- Sep 26, 2000
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Project for the New American Century
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PNAC
Principles:
1) we need to increase defense spending significantly if we are to carry out our global responsibilities today and modernize our armed forces for the future;
2) we need to strengthen our ties to democratic allies and to challenge regimes hostile to our interests and values;
3)we need to promote the cause of political and economic freedom abroad;
4)we need to accept responsibility for America's unique role in preserving and extending an international order friendly to our security, our prosperity, and our principles
By the end of 2006, PNAC was "reduced to a voice-mail box and a ghostly website", with "a single employee" "left to wrap things up"
Fail?
I think so. The idea that America could significantly increase defense spending in light of the devastation to our economy by the unfair trade with China was ludicrous.
More importantly, and surprisingly for an organization of people made up of "thinkers" they didn't learn the less of Britains global domination in the 1800's. The threat of force, and the limited use of force, ideally in conjunction with allies (both internationally and internal to the country your attacking), is what works. When you actually have to invade a country the costs are enormous and far outweight any economic benefits. And if you don't win absolutely and decisively without your enemies having any possibility of harming you, you lose. Like when we steamrollered in Iraq, but then found we really couldn't just pack up and leave. Instead we spent a fortune and made huge compromises. Other nations have noticed. They now think the US won't or can't invade them.
Competition between nations in the 21st century will be economic, not military.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PNAC
Principles:
1) we need to increase defense spending significantly if we are to carry out our global responsibilities today and modernize our armed forces for the future;
2) we need to strengthen our ties to democratic allies and to challenge regimes hostile to our interests and values;
3)we need to promote the cause of political and economic freedom abroad;
4)we need to accept responsibility for America's unique role in preserving and extending an international order friendly to our security, our prosperity, and our principles
By the end of 2006, PNAC was "reduced to a voice-mail box and a ghostly website", with "a single employee" "left to wrap things up"
Fail?
I think so. The idea that America could significantly increase defense spending in light of the devastation to our economy by the unfair trade with China was ludicrous.
More importantly, and surprisingly for an organization of people made up of "thinkers" they didn't learn the less of Britains global domination in the 1800's. The threat of force, and the limited use of force, ideally in conjunction with allies (both internationally and internal to the country your attacking), is what works. When you actually have to invade a country the costs are enormous and far outweight any economic benefits. And if you don't win absolutely and decisively without your enemies having any possibility of harming you, you lose. Like when we steamrollered in Iraq, but then found we really couldn't just pack up and leave. Instead we spent a fortune and made huge compromises. Other nations have noticed. They now think the US won't or can't invade them.
Competition between nations in the 21st century will be economic, not military.
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