National Defense University Symposium

Economic Security: Neglected Dimension of National Security?

24-25 August 2010

The new U.S. National Security Strategy says, ". . . we must renew the foundation of America's strength. In the long run, the welfare of the American people will determine America's strength in the world, particularly at a time when our own economy is inextricably linked to the global economy. Our prosperity serves as a wellspring for our power. It pays for our military, underwrites our diplomacy and development efforts, and serves as a leading source of our influence in the world." This concept is not new, nor is economic security itself a complex concept. However, aside from the difficult political choices to set priorities for emphasis and resources there are strong differences in views on how the nation can best build and sustain a strong economy. Some fundamental components are widely accepted:

- A healthy, well-educated, skilled, and innovative workforce

- A free, fair, and rule-based economic environment

- Infrastructure able to support commerce, growth and technological advances, domestically and abroad

- Adequate supplies of clean, reliable, sustainable energy

- Open foreign markets for our products and services

This symposium seeks to illuminate and promote informed discussion on the ways in which government and commercial sector leaders must work together to reform and revitalize our national economy to support enhanced national security. Featured speakers include government officials and a wide range of private sector experts. This symposium will be of interest to members of the business community, specialists in national security affairs and public policy in and out of government, military officers, the diplomatic and attaché corps, and members of the media.