I greatly respect the insights of the experts included in this picture and discussion. Yet it is striking—and honestly disappointing—that this engagement was not more inclusive or representative of the diversity of backgrounds and perspectives in the national security community.
I won't provide a listing of all of the women, and persons of color, and younger analysts, and experts who bring unique viewpoints and experiences of all kinds to the table, because there are so many who come to mind with so much to contribute. One more list won't change things.
Nor should we be aiming for diversity and representation in a manner that is purely about optics or tokenism. That is far from enough and causes backlash and dismissal, even resentment, as anyone who has been accused of being invited only because of their gender, etc. can attest.
This is just one photo and one conversation, but these issues are far more systemic and pervasive in the national security community and beyond.
I believe deeply in the importance of diversity, inclusion, and representation of all kinds—not only because these values are vital in their own rights but also because these are core determinants of American competitive advantage, particularly in an era of great power rivalry.
Our capability to draw upon a wide range of talent and diverse expertise is critical to the cognitive and intellectual challenges of strategic competition, including to avoid groupthink, envision innovative solutions, and develop creative competitive strategies.
If the @DeptofDefense is serious about implementing the National Defense Strategy, these issues of talent, diversity, and inclusion should be core priorities, demanding changes not only in who is at the table but also throughout the U.S. military and national security community.
