On October 7, 2023, Hamas militants entered Israel, slaughtering over 1,400 and wounding more. One of the worst terrorist attacks in modern history, it is a wake-up call to growing global instability. From Iranian-backed terrorists in Gaza, to Russia’s ongoing “special military operation,” to Chinese expansionism, to North Korean saber-rattling, worldwide danger is spiking.
The common facilitator for this rising aggression? The Biden Administration’s absence of American leadership in the international community.
It’s easy to forget the United States’ critical role in global affairs. Our foreign policy is insulated by the luxury of being the dominant power on our continent, separated from the rest of the world by two oceans. Most nations do not enjoy such natural security. For them, foreign policy is a gritty, dog-eat-dog struggle for basic survival. Lose, and your culture dies.
Having served for 12 years in the US Army, including a deployment to a combat zone in the Middle East and several NATO and other alliance-building missions, I know other nations highly prize consistent strength.
American leadership and strength deter bad actors like Russia, China, North Korea, Iran from creating chaos. In the absence of a strong United States, bad actors quickly fill the void. This is happening today. Beginning with Joe Biden’s disastrously executed withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 and exacerbated by his inability to secure U.S. borders, America’s perceived leadership, strength, and consistency has internationally plummeted.
The results are bleak.
China is engaging in increasingly aggressive behavior, collaborating with Russia to do so. Their ambivalence, and sometimes outright protection, of North Korea’s brutal ambitions contributes to even more danger. Iran, bolstered by Biden’s recent gift of $6 billion, is reasserting itself as a leading sponsor of global terrorism and antisemitic genocide. Make no mistake: China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran working in concert is a clear and present danger.
In the modern threat environment, America’s geographic insulation cannot fully protect from international chaos. Cyber-attacks, economic warfare, and actual shooting wars reverberate to the United States. Addressing this situation is a moral imperative. Chaos is expensive, both in fiscal and humanitarian terms. Fortunately, restoring strength and leadership can be achieved through clear and consistent policy.
First, articulate defined policies that deter American adversaries. American foreign policy toward Russia and North Korea has been generally sound, but inconsistent. North Korea’s brutal regime and ambitions to hold the world hostage through nuclear blackmail must be unequivocally opposed. Russian militaristic expansionism must not be ignored or rewarded.
U.S. policy toward Iran and China, meanwhile, is muddled and inconsistent. Developing and implementing positions that reliably counterbalance China’s militaristic and economic imperialism is essential. Opposition to a nuclear Iran and their genocidal intentions toward Israel must be unfailingly prioritized.
Second, partner with good actors like South Korea, Japan, and Australia to oppose Russian, Chinese, Iranian, and North Korean malfeasance. Several templates exist, with NATO being the most prominent. Requiring allies to meaningfully contribute to their own defense and global security encourages partnerships and prevents the U.S. from shouldering a disproportionate burden.
Third, restore America’s military superiority. Under Biden, our defense budget has experienced cuts for three straight years. Military recruitment is waning, and key national assets are languishing. In fiscal year 2022, America had 301 deployable ships, a number projected to decline to 293 in 2024. Meanwhile, China had approximately 340 ships in 2022, and plans to have 400 by 2025.
Fourth, secure our borders. Preventing bad actors from easily crossing into our homeland protects Americans and communicates consistent strength. Investments in missile defense reduces U.S. exposure to nuclear blackmail and terrorism.
Finally, increase domestic production of critical resources. End reliance on foreign technology and key manufacturing. Restore energy independence by creating a friendly regulatory and tax environment that attracts responsible onshore production.
War and chaos are expensive and deadly. Preventing turmoil in the international community is a moral imperative that makes good sense fiscally, reduces humanitarian crises, and deters outright violence. There is nothing inevitable about American exceptionalism, power, prosperity, and leadership in the world. Each generation must renew America’s commitment and dynamism at home and abroad. Now is the time for American renewal. Consistent American leadership and strength are essential to preventing war and chaos, protecting our homeland, and empowering a stable, prosperous future.
Colorado State Representative Gabe Evans is a U.S. Army veteran and Republican candidate for Congress in Colorado's 8th Congressional District.
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