How to Win the Defense Innovation Contest

14 July 2026

America and Its Allies Must Pool Their Efforts

Washington’s alliances are under immense strain. Many allies and partners are subject to increased threats from great-power adversaries, and they are coming to doubt whether they can rely on the United States. The response to these pressures is to rearm. Like the United States itself, U.S. partners across Asia, Europe, and elsewhere are building up their defense industrial and technological bases to improve their ability to project power, deter enemies, and prevail in a protracted conflict.

Disclaimer: This publication was originally published on the Foreign Affairs website. The views, information and opinions expressed in this publication are the author’s/authors’ own and do not necessarily reflect those of the GCSP or the members of its Foundation Council. The GCSP is not responsible for the accuracy of the information.
 

Authors
Staff
Dr Tobias Vestner
Director of Research and Policy Advice Department & Head of Security and Law
Contributors
Dr Colin H. Kahl
Director of the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies at Stanford University and served as U.S. Undersecretary of Defense for Policy from 2021 to 2023