ChinaTalk Michèle Flournoy on "Affecting the Strategic Calculus"
Mar 24, 2021
Michèle Flournoy, a prominent former Undersecretary of Defense for Policy and co-founder of CNAS, joins Eric Lofgren to delve into critical military strategies. They explore China's strategies in systems destruction warfare and the pressing need for the U.S. to modernize its defense investments by potentially divesting from legacy weapon systems. The conversation highlights the importance of AI and ML in reshaping military decision-making and advocates for a comprehensive 'Manhattan Project' approach to technology in defense, addressing the competitive landscape with China.
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Nuclear Policy and Strategic Stability
- Nuclear weapons must be strategically minimized while deterring their use by rising powers.
- Broadening strategic stability discussions beyond nuclear weapons to include cyber and space is essential.
Legacy Systems and Future Investments
- DOD must evaluate trade-offs between existing programs and emerging technologies, not complete divestment.
- Prioritize integrating new capabilities like AI and cybersecurity into the current force for future deterrence.
Engaging Congress and Industry
- Include Congress and industry in discussions about defense modernization to overcome inertia and vested interests.
- Demonstrate the consequences of inaction to create a shared sense of urgency and drive necessary change.