战略与国际研究中心-US-National-Security-Strategy-and-the-MENA-Region_32页_609kb

U.S. National Security Strategy in the MENA Region Summary

Core Content

The U.S. National Security Strategy (NSS) in the MENA region, as outlined in three key documents—the 2017 White House NSS, the 2018 Department of Defense (DoD) National Defense Strategy, and the FY2019 DoD Budget Overview—emphasizes a continuation of U.S. strategic commitments rather than a significant shift. These documents collectively highlight the need for increased military efforts, modernization, and strategic partnerships, particularly in response to rising challenges from Russia, China, and non-state actors like Iran and ISIS.

Main Views

• "America First" is not isolationism, but a reorientation of U.S. global strategy to focus on national interests while maintaining international leadership.
• U.S. military presence and readiness in the MENA region remain strong, with significant funding increases for U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) in FY2018 and FY2019.
• Strategic challenges include threats from Iran, Russia, and China, as well as the persistence of violent extremism and regional instability.
• Regional stability is seen as critical, but the U.S. strategy focuses primarily on security and counterterrorism, with limited attention to civil development and governance.
• Inter-Arab divisions and lack of cooperation hinder effective regional security and stability, and U.S. strategy requires more collaboration with Arab states.
• U.S. strategy is limited by its focus on military and security issues, while neglecting the broader civil and economic challenges in the MENA region.

Key Information

• Funding and Implementation: The FY2019 budget request includes over $65 billion in added funding for USCENTCOM in FY2018 and $80 billion in FY2019, showing a clear commitment to military modernization and readiness.
• Strategic Partnerships: The U.S. continues to support allies like Egypt, Israel, and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members, but emphasizes the need for more integrated and cooperative approaches.
• Regional Challenges: The MENA region faces deep-rooted issues including political instability, economic underdevelopment, youth unemployment (estimated at 30% in 2016), corruption, and sectarian conflicts.
• U.S. Role in the Region: The U.S. remains engaged in the MENA region, particularly in countering Iranian influence, supporting counterterrorism efforts, and ensuring the stability of oil exports.
• Limitations of U.S. Strategy: The U.S. strategy is criticized for being incomplete, focusing too heavily on military and security aspects while neglecting civil and developmental issues.

Strategic Priorities

• Protection of the Homeland: Includes measures against WMDs, cyber threats, and terrorism, with a focus on disrupting threats at their source.
• Promotion of Prosperity: Emphasizes fair trade, economic growth, and technological leadership.
• Preservation of Peace through Strength: Reinforces the need for a strong and modern military to deter and defeat adversaries.
• Advancement of American Influence: Encourages leadership in international organizations and the promotion of democratic values.

Regional Focus

• Counterterrorism: The U.S. remains committed to fighting groups like ISIS and Al Qaeda.
• Iran: Iran's nuclear ambitions, missile capabilities, and regional influence are major concerns.
• Stability of Oil Exports: Ensuring the security of oil infrastructure and supply is a key strategic goal.
• Aid and Partnerships: Aid is directed towards Egypt, Israel, and Gulf states, with an emphasis on security cooperation.
• Limitations on Nation Building: The U.S. has reduced its focus on internal development due to past experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Challenges and Criticisms

• Lack of Comprehensive Strategy: The U.S. is seen as having only a "half a strategy" for the MENA region, focusing mainly on security rather than broader development and governance.
• Arab Instability: Many Arab states have experienced or are experiencing political upheaval, civil conflict, and economic decline, which are often exacerbated by internal divisions and external interference.
• Need for Cooperation: The U.S. strategy depends on stronger inter-Arab and U.S.-Arab cooperation to address shared security and stability challenges.
• European and Israeli Partnerships: The U.S. is encouraged to collaborate with European allies and Israel to enhance power projection and security capabilities.

Conclusion

While the U.S. strategy in the MENA region is characterized by continuity and a focus on military and security aspects, it is also acknowledged that the region's stability and development require more comprehensive and cooperative approaches. The U.S. cannot solve these challenges alone, and its success is heavily dependent on the actions and cooperation of its strategic partners. The strategy must evolve to address both the external threats and internal challenges that define the region's complex security landscape.