Rebuilding the “arsenal of democracy”: a strategic assessment of the United States national defense industrial strategy

Abstract

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the US’ National Defense Industrial Strategy (NDIS), announced by the Department of Defense in January 2024 as a strategic response to the evolving dynamics of global security. Amid growing competition among major powers - particularly from China and Russia - the NDIS aims to revitalize the US DIB through four strategic pillars: (a) enhancing supply chain resilience, (b) developing a high-quality and diverse workforce, (c) reforming procurement processes, and (d) strengthening international cooperation for economic deterrence. Employing a systemic-structural approach, the study integrates qualitative methods such as policy analysis, document analysis, interpretive techniques, and strategic forecasting to scientifically examine the objectives, implementation mechanisms, strengths, and limitations of the NDIS. While the strategy presents a robust and forward-looking framework, it also faces significant structural limitations, including (a) concerns about financial sustainability, (b) internal tensions between protectionist policies and global cooperation goals, (c) innovation bottlenecks, and (d) a lack of comparative analysis with the capabilities of “potential” adversaries. By addressing a notable gap in existing academic research, this paper provides in-depth insights into the NDIS. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how the US seeks to maintain technological superiority and strategic primacy in a turbulent international system marked by rising instability and complex security threats.