Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin is calling for a radical shift in U.S. national security strategy, emphasizing economic strength and technological dominance. In a recent speech at the Council on Foreign Relations, Slotkin urged the U.S. government to adopt a "Manhattan Project-like" approach to artificial intelligence (AI), uniting top minds and collaborating with the private sector to outpace China in the tech race.
Winning the AI Tech Race
Slotkin stressed the urgency of winning the AI race, arguing that it's crucial for national security. Her proposal involves a concentrated effort to develop and deploy AI technologies, mirroring the urgency and focus of the original Manhattan Project during World War II. This includes investing in research, fostering collaboration between government and industry, and streamlining regulations to accelerate innovation.
Protecting Against Cyber Threats
Beyond AI, Slotkin highlighted the need to bolster cybersecurity defenses. She proposed training a Cyber National Guard to protect Americans from cyberattacks and advocated for a more assertive approach to deterring adversaries. "If China is going to target our power grid and local water systems, we need to take offline the servers they are using to do so," Slotkin stated, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures.
Economic Security as National Security
Slotkin also emphasized the link between economic security and national security, arguing that a strong middle class is essential for U.S. stability. She warned that the shrinking middle class poses an "existential" threat to the country and called for policies to promote economic growth and opportunity for all Americans.
Strengthening Supply Chains
To further bolster economic security, Slotkin proposed treating critical supply chains as national security assets. She suggested forming a "NATO-like body" where countries agree to share export controls, technology, and protection against Chinese coercion, focusing on essential resources like semiconductor chips and lithium.
Rethinking Foreign Policy
Slotkin's vision for national security also includes rethinking traditional foreign policy approaches. She argued that most Americans have lost confidence in U.S. foreign policy and that a new approach is needed to address the challenges of the 21st century. This includes ensuring the dollar remains the world’s currency and considering the issuance of a global digital currency like the Chinese RMB.