Might Plus ‘Smart Power’
By Colleen Hussey at 2 February, 2010, 4:48 pm
Might Plus ‘Smart Power’
By Gen. James T. Hill and Adm. Robert J. Natter
St. Petersburg Times: February 2, 2010
As officers in the U.S. military, we were honored to be able to devote our careers to keeping America safe. We are proud to have served in the best and strongest military in the world, but our decades of experience have taught us that military might alone is not enough to protect the United States. Today, some of the most serious threats facing our country from around the world come from poverty, disease, weak and failing states, and a lack of economic opportunity. Keeping America safe still requires a strong military. But more than ever, we must utilize all three tools of our national power — defense, diplomacy and development. Often called “smart power,” this approach is absolutely essential for American security, prosperity and global leadership.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates has been an outspoken proponent of increasing U.S. diplomacy and development capabilities, saying, “When it comes to America’s engagement with the rest of the world, it is important that the military is — and is clearly seen to be — in a supporting role to civilian agencies. Our diplomatic leaders — be they in ambassador’s suites or on the seventh floor of the State Department — must have the resources and political support needed to fully exercise their statutory responsibilities in leading American foreign policy.”
Gen. James T. Hill served as commander of the U.S. Southern Command, 2002-04. Adm. Robert J. Natter served as the commander in chief of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet, 2000-03. Both are members of the National Security Advisory Council of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition.
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