Protect American Policy Studies and Research | Leadership for America

Protect America

The 21st century will be a dangerous place if America fails to protect itself and its allies. Learn More... Statement of Purpose The nation must recommit itself to living the principles that made this nation safe, free, and prosperous. A complacent America, either at home or abroad, is the greatest threat to a peaceful and productive future for the United States and its friends and allies. America must have the means to remain engaged in the world - to act proactively to protect the nation and its citizens from freedom’s enemies. America is a global power with global interests. The armed forces must have the capacity to act anywhere in the world where its vital interests are threatened. To have a military that can do anything less serves to embolden freedom’s enemies. Likewise, safeguarding the homeland sends a powerful message. The fact that Americans can defend themselves against attack and at the same time grow their economy and maintain a free, open society is disheartening to the enemies of freedom.

The only way to secure America is to make a sustained commitment to national security by building robust strategic systems (including comprehensive missile defense, space-based assets, and nuclear modernization), and by deploying forces that can fight conventional conflicts, combat terrorist threats, and secure the nation’s borders. Demanding solutions are required that will simultaneously provide security (including a ballistic missile defense system that deploys decisively into space and employs a multilayered defense system of sea, ground and space-based systems); promote economic growth and competition; protect the liberties of American citizens; and win the war of ideas.

Executive Summary: Terrorist Watch: 23 Plots Foiled Since 9/11

July 2, 2009

Since 9/11, 23 terrorist plots against the U.S. have been foiled. Many of the individuals involved in these plots have been convicted and sentenced to time in prison for their participation. America has become a more difficult target for terrorists, but the threat has not diminished. Adjusting and strengthening U.S. security efforts to conquer these changing threats will require Congress and DHS to work together.

By Jena Baker McNeill and James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.

Terrorist Watch: 23 Plots Foiled Since 9/11

July 2, 2009

By Jena Baker McNeill and James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.

Ag JOBs Amnesty: The Wrong Way to Help American Agriculture

June 30, 2009

Proving genuine assistance to farmers and other agricultural sectors is important. Amnesty, however, is the wrong answer.

By Jena Baker McNeill

What Americans Need to Know About Missile Defense: We're Not There Yet

June 30, 2009

President Obama is cutting missile defense spending by over $1 billion. This makes no sense at the same time that North Korea is testing nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles to deliver them and when Iran may be just one year away from producing its first nuclear weapon. Washington's reluctance to pursue missile defense makes little sense because Americans overwhelmingly support missile defense. The problem is that too many of us still think we already have all we need. We don't.

By Kim R. Holmes, Ph.D., James Jay Carafano, Ph.D., Peter Brookes, and Baker Spring

Obama Missile Defense Plan Puts America at Risk

June 29, 2009

On May 7, 2009, the Obama Administration announced its FY 2010 defense budget--which reduces missile defense spending by $1.62 billion. The programs that require funds include the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) interceptors and the Multiple Kill Vehicle (MKV). Congress must confront the Obama Administration over its opposition to placing missile defense interceptors where they can be most effective--in space.

By Baker Spring

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Learning to Love Missile Defense

July 2, 2009

The Obama administration is reacting to the anticipated launch of another North Korean long-range ballistic missile, expected to fly over the Pacific toward Hawaii sometime soon, by putting missile defense on alert.

By Peter Brookes

Principled American leadership for Asia

June 26, 2009

At his June 10 confirmation hearing, Kurt Campbell said some encouraging things about the administration's Asia policy. President Obama's nominee for assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs emphasized America's enduring commitment to the Pacific and the centrality of our treaty allies. And only in this context did he address the U.S. relationship with China.

By Kim Holmes and Walter Lohman

A misguided quest to reform the Pentagon

June 23, 2009

Defense Secretary Robert Gates is on a quest to reform the Pentagon, and nearly everyone is cheering him on. Firing generals, slashing major defense programs and railing against the bureaucracy have given him big approval ratings.

By Mackenzie Eaglen and Rebecca Grant

Next-up in the terrorist-batter's box

June 23, 2009

In 1905, former Idaho Governor Frank Steunenberg was dynamited. The bomb (the WMD of its day) was strapped to a gatepost on his garden fence.

By James Jay Carafano

It's not right time to discuss OPCON transfer

June 22, 2009

The U.S.-South Korean 2007 decision to transfer wartime operational control, or OPCON of South Korea forces to Seoul in April 2012 continues to be a lightning rod of controversy.

By Bruce Klingner

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