| Robert M. Gates, the former defense secretary (under George W. Bush and Barack Obama) and CIA director (under George H.W. Bush), has seen more than his share of instability, conflict and the use of American power. So, when someone of his experience (and measured phrases) writes that the American people need to rethink their global strategy in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, it's wise to pay attention. In a longer-than-normal op-ed, Bob calls our approach "woefully insufficient" to contend with an alliance between Moscow and Beijing and calls for new investments in both military and nonmilitary instruments of power — a large military and more foreign aid and engagement overseas. Though he believes we are neither properly equipped nor mentally prepared for another generation-long "global struggle" with authoritarianism, he is certain that is what we are facing. "Putin's war reminds us that the world is a dangerous, deadly place. And that we are in a global contest with two ruthless, authoritarian powers that are determined to achieve their aspirations through any means," Bob writes. "A new strategy addressing global challenges to America — and all democracies — in the 21st century requires significant changes to U.S. national security structures that are, for the most part, a legacy of the late 1940s. If we can avoid war with Russia and China, our rivalry with them will be waged using nonmilitary instruments of power — the same kind of instruments that played a significant role in winning the Cold War: diplomacy, development assistance, strategic communications, science and technology, ideology, nationalism, and more." Thanks for reading. Ukraine shows us that we need a new security strategy. By Robert M. Gates ● Read more » | | | As we started driving from Kyiv, we saw warplanes in the sky and it smelled like burning. "The war is already here. Is this my country?" By Iuliia Mendel ● Read more » | | | I'm lucky not to feel afraid anymore — though I understand why others are and should be. Audio Article ● By Kate Cohen ● Read more » | | | | Each February, Black people are expected to shape-shift into historians, often for the edification of White people. It's exhausting. By Cole Arthur Riley ● Read more » |    | | | My son has a rare disease. What are adults teaching when they tell children to look away from him? Audio Article ● By Christina Cipriano ● Read more » | | | | Like Clinton and Obama before him, Biden is seeking safer ground in the center. By Ruth Marcus ● Read more » | | | | | A different Russian president might have been given a more realistic assessment of his military's readiness. By Eugene Robinson ● Read more » | | | |
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