Quick Hit: Putting Economic Inclusion at the Heart of America’s Grand Strategy

In a recent piece for Foreign Policy Magazine, Patrick Doherty, director of New America’s Smart Strategy Initiative, outlines a “new U.S. grand strategy.” The piece successfully links some of the key principles of the Asset Building Program (economic inclusion and equal opportunity) to global economic health and long-term national security. Doherty writes that by investing in innovation, economic security, and equitable industries both here in the U.S. and around the world we will be in a better position to meet the most pressing needs of the 21st century. In particular, he argues that ensuring economic opportunity for Americans through investment in health care, education, and retirement security provides the added benefits of supporting our national security goals and promotes global economic development. Access to financial markets and products, strong consumer protections, and strategic investment in future generations are exactly the types of innovations that the U.S. should seek to export. Check out the whole piece and learn more about the work of the Smart Strategy Initiative here.