The following op-ed has been adapted from the Project for National Security Reform's recently released report(.pdf), "Turning Ideas Into Action." It is the second of three that WPR will be featuring. The first can be found here. The third will appear tomorrow.
U.S. national security missions are shifting, broadening, and becoming increasingly interdisciplinary. Yet, the structures and processes for addressing these missions have not evolved accordingly.
An increasing number of missions now require interagency approaches. But because of the excessively rigid structures and processes of the current national security system, the White House is compelled to take charge of most strategy development and planning. Meanwhile, disputes over authorities and resources typically flow downward to those implementing the mission. The combined result is over-centralization of decision-making, and insufficient guidance and coordination for effective policy implementation.