The article argues that the U.S., through recent policy signals—such as questioning NATO's value or sympathizing with great-power territorial claims—is inadvertently adopting the core tenets of non-alignment, prioritizing transactional national interests over binding alliances. Historically, while non-alignment allowed developing nations to gain benefits without commitment, the analysis notes that this approach lacks the deep trust and shared obligations necessary for robust security structures. The implication is critical: by undermining established alliances, the U.S. risks losing its greatest strategic asset—the network of mutual commitments—as allies actively seek alternative bilateral or regional defense pacts.
The Stockpile Gap: How America Can Secure the Strategic Materials It Needs to Win
English Summary
The CFR report, "The Stockpile Gap," argues that America’s significantly reduced strategic material stockpiles – particularly the National Defense Stockpile (NDS) – pose a critical vulnerability to coercion and conflict, highlighted by China’s export controls. The report recommends expanding and modernizing the NDS, establishing a strategic resilience reserve, and fostering greater private sector collaboration through initiatives like Project Vault to secure critical minerals and materials. Historically, stockpiling has been a vital element of U.S. national security, and current levels are insufficient to meet potential wartime or emergency needs, as evidenced by the Congressional Research Service’s findings. This necessitates a renewed commitment to building resilient supply chains and bolstering strategic reserves to mitigate future risks.
中文摘要
《戰略儲備缺口》(The Stockpile Gap) 這份美國戰ফে爾協會 (CFR) 報告指出，美國戰略物資儲備大幅縮減——特別是國防儲備庫 (NDS)——構成了對脅迫和衝突的關鍵弱點，並由中國的出口管制凸顯。報告建議擴大和現代化NDS，建立戰略韌性儲備，並通過如「Vault計畫」等項目的協同推動私營部門合作，以確保關鍵礦產和材料。歷史上，儲備一直是美國國家安全的重要組成部分，但目前的儲備水平不足以滿足潛在的戰爭或緊急需求，正如國會研究服務 (Congressional Research Service) 的調查結果所證明。這有必要重新致力於構建具有韌性的供應鏈，並加強戰略儲備，以降低未來風險。
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