RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY

Through its publications, INSS provides rigorous, forward‑looking research and analysis on critical national security issues that support the joint warfighter and inform Department of War decision‑makers.

 

Research and Commentary

News | May 1, 2014

Strategy and Force Planning in a Time of Austerity

By Michael J. Meese Strategic Forum 288

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Key Points

 

 

  • Force planning and defense budgeting processes that may work well with spending increases have significant problems with budget reductions under austerity. 
  • The current U.S. fiscal crisis and political polarization make strategic planning and defense decisionmaking difficult. 
  • As part of strategy, defense leaders need to engage in a credible dialogue about austerity, to include discussing fiscal policy and nondefense spending.

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