Security That Deters Aggression
Deterrence is not just defense—it is credibility, capacity, and clarity of intent.
- Security is the backbone of national power, but in today’s world, force alone is not enough. Deterrence must be integrated—rooted in resilient supply chains, empowered by innovation, reinforced by alliances, and underwritten by institutional trust.
- Mark Kennedy’s approach to national security reflects this broader understanding. From shaping post-9/11 defense priorities in Congress to strengthening university partnerships with defense industries, advising on military-civilian strategy, and visiting more than 50 military installations worldwide, he has worked to ensure that American security is aligned, modernized, and future-ready.
- Through the Wahba Institute for Strategic Competition, Kennedy has advanced frameworks for defense industrial revitalization, alliance modernization, and deterrence through strength in contested domains—from the Taiwan Strait to cyberspace, from the Arctic to low-Earth orbit.
Security in the GRIPS Framework
- GRIPS defines Security not as a siloed domain but as a capstone that rests on the credibility of the other pillars. Nations that cannot govern effectively, sustain their economies, innovate at the frontier, or earn global trust cannot deter aggression—regardless of military budgets.
- Security that deters aggression:
- Projects credible readiness across domains: land, sea, air, cyber, and space
- Aligns allies and institutions in support of deterrence and response
- Prevents conflict by raising the costs and lowering the temptations of coercion
Explore Mark Kennedy’s Security Impact
Strategic Foundations
- Advancing integrated deterrence and crisis management through economic, diplomatic, and military-to-military engagement with America’s pacing rival.
- Reinforcing NATO’s strategic cohesion through deterrence-by-denial and democratic resilience.
- Advancing coordinated deterrence with Japan, South Korea, Australia, India, and Southeast Asia.
- Supporting Taiwan’s self-defense and deterrence capacity as a frontline of democratic resilience.
- Promoting unity and resolve in response to Russian aggression and reinforcing long-term deterrence in Europe.
Critical Capabilities
- Rebuilding the manufacturing and procurement foundations needed for sustained deterrence and readiness.
- Addressing the strategic urgency of space-based deterrence through public-private coordination and global norms.
- Securing global trade routes and contested waters through U.S. naval posture and allied partnerships.
Leadership Insights
- Insights from 60+ base visits and 3 aircraft carrier deployments—understanding the operational realities of deterrence firsthand.
Key Insight
“The strongest deterrent is not just a large arsenal—it is a credible posture, a capable industrial base, and a clear signal to allies and adversaries alike that America is aligned and prepared to act.”