In 2024, the United States faces several critical national security challenges. Here are some big areas of concern:
Domestic violent extremists (DVE) present a threat to U.S. national security. While such extremism spans several different ideologies, violent actions on both sides of the spectrum have notably increased due to the political polarization of the American public.
These groups often target critical infrastructure, public spaces, and specific ethnic or religious communities and can use homemade Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) or pilot Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) to cause harm to life and infrastructure. The complex nature of radicalization processes within these groups often links to deep-seated grievances, which can be heightened by societal stressors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and misleading narratives.
In addition to regional conflicts, the increase in global terrorism overall is a major challenge to U.S. national security this year. The rise of extremist ideologies, compounded by the widespread availability of technology, has empowered non-state actors to coordinate and expand their terrorist operations. Specific incidents, such as the resurgence of ISIS in various regions, highlight the urgent need for vigilance.
We are witnessing a troubling trend of lone-wolf attacks along with more coordinated assaults that target a diverse range of establishments, from peaceful civilian areas to military installations. Especially alarming are instances where individuals, inspired by these extremist narratives, have executed attacks using accessible technology like drones or improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The interconnectedness of our modern society means that even a single act of violence in one part of the world can resonate, inspire, or incite similar actions elsewhere, heightening fear and breeding instability on a global scale. To counter this evolving threat, the U.S. must strengthen its counterterrorism strategies, focusing on intelligence-sharing with international allies to emphasize collective defense and cooperative security in counteracting terrorist threats.
Also, we must nurture community programs that prevent radicalization and address the root causes of extremism. The escalating volatility in certain regions adds another layer of complexity, as these environments often become breeding grounds for extremist factions. Finding a way through these challenges while keeping American citizens safe and secure—whether they are at home or traveling abroad—is absolutely essential for our national security in 2024.
The global IT outage on July 19, 2024, starkly highlighted the vulnerabilities in our interconnected systems. Caused by a security flaw in a software update from CrowdStrike, the incident disrupted essential services across various sectors, including airlines and healthcare. It led to the cancellation of over 5,000 flights and forced healthcare providers to focus solely on urgent cases.
As organizations manage the fallout, it becomes clear that better contingency planning is non-negotiable. This incident shows a troubling reliance on a handful of cybersecurity firms for critical infrastructure, presenting risks that must be mitigated to avoid future crises.
Beyond immediate operational challenges, this outage illustrates important national security implications; disruptions to vital services like air travel and healthcare can compromise the government’s ability to respond properly to emergencies, which puts public safety at risk. Also, the potential for foreign actors to exploit these vulnerabilities raises concerns about the integrity of critical infrastructure.
To improve national security, the U.S. must prioritize cybersecurity strategies that enact fast incident responses, establish preventive measures to protect against interference, and maintain continuity of services during crises. Ignoring these systemic weaknesses could embolden adversaries as our world digitalizes.
The Biden administration’s 2022 National Security Strategy has had both successes and shortcomings. It aimed to tackle various global and domestic threats through a balanced approach. However, ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Taiwan have tested this strategy’s ability to handle national security challenges.
While it focuses on major challenges like economic growth and competition with China and Russia, experts point out areas needing clear implementation plans. Strengthening national security in the face of new national security challenges now requires strategic responses tailored to each emerging challenge. Here are those national security solutions:
Continuously work on diplomatic efforts to manage conflicts. This means supporting and strengthening partnerships with our allies, making sure they have the resources and capabilities to defend against outside threats. Building strong ties with nations that share similar values helps create stability and peace, addressing national security challenges proactively.
Improving cybersecurity for our electoral systems, monitoring digital campaigns, and educating the public about misinformation are priority actions. Consistent vigilance and proactive measures, including advancements in C5ISR technologies, are necessary to protect the integrity of
our elections, ensure a fair process, and strengthen people’s confidence in our democratic institutions.
Tackling the threat from domestic and international extremist groups needs a thorough strategy. This involves strong intelligence sharing between local, state, and federal agencies. Community programs spot and prevent radicalization early. Continuous research helps understand and break down extremist networks, often requiring expertise in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and engineering to dismantle threats safely. By working together, we can better protect our nation from these threats.
Maintaining and advancing our military readiness means more than just staying prepared—it involves continuous modernization and embracing the latest technological innovations. This ensures we can respond to both traditional and new-age threats. Key to this approach are investments in advanced defense systems and regular collaborative exercises with our international allies.
Implementing a balanced approach to economic sanctions and humanitarian aid can deter aggressive actions by adversaries like Russia and China while helping to support global stability. We can alleviate humanitarian crises and strengthen international alliances by promoting human rights and delivering aid to conflict regions. This dual strategy can both dissuade hostile actions and build goodwill.
Comprehensive Climate and Energy Policy
Addressing climate change and achieving energy independence help lower vulnerabilities that foreign powers could exploit. By promoting renewable energy sources and sustainable practices, we protect the environment and support long-term national security and resilience. Contact us.
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