Redefining Security in the 21st Century

The following is a speech delivered by BPC Senior Fellow and former National Security Advisor James L. Jones to a group of business leaders in California.

The case for redefining 21st century security

In the time we have remaining I would like to tell you why I believe this upcoming election must center, at least in part, on redefining the very concept of national security in the 21st century. I don’t exaggerate when I say that the quality of our future and America’s position of global leadership depends on getting it right. And, friends, we have a long, long way to go in getting it right.

Before anyone here thinks that they are in for a political statement, nothing could be further from the truth. I am a practicing independent voter and I always stay out of partisan politics. Forty years in the Marines will do that to you! My oath of office, public and private, is to support and defend the Constitution of the United States — period.

So, it is in the context of bipartisanship and a deep concern for the future of our nation that I am privileged to address you today.

I am surrounded here by people who have been highly successful in all walks of life—people who love this country and want to see it remain a nation of great consequence and leadership. This includes some very special people here, members of what Tom Brokaw rightly hailed as the “greatest generation”—to whom we owe our lives, our liberty, and America’s position in the world.

They know better than anyone the secret to America’s success. We have always found the courage to rise to the occasion, to overcome the challenges to our way of life, and to preserve the principles that undergird the freest and most prosperous nation known to man.

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