XI - Use of Force and Arms Control

Summary

OVERVIEW

Each year, the president is required by law to submit to the Congress a comprehensive report on the national security strategy of the United States. Reviewing those reports provides a window on the attitude of the U.S. executive branch regarding how best to advance U.S. national security, including through the use of military force and arms control. Thus, in January 2000, the White House transmitted a report entitled “A National Security Strategy for a New Century” which asserted that there are three core objectives of U.S. national security. First, the United States seeks to enhance U.S. national security by “shaping the international environment” through diplomacy, foreign assistance, arms control, law enforcement cooperation, and environmental and health initiatives. The United States also endeavors to respond to threats and crises as they arise, whether in the form of threats to the U.S. territory, major theater warfare, or smaller scale contingencies. Second, the United States aims to promote prosperity through strengthening international financial coordination, enhancing energy security, and promoting open trade, sustainable development, and U.S. competitiveness. Third, the United States seeks to promote democracy, human rights, and respect for the rule of law. While the United States and other countries cannot respond to every humanitarian crisis, the report asserted that “when the world community has the power to stop genocide and ethnic cleansing, we will work with our allies and partners, and with the United Nations, to mobilize against such violence–as we did in Bosnia and Kosovo”–although the exact response will depend upon the capacity of countries to act, and on their perception of their national interests.