During a recent government meeting, significant discussions emerged regarding the potential for escalating conflicts involving the United States, Russia, and China. Senator Rounds initiated the dialogue by referencing previous testimony from Director Haynes and General Cruz, who indicated that the onset of hostilities with either Russia or China could likely trigger simultaneous aggression from the other.

Ambassador Edelman responded by outlining the Department of Defense's current strategic framework, as articulated in the 2022 National Defense Strategy (NDS). He noted that the strategy is primarily designed to confront one adversary while maintaining a deterrent posture against others, particularly through nuclear capabilities. However, he expressed concern that the department has not adequately prepared for scenarios where conflicts with one adversary could lead to opportunistic actions by another, such as Russia exploiting tensions in regions like Moldova or the Baltic states during a U.S. engagement in the Indo-Pacific.

Edelman emphasized the need for a more comprehensive understanding of potential protracted conflicts, stating that current military strategies are optimized for short engagements rather than extended warfare. This gap in planning raises critical questions about the U.S. military's readiness to respond to simultaneous threats from multiple adversaries.

The meeting also touched on personal matters, with Representative Harmon sharing a heartfelt moment regarding his family's challenges, highlighting the human aspect of the discussions surrounding national security. This blend of strategic analysis and personal reflection underscored the complexities faced by policymakers in addressing both military readiness and the realities of life for American families.