NSEC 501 LIBERTY UNIVERSITY Military and National Security 2025.docx

Military and National Security 1

The Military and National Security Challenges

Jeremy Phillips

Helms School of Government, Liberty University

Abstract

The United States military plays a multifaceted role in addressing contemporary national

security challenges, performing specific functions in advancing American national security goals,

from deterrence and defense to crisis response and security cooperation. This analysis evaluates

the salient threats confronting the military in the 21st century, including great power

proportionality, and discrimination, informing a more ethical and responsible approach to

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military action and national security policy. This framework promotes a restrained and

comprehensive approach, recognizing that effective national security requires not only a strong

military but also robust diplomacy, economic stability, and a commitment to human rights,

ensuring a more just and peaceful world.

Keywords: just war tradition, national security, biblical principles, military

The Military and National Security Challenges

The United States military stands as a cornerstone of American power and a primary

instrument for safeguarding national security interests in an increasingly complex and volatile

global landscape. Tasked with a wide array of responsibilities, ranging from deterring aggression

and defending U.S. territory to promoting stability and responding to humanitarian crises, the

destabilizing effects of climate change. These challenges demand a nuanced and multifaceted

approach, one that recognizes the limitations of purely military solutions and embraces the

importance of diplomacy, economic engagement, and international cooperation. Furthermore,

the ethical implications of military action must be carefully weighed, guided by principles of

justice, proportionality, and respect for human dignity. To that end, an analysis of the various

roles assumed by the U.S. military in addressing national security challenges, an evaluation of

the salient threats it faces in the 21st century, an exploration of the limitations inherent in

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purely military solutions, and an examination of how the Christian Just War Tradition can inform

a more ethically grounded and comprehensive approach to national security decision-making

follows, highlighting that a balanced and ethically informed approach, guided by the principles

of the Just War Tradition, is essential for ensuring the effective and responsible use of military

power in the pursuit of a more secure and just world.

The Multifaceted Roles of the U.S. Military in National Security The U.S.

military fulfills a diverse and interconnected set of roles in furthering the objectives of American

national security. A robust and credible military posture serves as a critical deterrent to

defending the United States, its territories, and its citizenry from external aggression. This

encompasses defense against both conventional and unconventional threats, such as terrorism

and cyber warfare, necessitating the maintenance of a substantial military presence globally, the

conduct of regular training exercises, and the ongoing development of advanced weapons

systems. Furthermore, the military is frequently called upon to respond to crises, both

domestically and internationally. These responses may involve providing humanitarian

assistance in the aftermath of natural disasters, conducting peacekeeping operations in unstable

regions, and intervening in conflicts to protect U.S. citizens or interests. Effective crisis response

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requires a high degree of operational flexibility and adaptability, as well as the capacity to

rapidly deploy forces to diverse and often challenging environments.

Maintaining a forward military presence in strategically important regions worldwide

enables the United States to respond expeditiously to emerging threats, reassure allies of its

commitment, and promote regional stability. This forward engagement also entails conducting

joint military exercises with partner nations, providing security assistance to friendly

governments, and cultivating strong relationships with foreign militaries. This emphasis on

supporting democratic transitions, providing assistance to countries emerging from conflict, and

working to prevent genocide and other mass atrocities. However, this role is often subject to

debate, as it can be perceived as interference in the internal affairs of sovereign nations and

may be viewed with suspicion by some (Reveron et al., 2015).

21st Century National Security Challenges Confronting the American Military

The U.S. military confronts a complex and constantly evolving array of national security

challenges in the 21st century. Among the most pressing of these challenges is the emergence

of great power competition, exemplified by the ascendance of China and the resurgence of

Russia. These nations are actively challenging the U.S.-led international order and seeking to

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expand their influence in strategically important regions globally, engaging in competition that

manifests across multiple domains, including military, economic, and technological spheres

(Snow, 2020). In addition to this great power rivalry, the U.S. military must contend with the

ongoing reality of regional conflicts, which continue to plague the Middle East, Africa, and other

regions, often involving both state and non-state actors. These conflicts destabilize entire

regions, precipitate humanitarian crises of immense scale, and provide fertile ground for the

proliferation of terrorist groups. Despite setbacks suffered by organizations such as ISIS,

even inflict physical damage, represents a growing concern for national security planners. The

proliferation of weapons of mass destruction continues to be a paramount concern, as these

weapons could be utilized by state or non-state actors to inflict mass casualties and destabilize

entire regions, posing an existential threat to global security. In addition to these traditional

security challenges, the U.S. military must also grapple with the emerging threats posed by

climate change and pandemics. Climate change is exacerbating existing security threats and

creating new ones, with rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and resource scarcity leading

to displacement, conflict, and instability. The military is increasingly being called upon to

respond to climate-related disasters and to mitigate the security risks associated with climate

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and the global community to infectious diseases, which can disrupt supply chains, overwhelm

healthcare systems, and destabilize economies. The military plays a crucial role in responding to

pandemics by providing logistical support, medical assistance, and security.

Limitations of Military-Related Strategies in Engaging National Security Issues

security challenges, it is imperative to acknowledge the inherent limitations of military-related

consequences and undermining long-term stability. Military interventions can be exceptionally

costly and protracted, entailing significant costs in terms of both human lives and financial

resources. They can also be difficult to sustain over extended periods, and they may have

unintended and detrimental consequences for the local populations. Moreover, the application

of military force can alienate allies and partners, eroding relationships and hindering efforts to

address shared security threats. It is essential to collaborate with allies and partners to cultivate

a shared understanding of the challenges and to coordinate responses effectively. Furthermore,

military solutions often address symptoms rather than root causes. Many national security

challenges are rooted in underlying factors such as poverty, inequality, and political instability,

and while military interventions may be necessary to address immediate threats, they do not

address the fundamental causes of these problems. A comprehensive approach is required to

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conflicts. Careful consideration must be given to the potential consequences of military action,

and concerted efforts must be made to de-escalate tensions and avert unintended escalation.

the role of the military and national security (Braun, 2023; Hall & Charles, 2019; Hedahl et al.,

2017; Van Pelt, 2024). It is crucial to understand that the Just War Tradition is not a pacifist

doctrine; it acknowledges that war may be a necessary evil in certain circumstances, but it also

establishes stringent limits on the permissible use of force. The tradition is typically divided into

two primary categories: jus ad bellum (justice in going to war) and jus in bello (justice in the

conduct of war). Jus ad bellum addresses the conditions under which it is morally justifiable to

resort to war, stipulating that war must be waged for a just cause, such as self-defense, the

defense of others, or the redress of a grave injustice. A legitimate authority, such as a sovereign

state, must declare war, and the intention behind going to war must be morally sound, with the

ultimate goal being to achieve peace and justice, not to pursue self-serving interests.

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noncombatants. Proportionality dictates that the amount of force used in an attack must be

proportionate to the military objective, with excessive force being morally impermissible.

Military necessity requires that attacks be directed at legitimate military targets and that they

be necessary to achieve a specific military objective. Finally, prisoners of war must be treated

humanely and in accordance with international law. The Just War Tradition informs our

understanding of the role of the military and national security by providing a robust moral

framework for evaluating the use of force, emphasizing the paramount importance of

facing the United States in the 21st century demand a multifaceted approach that extends

beyond purely military capabilities. The Christian Just War Tradition provides a valuable and

enduring framework for integrating biblical principles into our understanding of the role of the

military and national security, offering a moral compass for navigating the difficult choices

inherent in the use of force. By adhering to the principles of the Just War Tradition,

policymakers and military leaders can strive to employ military force in a manner that is both

effective and morally responsible, minimizing harm to civilians, upholding international law, and

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promoting long-term stability. Ultimately, a comprehensive and ethically sound approach to

national security requires not only a strong and capable military but also effective diplomacy,

robust economic development, and an unwavering commitment to human rights and the rule of

law. It is through this holistic and ethically grounded approach that the United States can best

safeguard its national interests, contribute to a more peaceful and just world, and live up to its

ideals as a beacon of liberty and justice for all. The pursuit of national security must always be

tempered by a commitment to ethical principles and a recognition of the inherent dignity of all