Globalized Security: An Allied Industrial Base for the 21st Century

During the Cold War, the United States maintained an extensive industrial base in the event of a global war with the Soviet Union. With the Russian threat diminished, and the downward spiral of allied defense budgets, a new industrial base model may be more effective in managing scarce defense resources. The new model would be spread across the allies, rather than centrally focused in the United States, with several prime-integrating contractors at the hub, and supporting or niche specialties along the spokes. A variety of documents, articles, speeches, and books were reviewed to gain an appreciation for the arguments surrounding U.S. defense trade policy. United States government interviews were conducted with individuals in the Departments of Defense, State, Justice, and Commerce. Discussions were also held with representatives in the Office of the White House Council of Economic Advisors, Congress, industry, and the academic community. Additionally, interviews were conducted in London with representatives from the United Kingdom UK government, industry, and research communities. There is no disagreement that the world has experienced tremendous change in the past decade as a result of the acceleration of globalism. The movement is inexorably forward toward a more integrated international society. It is time for America to adopt a broad allied defense industrial base model, and take the next step in leading this society to a more prosperous and safer future.