Strategic Competition > Global Engagement
Global Engagement
Shaping Global Influence Beyond Alliances
"Winning strategic competition requires not only building trusted alliances, but also engaging the wider world — where norms are contested, partnerships are built, and global systems are shaped."
Kennedy photo from Selfridges in London, UK.
Strategic Framework
Why Global Engagement Matters
- Today, the contest for influence extends far beyond formal alliances.
- Strategic competition is unfolding across every region — from Southeast Asia to Latin America, Africa, and Europe — and across every dimension of power: technology, trade, infrastructure, energy, and governance.
- The future global order will not be determined solely by defense pacts or diplomatic summits. It will be shaped by those who:
- Engage emerging partners with strategic intent
- Support resilient, open economic ecosystems
- Build trusted technological and infrastructure partnerships
- Contest authoritarian influence where global norms are being set
- Global engagement is central to sustaining leadership in a world where every region, institution, and network is a battleground.
Applying the STEAD Framework: Integration, Not Silos
- Global engagement must be systematically integrated into America's broader strategy. WISC applies the STEAD Framework to ensure cohesive action:
STEAD Framework: Integrating Security, Technology, Economics, Alliances, and Diplomacy efforts to align non-military tools toward strategic goals and lasting advantage.
STEAD Pillar > Strategic Action for Global Engagement
- Security > Deepen security cooperation with emerging partners and frontline states.
- Technology > Expand digital economy partnerships and standards alignment.
- Economics > Drive infrastructure investment, supply chain resilience, and economic competitiveness.
- Alliances > Build new partnerships with regional powers and critical economies.
- Diplomacy > Engage multilateral platforms and contested regions to sustain an open, rules-based order.
- Strategic engagement ensures that influence is proactive, persistent, and purposeful — not reactive.
Strategic Breadth, Long-Term Focus, and Direct Engagement
- Broad View. WISC engages across technology, trade, infrastructure, energy, and governance — ensuring comprehensive global engagement.
- Long View. We assess global partnerships not just for immediate gains, but for their strategic contribution to shaping future systems.
- Roundtables Add to Breadth. Regular public and private roundtables bring together perspectives from Congress, U.S. agencies, allied diplomats, academia, civil society, and private industry — alongside international think tank collaborations.
- Strategic Evaluation. WISC evaluates every recommendation against three primary criteria:
- Will it deter great power aggression?
- Will it advance the peace and prosperity of Americans?
- Will it advance the peace and prosperity of the world?
Strategic Fronts of Global Engagement
Engaging the Indo-Pacific
The Indo-Pacific remains the central arena of strategic competition.
- Deepening economic, technological, and security partnerships across Southeast Asia, India, and the Pacific Islands
- Deepening economic, technological, and security partnerships across Southeast Asia, India, and the Pacific Islands
- Partnering on critical infrastructure, digital trade, energy security, and trusted innovation ecosystems
Strengthening Ties with the Americas
Closer ties in the Western Hemisphere are essential to:
- Reinforce democratic resilience and political stability
- Expand energy, innovation, and supply chain partnerships
- Enhance regional economic security against authoritarian influence
Strategic competition begins at home — and the Americas must be prioritized.
Partnering with the Middle East & Africa
The competition for global norms and systems is growing across Africa and the Middle East.
- Supporting high-standard infrastructure, digital development, and health security initiatives
- Strengthening governance, economic opportunity, and technological innovation
- Offering alternatives to authoritarian financing and control
Engagement here is not just humanitarian — it is strategic.
Revitalizing Transatlantic Cooperation
Europe remains a vital partner in shaping global technology, energy, trade, and governance systems.
- Expanding cooperation beyond NATO into digital governance, energy transition, and innovation ecosystems
- Deepening alignment on standards, regulations, and economic security
- Supporting Europe's resilience against authoritarian influence, particularly Russia
A strong and agile transatlantic partnership amplifies America's influence globally.
U.S.–China Dialogue
Strategic competition with China requires:
- Selective engagement that defends interests without legitimizing coercion
- Building coalitions that offer alternatives to China's authoritarian models
- Managing escalation risks while strengthening competitive advantage
Dialogue must be tactical — not a substitute for strategic competition.
Supporting Ukraine and Reinforcing European Security
The defense of Ukraine is a critical front in the broader competition of systems.
- Supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and democratic resilience
- Countering Russian aggression
- Reinforcing Europe’s economic, political, and security resilience
Victory in Ukraine strengthens global norms and democratic momentum.
Closing Principle
Strategic leadership requires global engagement — persistent, purposeful, and principled.