Dysfunction in Washington

Net Assessment is back! Chris, Melanie, and Zack return after a hiatus and start by debating a recent article entitled “The Dysfunctional Superpower” by Robert Gates. They agree that Washington is deeply dysfunctional, but disagree about what can be done to overcome political obstacles and the degree to which this dysfunction gives Russia and China an edge. Chris questions additional inflation adjustments for fixed price defense contracts, Melanie criticizes the United Nations’ unwillingness to recognize sexual violence in Gaza, and Zack welcomes new colleague Todd Harrison to the American Enterprise Institute.

Episode Reading: 

• Robert M. Gates, “The Dysfunctional Superpower: Can a Divided America Deter China and Russia?” Foreign Affairs, November/December 2023.
• Todd Harrison, AEI profile.
• Jennifer Agiesta and Ariel Edwards-Levy, “CNN Poll: Half of Americans think the economy is getting worse, despite months of stronger economic news,” CNN, August 3, 2023.
• Ben Rhodes, “Henry Kissinger, the Hypocrite,” New York Times, November 30, 2023.
• “Pentagon Fails Audit for 6th Straight Year,” Tax Payers for Common Sense, November 30, 2023.
• Julia Gledhill, “Northrop Grumman Uses B-21 to Push Unproven Inflation Bailout,” Project on Government Oversight, November 21, 2023.
• “The Bad Vibes on a Good Economy,” The Daily, The New York Times, November 30, 2023.
• Maximillian K. Bremer and Kelly A. Grieco, “The Four Tyrannies of Logistical Deterrence,” Stimson Center, November 8, 2023.
• Emma Ashford and Evan Cooper, “Assumption Testing: Multipolarity is More Dangerous than Bipolarity for the United States,” Stimson Center, October 2, 2023.
• Rep. Jayapal on CNN, X, December 3, 2023.
• United Nations Representative on CNN, X, November 29, 2023.
• “Countering Uncrewed Aerial Systems: A Conversation with General Sean Gainey,” Center for Strategic and International Studies, November 14, 2023.
• Shaan Shaikh, Tom Karako and Michelle McLoughlin, “Countering Small Uncrewed Aerial Systems: Air Defense by and for the Joint Force,” Center for Strategic and International Studies, November 14, 2023.
• “Asking Americans: Polling on U.S. Global Engagement Ahead of 2024,” Ronald Reagan Defense Forum, December 2, 2023.
• “Year-End Tax Deal Could Cost Over $800 Billion If Made Permanent,” Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, November 17, 2023.

Image: Pete Souza, The White House