Essay About American People And State Actors

Us Defense Strategy
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Question 1
In Secretary Gates speech, he reiterates the current focus of the US Defense Strategy
objective from the Strategic Environment section: [U.S. dominance in conventional warfare has
given prospective adversaries, particularly non-state actors and their state sponsors, strong
motivation to adopt asymmetric methods to counter our advantages. For this reason, we need to
display a mastery of irregular warfare comparable to that which we possess in conventional
combat. We are building partner nation capacity so friends can better defend themselves].
(Sec. Gates): While preserving all of our conventional military deterrence abilities as
traditionally understood, we have become more attentive to both “hard” and “soft” elements of
national power, where military, diplomatic, economic, culture, and humanitarian elements fold
into one another to ensure better long term security based on our own capabilities and those of our
partners.
The Defense Strategy counterbalances what Sec Gates sees because it has traditionally focused
on defending the American people and winning the nations wars at all cost. Sec Gate said that
while that still holds true we are also more focused on those efforts of building strong alliances
with Asia and other countries to deter/prevent any conflicts or misunderstandings and to promote
a peaceful, tyrant free, region between alliances so as to mutually continue to prosper.
Question 2
I. Offered a positive vision of hope and opportunity that is rooted in our most basic
values.
He discussed our values that included our deep belief in freedom, and the dignity and equality
of every person and all people deserve to live in just societies that are governed by the rule of law and
free from corruption or intimidation. America has long been a beacon of hope and opportunity for
people across the world and we must continue to be that beacon of hope for a better life.
II. Sought to isolate and marginalize violent extremists who threaten the freedom and peace sought
by civilized people of every nation, culture and faith.
Conveyed the hope and values that are consistent with a free and secure society. Promoted
democratization and good governance as a path to a positive future, in secure and pluralistic societies;
Isolating and discrediting terrorist leaders, facilitators, and organizations. He de-legitimizing terror as an
acceptable tactic to achieve political ends; and demonstrated that the West is open to all religions and is
not in conflict with any faith.
III. Emphasized how America must work to nurture common interests and values between
Americans and peoples of different countries, cultures and faiths across the world.
Emphasized shared interests in expanding economic opportunity, promoting peaceful resolution
of conflicts, enhancing scientific collaboration, fighting diseases that respect no border, and
protecting our common environment. He talked about how all Asian countries whether large or
small are strongly and positively enhanced by a strong U.S. presence. He described the United
States as a Pacific nation and strongly emphasized our roles of ally partner, and friend; as a
routine offshore presence; and as an agent of professionalism and capacity in service to a range
of non-military needs, such as disaster response. He stressed that our alliances are the foundation
of our security presence, enabled and strengthened by our relationships with partners and friends.
He reminded the audience how globalization has permitted our shared rise in wealth.
Question 3
ENDS – U.S. foreign policy objectives in Somalia are to eliminate the terrorist threat and promote
political stability by supporting the establishment of a functioning central government, and to address the
humanitarian needs of the Somalia people. Our policy in the region is to eliminate any platform for al-
Qaida or other terrorist operations, to promote and support regional stability and representative
governance, to provide humanitarian assistance in the wake of a drought, flooding and 16 years of near
constant conflict in southern/central Somalia, and work with governments in the region to transform their
countries through investing in the people and good governance and promoting economic growth.
WAYS – Encourage political dialogue between the Transitional Federal Institutions and other key
Somalia stakeholders with the goal of forming an inclusive