U.S. foreign policy priorities for the next four years

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 3, 2020
Contact: press@defensepriorities.org

WASHINGTON, DC—Tonight, all votes will have been cast for the next President of the United States. Defense Priorities outlined U.S. foreign policy priorities for the next four years in a new explainer, and President Edward King issued the following statement:

“No matter the election outcome, the next four years are an opportunity for the U.S. to pursue a new, more realistic foreign policy that strengthens the country and benefits the American people.

“In addition to fulfilling the urgent task of ending endless wars, the U.S. should reassess its military presence in the Middle East, a region of limited and diminishing strategic importance. While sometimes chaotic, the regional powers balance each other. The U.S. should abandon efforts to dominate Middle East politics by military force and instead focus on the narrow mission of thwarting anti-U.S. terror threats. U.S. forces in the region should move offshore, with most coming home.

“Europe is prosperous and peaceful. Wealthy NATO allies should take primary responsibility for the continent’s defense. Burden shifting will not only free up limited U.S. resources, but also ease tensions with nuclear superpower Russia.

“Asia remains more an opportunity to enhance economic prosperity than an arena defined by security competition. While China’s rise is something to watch closely, U.S. policy should not overreact. As in Europe, prosperous, technologically advanced allies should be encouraged to invest in defensive capabilities to strengthen deterrence, conserving U.S. energy and allowing us to focus on growing our economy, the foundation of American power.

“The U.S. faces profound challenges, but most of them are domestic or not amenable to military solutions. Abandoning the failure of the last 20 years in favor of restraint will mean a stronger America with more security at less cost and risk. The next four years should mark a new direction for U.S. foreign policy.”