U.S. Commission on National Security/21st Century

According to the US Commission on National Security/21st Century Charter: The Department of Defense recognizes that America should advance its position as a strong, secure, and persuasive force for freedom and progress in the world.

Two individuals who have national recognition and significant depth of experience and public service will oversee the efforts of this Commission and serve as its Co-chairpersons.

Based on the results of this study and the Commission's consideration thereof, the USCNS/21 will advance practical recommendations that the President of the United States, with the support of the Congress, could begin to implement in the Fiscal Year 2002 budget, if desired.

The new strategy must consider how to minimize the potential destabilizing effects of the contradictory trends of globalization and political fragmentation while promoting US interests and values worldwide.

[5] These interests encompass safety from direct attacks by hostile states and terrorists through the use of weapons of mass destruction.

[5] These interests include spreading democracy abroad and ensuring basic human rights for all the world's citizens.

"In the next quarter century, we will likely see ourselves surpassed, and in relative decline, unless we make a conscious national commitment to maintain our edge".<[13] The report further highlights the Commission's belief that this decline in emphasis on science and education is the gravest threat to US national security, even over weapons proliferation and terrorism.

It recommends significant restructuring to re-align government offices, branches, and procedures with the global realities of the 21st century as well as ensure that,"strategy once again drives the design and implementation of US national security policies".