On April 15, 2021, INCIPE hosted the virtual event titled “Washington’s Perspective on Defense Policy,” featuring Michèle Flournoy, co-founder and managing partner of WestExec Advisors. The event was introduced by the Ambassador of Spain and Secretary General of INCIPE, Manuel Alabart. This event is part of the Great Powers Digital Encounters Series: USA, organized in collaboration with the US Embassy in Spain and Fundación Consejo de España-EEUU. Following the presentation, a question and answer session was moderated by Vicente Garrido, Director General of INCIPE.

Michèle Flournoy began her intervention by highlighting the shift in perspective that has occurred in current defense policy, as previous concerns were focused on terrorism and are now directed towards China. Primarily, Flournoy spoke about a sense of urgency regarding China and the need for the United States to improve in order to compete against it. Consequently, risks and increased defense investment are key elements to achieve this purpose, with a focus on the fields of technology, mathematics, and sciences.

On the other hand, the new defense policy is based on improving transatlantic relations, as well as creating a more inclusive and diverse working environment. Flournoy emphasized the importance of having leaders who can effectively represent the population they defend. For this reason, the United States is focusing on presenting itself as a reliable country, where its allies feel they can trust.

Additionally, areas related to climate change and energy insufficiency have also been incorporated as aspects to be improved regarding defense.

At the end of the session, a debate took place in which participants posed questions related to the effects of the pandemic on US security, as well as the implications of the withdrawal from Afghanistan. There were also questions regarding Iran and Israel and their nuclear aspirations in the military sphere.