2023 Department of Defense strategy for countering weapons of mass destruction

The Department of Defense (DoD) recently released its 2023 Strategy for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD), rescinding and replacing the CWMD strategy last issued in 2014. Expanding on the 2022 National Defense Strategy, the 2023 CWMD strategy focuses on defending the American homeland from WMD attack, deterring WMD use against the United States and its allies and partners, enabling U.S. forces to operate and prevail in a WMD environment, and preventing new WMD threats in an environment complicated by emerging WMD threats.

On October 18, Brookings hosted an event to share key highlights from the 2023 CWMD Strategy. Assistant Secretary of Defense John F. Plumb provided an overview of the strategy, followed by a panel discussion and questions from the audience.

Online viewers submitted questions via e-mail to [email protected] or via Twitter @BrookingsFP using #DoDStrategy.

Registration is required to attend an event in person and guests at Brookings are required to attest to their state of health before attending. Visitors may not enter the building if they are feeling ill for any reason, have any symptoms commonly associated with COVID-19, or have tested positive for COVID-19 at any time in the preceding 5 days or longer in accordance with current CDC guidance, or have been advised by their healthcare professional or otherwise to not enter any space where some persons may not be vaccinated.