Defense Budgets, American Power and the National Security Industrial Base

As Washington tries to get serious about the nation’s debt and deficit, defense spending has emerged as an area of possible focus. Beyond its direct impact on our nation’s military, key areas of national economic policy, trade, and science are all affected by defense spending. And yet, the issue’s full ramifications remain little discussed in the current fiscal debate.

On July 15, the 21st Century Defense Initiative at Brookings will host a discussion exploring the connections between defense budgets, American power and the national security industrial base featuring a keynote address by Ashton Carter, under secretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics. Panelists will discuss the links between the nation’s broader fiscal situation and defense spending and strategy, as well as the present and future of the nation’s national security industrial base, including how it could be affected by the various budget proposals.

After each panel, participants will take audience questions.