Recap: America’s Global Leadership: What’s It Worth to Tennessee?
By Anabelle Ballard, Sophomore and Jackson Craig Scott, Graduate Teaching Assistant, Baker School
Last month, the Center for National Security and Foreign Affairs hosted the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) for an exclusive event entitled “America’s Global Leadership: What’s It Worth to Tennessee?” The event brought together military veterans and other local leaders from the Knoxville area to discuss issues pertaining to America’s national security.
The three panelists were Lt. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), former Commanding General of III Marine Expeditionary Force, Hon. Manisha Singh, former Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs, and Anka Lee, Deputy Assistant Administrator at the U.S. Agency for International Development. They participated in a discussion centered around the importance of America’s leadership in the Indo-Pacific and economic competition with the People’s Republic of China (PRC). They discussed the impact these topics have on global stability along with domestic national security interests.
Regarding American leadership internationally, the panelists emphasized the importance of the three D’s: diplomacy, development, and defense. Nicholson shared that the military cannot work adequately without the aid of non-military government partners. To combat the PRC abroad, the U.S. needs to initiate relationships with other countries that are superior to those offered by the PRC. Nicholson recognized how there are “far too many embassies without a U.S. ambassador,” and that we must be giving attention to all countries. He specifically stated that we should focus more on smaller islands throughout the Indo-Pacific.
Singh underscored the importance of economic diplomacy as a foundational component of the U.S.’s bilateral relationships, especially concerning the U.S.’s efforts to counter China. Reflecting on her time at the State Department, Singh shared that concerns with China were raised in every meeting she attended with foreign diplomats. Singh noted that “it is critical to work with our partners and allies to provide alternatives to Chinese investments,” and stressed the need to help countries develop sustainable economic systems that promote sovereignty. On China’s predatory loan policies, Singh said, “The choice isn’t between China and America. It’s between China and your own sovereignty.”
Along with diplomacy, panelists discussed the importance of global economic connections in the face of PRC threats. Speakers remarked how economic bridges are some of the most important components of bilateral relations among countries, claiming the U.S. needs to enable partners to cultivate their own self-sufficient economies. They noted that the U.S. is limited in its ability to change China, but not in its ability to influence things around it.
To solve this, Lee said we need to answer these challenges with the United States’ affirmative, development agenda that:
- Supports partner countries to transparently conserve and manage natural resources, address and adapt to the climate crisis, and better protect the environment.
- Empowers partner countries to develop open and secure digital ecosystems – including robust cybersecurity – and policies and regulations consistent with international standards.
- Helps partner countries demonstrate that democratic institutions, respect for human rights, and adherence to the rule of law will deliver tangible results for societies and individuals.
- Ensures that partner countries can enhance their own economic resilience and independence so that they can more effectively make their own sovereign decisions.
Looking to the future, the panel recognized the overwhelmingly widespread influence of the PRC globally. “China is everywhere”, they shared, citing that China is currently the top trading partner to 130 of the world’s 193 countries. The panelists reflected on the importance of U.S. awareness and presence globally. General Nicholson recognized that China has flourished under American watch in the past, and as a result, the U.S. must turn its attention towards the actions and intentions of the PRC. Panelists stressed the importance of U.S. investment abroad, both through military presence and long-term partnership. Lee concluded by stating “It is essential that America continues to be a global leader in the face of threat. Work must be done for both the good of the world, and in the name of protecting U.S. national security interests.”