape. Brittany Masalosalo, Chief Public Policy Officer at HP Inc. asserts that "the tech race is on because it's unequivocal that the [People’s Republic of China] has prioritized technological superiority." This reality—that technological competition has become inseparable from national security—has fundamentally changed how private sector companies operate, forcing them to balance commercial interests with national security imperatives. The challenge extends beyond mere technological development to include supply chain security, research and development priorities, and international technological cooperation that builds economies to withstand future shocks.
The third dimension centers on the urgent need for industrial revitalization. Elbridge Colby, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, warned "the Chinese are preparing for war... that's not a subject of debate at this point." This stark assessment points to a critical vulnerability in America's security infrastructure: the erosion of its industrial and manufacturing capabilities. The disparity in manufacturing capacity—with China's shipbuilding capability exceeding America's by 500 times—represents more than an economic challenge; it poses a fundamental threat to national security and military readiness.
Next Steps
The path to addressing modern security challenges requires concrete action in leveraging non-state actors while strengthening traditional alliances. Key priorities include expanding industrial capacity through strategic ally-shoring initiatives, where burden-sharing, as Ambassador Hutchison noted, means allies must "step up but not be equal with us." This approach should focus on strengthening multilateral institutions, investing in ethical and equitable innovation, and fostering economic resilience through diversified partnerships while reducing dependence on potential adversaries. Success will require implementing targeted industrial policies to rebuild critical manufacturing capabilities, particularly in defense and advanced technology sectors, while fostering innovation through balanced regulation. These efforts must be coordinated through deeper public-private partnerships and international collaboration, ensuring that the United States and its allies can maintain technological superiority and industrial readiness in an increasingly complex security environment.
Project summary
| 2024 Meridian Summit: Securing an Insecure World | October 2024 | |
|---|---|
| Impact Areas: | Security and Defense |
| Program Areas: | Diplomatic Engagement |
