WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 3: The U.S. Capitol Building is seen on June 3, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kevin Carter/Getty Images)
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In my recent discussions with students, former government officials, and business leaders, I am frequently asked two specific questions: what are the essential keys to maintaining America’s global influence, and after a forty-year career in national security, would I still recommend a career in the federal workforce?
My answer usually begins with an overview of the historical foundations of American strength. I identify ten core pillars: our friendly neighbors in North and South America, our abundant natural resources, our powerful alliances, unparalleled economic strength, technological supremacy, dominant military and intelligence capabilities, an unrivaled civil service and the rule of law, a world-class defense industry, our ability to attract global talent through immigration, and our soft power.
As we approach the nation’s 250th anniversary, several of these pillars require urgent scrutiny due to recent shifts in the geopolitical and domestic landscape.
The Importance of Strategic Alliances
For much of the last century, America’s network of alliances has served as a cornerstone of global stability. These relationships extend far beyond defense, fueling trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchange. Recently, however, a narrative has emerged in Washington accusing our allies of exploitation in both trade and defense. This perspective overlooks how these partnerships enhance American power by providing forward-based combat capabilities, critical intelligence sharing, and a robust market for U.S. military hardware.
Furthermore, the history of international collaboration is vital to our security. Much like the mathematical breakthroughs by Polish and British experts that helped crack the Enigma code during World War II, modern success depends on scientific and engineering partnerships. Such cooperation is essential for managing emerging challenges, including the development of resilient supply chains, countering the proliferation of drones and missiles, and leading the integration of artificial intelligence. Additionally, while we must seek equitable burden-sharing, we must also recognize that our primary trade partners—Canada, Mexico, and the European Union—are vital to our economic stability and should not be alienated.
Maintaining Technological Supremacy
America’s long-standing technological edge is facing unprecedented pressure from China and domestic policy shifts. Recent data indicates that China’s R&D spending has begun to outpace that of the United States. While China faces challenges in certain sectors, they are making significant strides in artificial intelligence, clean energy, electric vehicles, and the production of critical minerals.
At home, our competitiveness is being undermined by a shift in focus from foundational basic research to narrow, application-driven development. Additionally, ideological attacks on academic institutions and restrictive immigration policies threaten our ability to attract the world’s top scientific minds. It is worth noting that over the last quarter-century, immigrants have earned 40% of America’s Nobel Prizes in science and founded roughly 60% of our most valuable startups. To maintain our lead, we must treat global talent as a vital resource to be nurtured rather than a threat to be managed.
The Vitality of a Professional Civil Service
A cornerstone of American stability since the 19th century has been a merit-based, apolitical civil service. Historically, reforms aimed to replace political patronage with a professional bureaucracy dedicated to the public interest rather than partisan agendas. This system has provided deep expertise in critical areas ranging from public health to national intelligence.
In recent years, however, this institution has come under intense scrutiny. Efforts to reshape the federal workforce through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have led to significant disruptions, including abrupt personnel cuts and-in some cases-the dismantling of essential agencies. Furthermore, the trend of appointing leadership based on personal loyalty rather than professional expertise threatens the operational effectiveness of our government. While I still believe serving the country is a noble calling, I would only recommend it once we see a bipartisan commitment to protecting a professional, merit-based workforce through robust legal safeguards.
Looking Toward the Future
While many other factors, such as our defense industrial base and soft power, also require attention, the challenges to these core pillars are significant. As we celebrate our 250th year, I remains optimistic about America’s capacity to overcome adversity, yet concerned that we may be inadvertently undermining the very foundations that have made us a global leader.
