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Maybe I've missed it, but I haven't heard anyone make an argument for the economic stimulus legislation that revolves around national security issues. But it should be a key issue at the White House and among stimulus supporters on the Hill. Those conservatives who argue for a smaller stimulus are in effect arguing for a slower recovery, saying that we can afford to have lower productivity and high unemployment a little longer. But a fast recovery would give us a major advantage on the international stage.Various countries whose interests have clashed with those of the United States, like Russia, Iran and to a lesser extent, Venezuela and China, are also faced with serious economic problems because of the global nature of the economic crisis, as Walter Russell Mead notes here. This hasn't stopped some of them from flexing their international economic power, as in the case of U.S. airbases in Kyrgyzstan. These bases, which are vital to the U.S. mission in Afghanistan, may be closed by the local government because of Russian influence. What kind of influence?
The Russian government agreed on Tuesday to provide Kyrgyzstan with a $2 billion loan package, plus $150 million in direct aid — apparently part of a long-standing effort to dislodge the United States from an area it considers within its sphere of influence. By contrast, the United States pays Kyrgyzstan about $60 million annually for use of Manas.The United States, in effect, has been outspent. But, if the U.S. economy rebounds faster than that of our rivals, our foreign policy options will be increasingly flexible and effective. Growing government revenue from a strengthened economy, as well as a robust private sector that can both attract investment and invest in other countries, has always been a key strength on the global playing field. With an early start on recovery, the new administration will be able to have more "soft" power -- or "smart" power -- tools to help allies and engage with less friendly regimes. Not even to mention that the key engine of our military strength has always been the economy. So those conservatives who seem to believe we can get by without using our government to turn the economy around as quickly as possible, I say you are soft on Russia, China, and Iran, and you are not protecting U.S. national security interests. Tsk, tsk.
-- Tim Fernholz
