Countering the Axis of Authoritarianism

The United States and its partners face an authoritarian axis that spans the Eurasian landmass. Washington is fortunate to have capable allies and friends in East Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Collectively, they have the power to help it constrain the authoritarian axis. But to succeed, they must do a better job of working together. The West, in particular, must create and share more munitions, weapons, and military bases. The United States also needs to formulate better military strategies for fighting alongside its partners. Otherwise, it risks being overwhelmed by its increasingly capable and intertwined enemies.

Thomas G. Mahnken is currently President and Chief Executive Officer of the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments and a Senior Research Professor at the Philip Merrill Center for Strategic Studies at The Johns Hopkins University’s Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). He is also a member of the Congressionally mandated National Defense Strategy Commission. He previously taught for 20 years at the U.S. Naval War College, where he served as the Jerome E. Levy Chair of Economic Geography and National Security. Dr. Mahnken served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Policy Planning from 2006-2009.  

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