TRUCON 2023 Highlights Current Issues in National Security
The Truman Center and its sister organization, the Truman National Security Project, hosted a conference highlighting emerging and evolving issues in national security policy. The first day of the “TruCon” event focused on Industrial Policy and the CHIPS ACT; political polarization, and diversity in national security.
Diversity in National Security
In the panel on diversity in national security, panelists discussed the value of diversity for fulfilling mission objectives.
From the academic perspective, Dr. Alyssa Ayres, Dean of the Elliott Schoof of International Affairs at George Washington University emphasized that diversity in national security starts in universities. Dr. Ayres notes the GW’s international affairs program is working to increase diversity in a range of categories, including disability diversity, in its classrooms to provide more opportunities for students interested entering the national security field. Similarly, the university has utilized remote and hybrid technology to bring diverse speakers in front of students.
When entering national security, Dr. Nola Haynes of the Truman National Security Project noted how the security clearance process regularly comes up as a barrier to entry for national security practioners from a range of backgrounds. Dr. Haynes explained that she often gets questions from interested parties who experience anxiety around aspects of the process such as the lie detector test. For communities of color or other vulnerable populations, the process can be intense and stressful.
As employees move through their career, the Honorable Gilbert Cisneros, Under Secretary for Defense Personnel and Readiness noted that the Department has to do better at letting people know what opportunities are available to help people succeed, whether it be connecting with mentors who will nurture their success or assisting with learning new languages and skills.
The group noted how promoting diversity in national security has a strong exernal impact. Dr. Haynes described it as “American keeping its promise.” The panelists agreed that when our nation grapples with racial injustice it impacts our international perception. Conversely, promoting diversity increases the United State’s international credibility.
Industrial Policy & Development
Another panel discussed the CHIPS and Science Act, legislation that made historic investments into American semiconductor manufacturing to improve the national security supply chain.
The panel of industry and government leaders included: Dr. Morgan Dwyer, Chief Security Officer for the CHIPS Program Office, Dr. Anne-Marie Slaughter, CEO of New America, and Jordan Blashek, President and COO of the America’s Frontier Fund.
The industry guests noted the importance of the legislation for kickstarting industry efforts in this space, some efforts were long underway but were accelerated by the legislation.
From the personnel perspectice, Dr. Dwyer noted that the first step after any legislation is passed is setting up an office to implement that legislation and emphasized that good personnel is critical to the success of that implementation journey.
Dr. Slaughter noted the importance of creating strong education pathways to enter the defense industry both in the public and private sector, especially through paid apprenticeships for high school students. Dr. Dwyer explained, “CHIPS is about economic and national security and if we cannot build and operate these facilities we cannot succeed in our goals. So I just want to footstomp everything that has been said here about the criticality of the workforce and a whole-of-society approach to dealing with the workforce challenges.”
According to Dr. Dwyer, the U.S. had previously proceduced the vast majority of semiconductor chips, but that number has declined significantly over the last several years. Now, the U.S. procudes less than 10 percent and countries like China have become the primary producer.
Still, Dr. Dwyer explained that this is about more than competition with China: “It is imperative at the Commerce Department and with CHIPS about stengthening our national security and doing whats good for the American people, and it is possible to do both… We are making historic investiments into American manufacuturing that are going to create tens of thousands of jobs. That is good for America. We are going to encourage awardees who are equesting more ethan $150 million to provide child care. We are encouraging applicants to invest in R&D and partner with universities. So all of this is fundemtnally about improving the lives of everyday Americans.”
Once the office is established, funding is the next critical ingredient. Dr. Dwyer noted the need for consistent and robust appropriations from Congress to ensure the continued success of the program.
Keynote Address
In a keynote presentation, MSNBC news host Rachel Maddow provided a historical overview of attempts to investigate and prosecute nazi sympathizers during World War II who used American media to spread propaganda. The historical account columinated with the story of a prosecutor dismissed by the Truman Administration following his investigation into President Truman’s political allies. Maddow’s call to action encouraged future presidential administrations to be transparent about their personnel decisions so the American people can uncover the truth behind actions and respond accordingly.